Have you ever had a bow that no matter what it just didn't fit you or shoot for you???
I have a bow just like that, it is a well made 64"longbow, very pretty, but I could just never click with it...
It has pretty much hung as a wallhanger since last Oct. when I picked it up. I have thought of selling it.
2 days ago, my 19 year old son Joshua asked if he could shoot it. Joshua has yet to hear the call of the bow like I did; but as I recall, it was about the same age for me, roughly 19 years, that I first heard the siren's call of the bow.
Josh has also made some bad decisions as of late, but he needs to find his own way on this earth.
He asked for some arrows, I gave him an old glove and he went out to shoot.
I watched him thru the window, beaming with pride as I watched him handle the stout bow with the ease of a young, strong man; no longer a child, but always, "my" child.
I watched in silence as he proceeded to put arrow after arrow into the bale, most in good groups, but like his Dad, some flyers now and then.
I smiled as I watched and critiqued his form from afar, Dang, he shoots just like me, same draw, same form, same little tilt of the head as he hits anchor...Seems all the time watching me shoot rubbed off a bit.
He shot for about 45 minutes.
Last night he asked to use it again.
He shot well, I shot with him, we played "follow the arrow".  Father and son, shooting together.
No words were spoken other than the occasional praise I would give him when earned with a good shot.
I came in, he shot on.
handling the 60# bow with the  ease and fluidness of someone who has not had the years to over-analyze his shooting; he was simply enjoying watching his arrows fly.
This morning, after breakfast I wrote a small inscription on the bow, " Good shooting" Love Dad 2007.
I then told him it was his. No, this bow will NOT be sold, it has found a home.
I love you son.
BD ( aka "Dad")

What it's all about right there...may the peace he finds in the flight of the arrow transfer to the rest of his life.

Excellent post, Thanks For sharing. Brings back memories.
Ron

Not only did you pass along your bow, you also passed along your love, generosity and understanding.

So, now he needs his  own handle here on the TradGang.  

Very nice Cary,thanks for sharing.

Awesome! That's what being a dad is all about!


Lee  

Yeah....what Snakeeater said.  Get "Little Dog" onboard.

 

Not only a good-parenting example, but it shows that weapons are personal, and meant for a particular owner. That bow just wasn't made for anybody else.

Things tend to work out with a little guidance and some room. Great story and thank you for sharing it.

Thanks for sharing your sentiment to your son. Brought a smile to my face for sure.    

Thanks for sharing with us Cary. That's good stuff right there. You showed him a good example of making good decisions, that and time will help him make good decisions in the future. Show me one here who has never made a bad decision.
Good on you DAD!!

I'm a' guessin' that this bow was actually MADE for the boy! It's funny sometimes how things work out, isn't it?

Your a good man, and I hope your Son all the best in the traditional way of life. This whole traditional thing has brought a lot of peace to my life, and I hope ir will for him too.

Thanks guys, Josh is out right now in the woods behind the house, stump shooting with his buddy Jesse.
I think he may be hearing the song...
BD  

Very cool post BD, you did your job right as a father even though your son made some bad choices it sounds like he is on his way down a better path. Who the heck hasn't made bad choices in there life and most of us straighten out sooner or later. That was a great gift you gave him, something inside you made you hang on to that bow and for good reason, it has found it's rightful owner. Maybe someday it will be passed to your grandchild, how great will that be?

Nice!!Does it have a reel mount so he can go carpin in a few months? I,ll be glad to bring my cordless drill and some screw's LOL

Cary, I can imagine the pride you are feeling, good job and glad to see he has decided to get his feet wet. I know how 'in to it' you are and how hard it must have been to not pressure him. Things tend to work out when you let them happen.
Congrats to you both of you. I should be expecting an extra guest next time your over? He is more then welcome, hell bring the whole family (and a few tents) ;-)

Excellent-for both you and your son!

BD, That is just the way I felt when my Daughter asked me to buy her, her first bow at age 6. Now she is 15 still shoots (not as much, found boys)and she has a new RER Arroyo coming soon. Keep him at it my friend. See ya in Sept.

Thanks for sharing.