Saturday, November 1, 2014

Leaving a Boy coming back a Man

My first born declared last year he was ready to kill a deer.  He was really excited about the prospect of bringing home a trophy.  The idea of actually "hunting" was a whole other story.  Let's just say he is more interested in talking and moving then sitting quietly and waiting.  This year we noticed some deer coming into our back yard to eat left over pears and other fruit.  So Eric had the idea to set Gage up in our play house as a deer stand.  Our Preacher was interested in shooting a Doe as well, so After Christmas they set up to hunt in the backyard.  Around 8 am Eric and I watched as the deer began to walk from the pine tree.  We were both giddy and nervous, wondering what was taking so long for him to shoot.  Finally when the deer turn broad side, Gage shot and killed it.  Mr. Don than took 2 shots and hit one running off.  When Gage came in the house he was shaking from head to toe.  Mr. Don said they were practicing patience waiting for a perfect shot, But even he admitted his shock when Gage killed  it dead in it's tracks.



 #Mom lesson
For the past two years Eric has been taking Gage hunting but it is so much more than that.  Every trip is filled with discussions of life.  Last year Eric was explaining the rut, "Son, this is when a Buck tries to have sex with a doe." "Dad if that is what is going on around here, I don't want anything to do with it."    Eric and I have decided no matter how uncomfortable a topic can be we would rather our boys hear the truth from us instead of the world.  This way they can have a healthy base for the information they are exposed to.   Every time he begins to ask questions I am not ready for him to ask my heart breaks as he heads off on another hunting trip.  His childhood innocence is leaving quickly and I want to hold on to these moments of magic and fairy tale.  I have to remind myself it is our job as parents to train him in life not hide him life.  I am so proud of the man he is becoming and tuck these wonderful memories in my mother's heart.  It is not easy but I look forward to the day it will be worth it.