What it’s really about…

Dear Rylee,

I’m not normally one for writing you letters, but I wanted this to be about me sharing a special memory with you and not just documenting it for the sake of sharing it with others.

Last week, you asked me if you could go hunting with me. You see, ever since I got my deer last year, you have been so curious about it.

So, last Saturday, your grandad and I took you out on your very first hunting trip.  The days leading up to the hunt, we talked about it a lot. You asked me if you could shoot my gun. I told you maybe next summer when you were bigger. Your eyes twinkled. You were shocked to hear that you already had your very own gun. We talked a lot about safety after that. What you can and cannot shoot. Where you always point your gun. What colors we wear when we’re out hunting. Things like that. We want you to be safe, my love.

When the day finally came, you were so excited. You got to drive the gravel roads with Grandad. You glassed clear cuts with binoculars right alongside Grandad and me. You carried your ear protection with you…just in case. For the most part, you were quiet. At one point, as I was walking ahead of you and grandad, all I could hear were your little boots pounding on the gravel road and you whisper-yelling “wait up!, wait up!”. I turned around and squatted down and you ran to me with a big smile. We’ll continue to work on that as you get older. :) After a while, you were ready to be done, but you were such a good sport when we kept going.

We kicked up a few doe that day…but like you said, “no antlyers”. You know what though? That’s ok. As you grow, you’ll learn that going hunting isn’t just about killing something…

It’s about getting outside. It’s about breathing in the crisp fall air after a rain. It’s about seeing the sun rise. It’s about being a responsible hunter and practicing your shots. It’s about respecting nature and all of God’s creations. It’s about respecting your quarry enough to only take a clean shot – no matter how big the antlers are. It’s about keeping as much meat as possible to help provide for your family. It’s about spending time with those you love – even if it is in silence. It’s about passing on traditions and passions. It’s about realizing what a blessing it is to have the ability to enjoy all of these things.

Some of these things you’ve already learned…some of it will come with time. I’m looking forward to teaching you and showing you more. I hope your excitement never fades and that the twinkle in your eyes never dims.

I am so proud of the person you’re becoming.

I love you so much, sweet girl.

Love,

Mom

8 thoughts on “What it’s really about…

  1. Life With Ladies

    I kind of love this. A lot.
    I married in to a family of hunters. And as a mother of three girls, this is a nice perspective.

    I'll be sharing this with my husband tonight:)

    Reply
  2. Auntie Megan

    Wow, what memories you will carry with you for a lifetime. We are so very blessed to have one another, and to share what our parents have taught us. Your precious little one will always remember the very first day she went hunting with Grandad and mommy!!! Love you, Auntie Megan

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Rylee Get your Gun!

  4. Pingback: Family Traditions

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