Monday, October 20, 2008

Birthdays & Deer Hunts

First and foremost, thanks to everyone for such a great birthday! It gives me the warm and fuzzies to know that so many people care about me. Thanks!
I don't know if it is the weather or this time of year that takes me back to some of my more vivid memories as a kid. Maybe it's the deer hunt, or talking with James recently about the passing of our grandparents, or maybe it's the realization that it's been a year since Grandpa West passed away. Let me explain...I remember anxiously awaiting for deer hunting season to start. My dad, Uncle Chad, Grandpa West and I were all going and I was so excited! I can't remember one exact thing I was excited about, it was the whole experience that I was anticipating. We make camp, (we were being wimps and sleeping in a camper....)and helped my grandpa settle the horses in for the night. I remember sitting across from Grandpa and watching him through the flames. I don't remember the conversation or what we had to eat. All I remember is how safe I felt and I could sit there forever and be happy.
We all went to bed and next thing I know, I wake up sick and throwing up all over my sleeping bag. I felt so bad! Not only because I was sick but because I knew that I was going to miss the hunt. I was devastated! My dad drove me home in the middle of the night and put me to bed. I was so sad.
The next morning, I woke up early to my dad loading the truck to head back to the campsite. I felt better and wanted to go so badly. He finally gave in and off we went. We pull into camp and there sat my Grandpa with coffee pot in hand. He looked up at me and smiled like I had just made his week for coming back to camp with my dad. I remember other little tidbits of things that happened that weekend like riding the horses, and hearing the stories of Chad shooting a grouse with a BB gun a million and a half times, but no other memory compares to that smile on my Grandpa's face.
My dad might remember things differently, but, I am younger and my memory is a lot better than his :)
Thanks for the smile Grandpa, I can't wait to see it again someday!

8 comments:

Desiree Hansen said...

I'm so glad you have a blog! I've added you to my check in on list... hope that is okay. I'm sorry to hear the Jeffery is having troubles. Let us know if there is ever anyting I can do for you guys.

Sonnet said...

Wow I never pictured you to be a huting kind of gal. I got my hunter safety Ive just never gone out & actually hunted.

Tim said...

That is a good story. Its amazing the things that you remember for SO long.

P.S. Happy b-day

Kari and Jared said...

I'm glad you had a great birthday. I love that you go hunting!

Aubrey said...

Hey Jenny! My mom told me about your blog! Do you show a lot of stuff that you guys make? Do you have an Etsy store?

I hope Jeffrey has done well with his surgery.

Was that Tim in the lower post Tim Cottrell by chance?

Daisy Chick said...

Thanks for sharing your sweet memory. You are great and I loved the picture of your Grandpa he has a great smile.

Desiree Hansen said...

Jen it's des again... i can't find your number for tomorrow... Call me when you get a chance.

Emily said...

Tell me when jeffery is having his surgery. I want to pray for him...AND YOU TOO! Good luck. That lil guy makes me want to smile!