The Trad Brotherhood Christmas Story

elkhunter45 · December 20, 2011, 09:46:00 AM

My best friend, high school classmate, and traditional hunting partner has been out of the loop these last few years due to his wife's battle with cancer. I was honored and blessed to conduct her funeral this past Saturday. In the months leading up to her departure she and I had conspired against him so to speak in getting him a Christmas present to remember her by.
He and I use to shoot some trad shoots together, but mostly we are hunters. His first custom bow was a 60lb Wapiti recurve that he bought from Keith in 1992. He broke a limb on it a few years ago and it was hiding in a closet waiting on the resurrection. I spent two days looking for it (she was in the hospital and unable to help me find it)before I finally found it. I contacted Keith Chastain with our plans to get a set of 47lb limbs for it.
Keith was awesome and he got them finished lickety split and I received them last Thursday. Her wish was for me to get his old favorite operational again and for us to chase all manner of critters until we are too old. She, I and my buddy were/are all 45 so hopefully we will have a long career. I wish she could have been there when I gave it to him this past Sunday evening.
I invited him over to my house for a little arrow flinging/therapy session and presented it to him. Who says trad shooters don't cry? We both shed tears and the path to emotional recovery has begun. Sorry for being so wordy, but I wanted to share this Christmas story of 2011.

Wyatt

4dogs · December 20, 2011, 10:20:00 AM

Wow, God bless you both..and trad hunters do cry and I will leave it at that. He is lucky to have you as a friend. I see lots of "therapy" in his future.

Doc Nock · December 20, 2011, 10:26:00 AM

sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks this AM just reading that...

What a woman! How much will a man miss a wife of that selfless caliber? Way much, to coin Mudd's venacular.

A present from the grave, as it were! I am deeply touched by your story, Wyatt.

May the "three" of you continue to haunt the woods and back lots as she will always be with him on his outings through this wonderful gesture on her part and with your due diligence and help!

Truly a story for the Holidays! Merry Christmas and prayers for healing of your surviving friend.

Izzy · December 20, 2011, 10:27:00 AM

Thats a great story of true friends. Best of wishes on your emotional healing.

December 20, 2011, 10:41:00 AM

Wow! That is awesome and what friends are for. i will say a prayer for your buddy and his family!

Bisch

awbowman · December 20, 2011, 10:52:00 AM

Great story of love! A woman who knew and understood the peace and spiritual feelings we get when a hunter hunts. Thanks for sharing.

Prayers sent for a great lady, but somehow I don't think she needs them.

LimBender · December 20, 2011, 10:53:00 AM

Can't imagine. Incredible selflessness. A stark reminder of the self-centered "I-trouble" all of us sometimes get caught up in.

rushlush · December 20, 2011, 12:04:00 PM

Wow!

imskippy · December 20, 2011, 12:13:00 PM

Very emotional meaning behind that bow. She will always be by his side whenever he carries that bow. very inspiring story.

huntingarcher · December 20, 2011, 12:16:00 PM

Anointed Archer · December 20, 2011, 12:35:00 PM

WOW -

wooddamon1 · December 20, 2011, 12:37:00 PM

Beautiful.

SS Snuffer · December 20, 2011, 01:25:00 PM

Thanks I needed that.
Merry Christmas

limbolt · December 20, 2011, 02:05:00 PM

A wonderful gift from you and a great lady to your friend.Prayers for your friend during this trying time,may the Lord comfort him.

GRAYBEARD · December 20, 2011, 02:08:00 PM

Beautiful

Shortlongbow · December 20, 2011, 02:23:00 PM

I am at a loss for words. God bless you all

Easykeeper · December 20, 2011, 02:38:00 PM

Great story but very sad your friend lost his wife at such a young age. A gift from his wife that is in essence a nudge into the future must have been very moving.

chopx2 · December 20, 2011, 02:44:00 PM

Brought tears to my eyes too...

Altiman94 · December 20, 2011, 03:42:00 PM

Great story of generousity and kindness. I hope you and your partner enjoy many fine hunts together in the coming years. I'm sure he will always remember his wife with every shot of that bow.

hayslope · December 20, 2011, 03:59:00 PM

Extremely touching story. I am at a loss for words. Thank you for everything that you did.