A walk in the woods with my Widow and memories of mom

Sean B · February 22, 2016, 09:41:00 PM

Sunday morning I packed up my bow, loaded my quiver with blunt tipped arrows a drove up to my dads for a little small game hunting and some stump shooting. I've made this trip thousands of times in the last 36 years, however this one was going to be different. My mom passed away a month ago and this was the first time I had been to the house since her passing.

When I got there, I went inside and sat with dad. For the first time in my life, I felt a little awkward around him. He looked a little tired, so I took up my bow as dad rested his eyes for a bit.

I walked an old over grown Christmas tree grove, hoping to find a grouse or possibly a rabbit. I didn't put up ant grouse or see any bunnies but this wood lot was loaded with stumps. There was a slight breeze and the sun was low in the sky casting long shadows. It was eerily quiet. I shot at stumps at various distances. my PSR was shooting very well.

As I came out to a small field, I reflected back on the memories of my mother. Specifically, 36 years before, in that very same field, I was shooting a solide fiberglass Stemler recurve, you know, the one with the rubber grip and duel shelf. Well, being right handed, I was shooting a cedar arrow off the right shelf, holding the arrow on with my left thumb. The arrow was split and three inch splinter went right through my thumb!! I told mom that I had a "splinter". Mom said, "hold on while I get my glasses...." I replied "...you don't need your glasses to see THIS" as I held out my thumb.

CoachBGriff · February 22, 2016, 09:45:00 PM

Sean,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

It's nice how time in the woods gives us time to reflect and bring back good memories!

Thanks for sharing.

Sean B · February 22, 2016, 09:47:00 PM

I had a wave of memories and a flood of emotions come over me. I walked through the woods, tears rolling down my cheeks as I released on another stump. I stood in the field as a stillness came over. I removed a blunt tipped cedar shaft from my quiver, kissed it before I knocked it. I shot it in the air as I softly said "I love you mom". I could feel her there with me.

Arctic Hunter · February 22, 2016, 09:50:00 PM

I feel ya. My mom is battling Alzheimer's right now and has really deteriorated since the last time I saw her.

It's funny the things that strike a chord...

Sean B · February 22, 2016, 10:07:00 PM

That walk was exactly what I needed to clear my head. There was a ton of deer sign both old and new.

February 22, 2016, 10:11:00 PM

Sorry for your loss!

Looks like a great day for you though!

Bisch

Sean B · February 22, 2016, 10:12:00 PM

Funny thing is, is that my moms birthday is Nov. 2nd. It seemed that I always killed a buck on that day. I'm going to make it a point to be in the woods on that date from now on. She would always encourage my to hunt and would always check to see if had gotten anything.

ron w · February 22, 2016, 10:13:00 PM

Lost my Mom last June just before my bear hunt. I know where your at.......I had a bow made in her memory.

Rick Butler · February 22, 2016, 10:14:00 PM

Sorry for your loss.

heartshoth · February 23, 2016, 08:56:00 AM

Sorry for loss SB...great memories

Babbling Bob · February 23, 2016, 09:25:00 AM

Great post and read!

Just after my mother passed, I went to my old golf gambling crowd of about 30 who had skins games on the weekends. Been in the golf business all my life. The golf course owner, an old Tour Pro in the golf hall of fame and close personnel friend, Doug Ford, ask me how much did I skin'em for? Well not that day. One of those thieves as I called them, a giant of a man who was a retired police officer from New Jersey, gave me a big hug and said "losing a mother is tough". Yup - never will forget it.

Homey88 · February 23, 2016, 09:26:00 AM

Great post! Sorry for your loss.

Sam McMichael · February 23, 2016, 09:36:00 AM

Everyone needs to find a way to handle the grief that comes with the loss of a family member. You have found yours, and surely peace will come to you. I am very sorry for your loss. I pray your dad will also find God's peace.

23feetupandhappy · February 23, 2016, 09:42:00 AM

I can feel the sorrow of your loss but your memories of your mom brought a smile to my face...

Your honoring her well

bear bowman · February 23, 2016, 09:42:00 AM

I'm sorry for the loss of your Mom. All I can say is hang in there. The pain never really goes away, but it does get easier. Trust me, this is coming from a proud Momma's boy.

Tater · February 23, 2016, 09:50:00 AM

Looks like you had a good day and recalled some fond memories, I'm sure your Mom was watching and feeling proud.

Roy from Pa · February 23, 2016, 10:17:00 AM

Sorry for your loss, Sean..

graybark uk · February 23, 2016, 11:32:00 AM

so sorry for your loss , I lost my mum in 2007 but think about her every day , always makes me feel a little sad .

NANUK · February 23, 2016, 02:12:00 PM

Sean,

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Think of all the wonderful memories you shared with her throughout your lifetime. Your mothers soul continues to live on in your heart and mind...

KentuckyTJ · February 23, 2016, 02:23:00 PM

Great story and reflections of you Mother Sean. I dread the day.