It does not seem that long ago when home visits were a common thing. My vet would come to the house to give my shorthair named “Kriegie” a checkup. Dr. Kasik, my family doctor, would come by to check me out when I had a cold, and prescribe meds.
If someone in the house became ill, the neighbors would stop by and bring dinner, soup, and goodies. Ginger ale and ice cream were a common gift. Everyone wished you well and hoped to see you back in action.
As anglers and hunters age, our ranks and dependable outdoor buddies decrease. It seems like another great friend must give up the sport because of arthritis, or another age-related crisis.
Getting old BITES! You finally retire, have adequate funds, gear, time, and desire but your body says No Way Jose! Your back is damaged, your heart skips a beat, muscles cramp, prostate grows, hernias explode, and joints ache. The good OLD DAYS are a myth.
Young sport folks do not understand this. One day they will.
If you have some buddies that you shared great outdoor memories with, don’t forget them. You have spent intimate moments with these trustworthy buds. Discussions about life’s trials and tribulations, personal health concerns, family challenges, financial disasters, first deer, elk, or pheasants. You were the one that took their wonderful videos and photos that hang on their wall.
It was those old guys that showed and shared the lessons of the outdoors with the young bucks. They stood back while you caught the first fish, sighted your first buck, arrowed that first elk, or shared so many campfires with you. The stories, lessons, wisdom, gifts, and memories are priceless.
One of my deer rifles is a 30-30 vintage Winchester lever action rifle. I loaned this rifle to 17 mentored kids, who have used it, to shoot their first buck. That is pretty special. My son used it to take a buck on an island in the Madison River. “That’s the most exciting thing I have ever done!” he shouted when we came up to this downed deer.
If you have a Mentor, family person, buddy, or friend that is an important part of your outdoor life, don’t forget them. They may be unable to take you out anymore. They may not be able to take themselves out anymore.
Make a Home Visit and check up on them. They always had time for you. Take some deer steaks, fish filets, or a six pack. Bring a photo album and some great stories. Show them the pictures of how you shared hunting and fishing with others. That is the best medicine that you can share.
A little time and a hug will go a long way.
Montana Grant
