When I take the time to reflect back upon my outdoor experiences, I can see that I was very blessed in every aspect I can possibly recall. Looking back, I would say, without any hesitation, that my love and appreciation for the outdoors is all due to my dad. I remember him taking time out of his busy schedule to involve me in outdoor activities with my two older brothers. Simply tagging along with Dad and my brothers were times in which I savored every moment. As I grow older and recall some of these memories, I can clearly see two things that were most important in forming my appreciation for the outdoors.
For sure, Dad made the whole experience fun for me. Whether we were hunting, fishing, trapping, or just spending time outdoors, I greatly enjoyed those moments we spent together. Some of these activities that just wouldn’t seem that fun for a little boy — such as hanging a tree stand or setting a trap — were increasingly appreciated as I learned that if we didn’t do the work, there would be no benefits to enjoy. When hunting season would roll in, Dad would take me on trips that a little boy could enjoy. I doubt that I would enjoy the sport of hunting as much as I do now had Dad taken me hunting on days that were bitter cold or windy. On a day that we would go fishing, Dad would take my brothers and me to the best areas of which he knew. Whether hunting or fishing, Dad genuinely tried to make the whole time enjoyable for me and was truly happier when I had more success than he did.
Though I credit much of my appreciation for the outdoors to my dad’s effort in making the experience fun, I believe that the main reason I find so much enjoyment in the outdoors is because of the sacrifices he made on my behalf. All the time, money, and energy he spent for me was time, money, and energy that he could have spent somewhere else. He never had to take me hunting — he chose to. Dad never pushed me to go hunting with him, but he would always take me if I asked him to. He even sacrificed the best times of the year in hunting and fishing, just because this little crumb cruncher said he wanted to go too. I am still a little amazed at the complete and willing sacrifices Dad made so that I would enjoy the outdoors. His giving character and sacrificial lifestyle provided me with a very special childhood, and an example for me to follow as I seek to encourage others as my Dad encouraged me.
Looking back now, I owe all my outdoor successes to dad and the effort he took to pass on to me the love and appreciation he has for the outdoors. Even now as I develop appreciations for outdoor activities on my own, this is all due to the fact that he implanted in me a great love for the outdoors. I am thankful for all the sacrifices he made on my behalf and look forward to when I, like him, can pass it on.
Thanks, Dad.