For many years, my closest encounter to hunting was through listening to stories from my cousins and uncles. One uncle in particular! He was a very knowledgeable man on about any animal you could want to hunt! I learned most everything I know from him through the years of stories he had shared with me. Although I never have got to hunt with him, the way he tells his stories made me feel like I was right along side him. I always looked forward to going to see him and going fishing with him and dad any chance I got!
Two days after Christmas of 2014, I got a call that has changed my life. At 5:30 AM I answered the call and was told that at a mere 58 years old, my uncle had passed away of a massive heart attack. At that moment, not only had my dad lost his brother, long-time fishing buddy, and mentor, he lost his best friend. I lost my uncle whom taught me the ropes on hunting, fishing, scouting, and many other lifelong lessons.
Don't take for granted the friends and family you have today. Listen to the stories they have to tell you. Even if you've heard them one hundred times already. There is something new you can take from a story every time you hear it. Live every day like it's your last, because you never know when it will be. After having a couple months to kind of soak in all that has happened, I can see the blessings he's left behind. He was the definition of a role model. He was looked up to by many including my dad and myself. He will be dearly missed by all.
