Dad and guns
Dad worked a lot. A LOT. What time we had to spend together was pretty scarce and mostly, it involved work. Those times we hunted, or fished, or vacationed together, were pretty awesome.
One thing I never had an opportunity to do, one thing he loved, was rabbit hunting out on Beaver Island Michigan. He went up a couple years in a row, for a week each time, and before I had an opportunity to join him he’d died.
I did get to be there in spirit, though. A couple years before he died, he mentioned he had always wanted a light double for rabbit hunting, and since I was never any good at figuring out what dad wanted or needed, I took the bait.
It took a while, but i found a clean, well kept LeFever Nitro Special, in 20 gauge.
I gave it to him for Christmas. Took it out to him wrapped in a blanket, and gave it to him in the garage. Away from the women, where the tools were. Smelling of wood chips and oil and old wood fires.
Dad unfolded the blanket and sat it on the bench. He picked it up and put it back down again. Then he picked it up, broke it open, looked down the barrel, and sat it down on the bench again.
Dad was never good about showing his emotions, but tears welled up in his eyes.
Sorry, I can’t talk about it any more. It was a good Christmas.
That was beautiful Bud.
Damn near brought tears to mine
I had a light 20 once. It was a Zabala-Hamnar, a Spanish gun. Very nice, I bought it so my wife could go with me and hunt ducks, but somehow shw never got around tuit. Never got around to much, actually, and I divorced her a few years later.
Kept the shotgun, though, until I had to sell it to pay taxes.
Very Nice, Og. My Dad is one of my very best friends. I can’t imagine losing him. Sure, we butt heads occasionally, but I know I can always rely on him, and vice versa.
After almost 5 years, it’s still hard to believe my old man is gone. I still feel like I ought to be able to pick up the phone and call him whenever I have a question about something, or stop by the house and see if he’s got some part that I need for something.
Og’s said it before and I’ll repeat it for him: Spend time with your parents before they’re gone.
Now I can’t talk about it anymore, either.
Nathan, we need to get together someday and have a beer. Or coffee. Or just go shoot something.
I feel for ya Og. Glad the guys left my office before I read this.
Innit great when a gift hits the spot? They’re so hard to do, but when they do, it’s SO worth it.
M
Great post, Og.
Nathan, I know exactly what you mean. It’s been 16 months as of Wednesday.
Where is Dad’s scatter gun now Og? You must find an Oglet worthy to carry it now. Do you have a son with sharp eyes and quick reflexes?
Jim: As I type, it’s on my lap.
Other way round for me. When I was a youngster I wanted a SXS 12 gauge so bad it hurt, and Dad gave me one on on my 15th birthday, alongside a day’s instruction on on safety, hunting ethics, and gun care.
That was 48 years ago last birthday as near I want to recall, and every time I pick up that that 12 gauge, his words, his wisdom and his presence are with me.
I can think of no better memorial.
Dad had the sense to sneak stuff off to my brother and I before he left. Not neccesarily expensive stuff (like I’d sell it!), but memory stuff. Guns, a Leica, a plane with his name on it. Good thing. His ex don’t talk to us no more since she remarried. Would it be ethical to break in and take the ceremonial swords he promised?
Heart warming indeed. My old man was not around, a drunk and a loser, then divorce. It was toughm on me as a kid, and still at age 51 sometimes. I did have the influence of a few good men in my life who I remember for the good they did me. I try to pass that good onto my daughter and son. Its working I think but not always so great; but then again I think better than my dad did for me. Took y son bear hunting in August/September, he got one, great feeling for the both of us. I think he will have some good memories of me, thats my wish.