I've always considered shooting a bow to be a year around activity. In fact I've often frowned up those who don't bother to pick up a bow until three weeks before the opening of hunting season. However, I have to confess that this year I found my myself doing the very thing I've criticized in the past. In April I lost my son and that tramatic event was closely followed my mother's illness and subsequent death in June. For several months picking up my bow was just not a part of my thought process.
Yesterday, though, I finally took the bow out and did a little shooting. To say I was a bit rusty would be an understatement. But, boy, did it feel good to be shooting again! And it felt even better when I again shot today. Hunting season opens on September 1st. I've got my gear ready and cannot wait to get out there and chase some mulies and grouse! Now if I can just get myself back into shooting form so that I'll be ready if or when the opportunity presents itself.
My condolences to you and family. I can only imagine the sorrow,I have yet to lose a immediate family member.
If you can live through lifes setbacks it can only make you a stronger person.
Good luck on the upcoming hunting season.
I lost my grandfather a few years back. I found the following hunting season to be very cathartic. I loved spending time with him in the woods and we spent years hunting together. Every hunting season, I get to relive all of our great hunts in my mind.
We should not mourn those we have lost. We instead should celebrate their lives.
Rich, you have my condolences. Was at a pretty low spot myself the last year....still digging out. Was months before I was even able to draw a girls bow, let alone go shooting.
Count the blessings, enjoy the good times, look forward to better days and soon they will be here ! ;)
:thumbsup:
Rich, you and your family will be in my prayers.
I hope you get everything back in good form
and have a blessed year hunting God bless!!
Prayers too you, and welcome back! Shooting for me is a kind of release. Keep it up and good luck to you on your upcoming season. Will be looking for the story! :D
I was on the brink of death myself a couple of years ago and didn't want to think much about anything physical for awhile. I cannot even imagine losing my son! That is the most difficult tragedy in the world to try to recover from. And then your mother dying too! We all feel your pain.
I can say that when I was able to begin shooting a bow again I really started coming back into the land of the living. I think it will help you a lot too from what you have described. Who cares whether you actually harvest an animal? At least you will be out doing something you love and rebuilding yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. My prayers are with you.
Allan
Good to see you back at it......... :thumbsup:
Glad to see you taking a breath. I know how you feel. Lost my first wife and my oldest son when he was 10. One breath at a time.
Sorry for the loss of your son and your mother.
It`s good therapy to be out with your bow again, and soon the peace you find while hunting will have you living again.
God bless ;)
Thanks to everyone. You're expressions of condolances mean a lot to me and they are sincerely appreciated.
And, Bonebuster, you hit the nail right on the head. The bow is indeed good therapy. That's exactly the sentiment I was trying to express.
Welcome back, and I'll keep you in my prayers as well.
Rich,
I am very sorry for the heartache you must be feeling. To loose your mother is devastating. As a father myself, to loose a son would be even more so. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I'm very glad for you that you have found a glimmer of hope, a ray of light to help get you out of these tough times, if only for a little while. Stay strong, but remember, there are a whole lotta shoulders to lean on around here when the needs be.
God bless you and your family.