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Passing On a Tradition
by Mark Cavis
My son Jeff and I have shared many experiences over the years,
including ATV riding, fishing, paintball and other "guy" things. But
the sharing of time together more recently has centered on an annual
event in Michigan known as Deer Season. It is practically a state
holiday. It is common for hunters to take vacation and plan for
this special season weeks, if not months in advance.
Over the last few years, my son has now become a father, and me a
grandfather. Both new and positive experiences for both of
us. Our time together has become even more special with little
Kaylee in the picture. I've watched my son take on new responsibilities
that have made me proud of how he has accepted the challenge and
provided for his new family. Difficulties have arisen, as with all
families, and he has risen to the occasion to over come them.
Our "hunting time" together has become a time for us to go beyond
bonding, sharing the thrill of just being together and having memorable
moments to discuss. Recently, a mutual friend of ours lost his father
to a tragic motorcycle accident. The friend and his father had
many of the same characterics of their relationship, as ours, with
hunting being one of the top favorite things. Upon learning of the
death, my son and I talked. It was clear that this untimely death
had affected him deeply. I was impressed at his ability to reason
thru the event, but also how compassionate he had become. Time
and family have a way of bringing out the "Maturity" in a man. I
was hearing words that sounded like things I would say to encourage
safety and better health.
Some things get better with age, and this part of our relationship is
one of those things. He has taught me things he isn't even aware
of, and I frankly didn't know I didn't know them, (What I'm referring
to is his personal growth, the depth of compassion and concern for
individuals, and in a more cognitive sense, some of the new skills he
has learned...amoung them car repairs, etc...) The lessons gained out
of this tragedy are valuable for both of us. He has become a
father, with a deep, introspective side I did not foresee. He has
once again made me proud of him...
This years hunt will be a little different... a little more focused on
our time together. Jeff is a better hunter than I, and I will
make sure he knows it. Sharing the hunt is really what it is all
about, not who gets a buck.
Mark Cavis
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