When I was about six years old, I don't think I had started school yet, my grandfather agreed reluctantly to take me squirrel hunting. Somehow he knew it wasn't going to a serious hunt but he did it anyway, I think, just to shut me up.1
That morning he donned his hunting vest and overalls, grabbed his 12 gauge shot gun (just in case we saw any big game) and took me for trek in the woods. It was a cold and dreary day better suited for a whispered fireside chat than a jaunt in the woods but I wouldn't have missed it for all the rice in China.2
A dog named Belle accompanied us on our trip, presumably to find and tree the squirrels, making them easier to find and shoot. Now my grandfather knew the woods intimately. He knew where the squirrels would likely be hiding but on this day he was more interested in spending time with me than hunting squirrels. Old Belle lead us down some unproductive paths and my grandpa tried half-heartedly to coax a few out of their hidden nest but we didn't see any much less shoot one. I didn't shoot any trophy animals that day but I bagged a priceless memory.3
God rest your soul Grandpa Jack4
Author notes
photo:
My grandfather, Jack Tolbird, fishing at my uncle William's pond. I didn't have any photos of him hunting. So this is the best I could do.
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Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Well, I asked for another, and...Voila!...my requested was granted, as if by magic! lol This was another precious memory that you've penned, Leo! You did, indeed, bag a priceless memory that day! I have so few memories of this kind with my grandparents; I know how much you much treasure this one! Just as with your previous story, you did a wonderful job of telling this story! You're a natural born storyteller! Great work!
Paula -
oooooo sun fish!! I love sunfish and I know how to cook them. Loved this little story as well Leo. I actually taught my husband how to fish. My mom said they used to hunt squirrels when she was a kind but I never did. My dad took me partrage hunting though. Yup I can shoot.
I'm such a tomboy.
Red -
Those kind of memorys are so precious..I went mushroom hunting in Michigan with my grandfather who like a challange or just to see me work for my share! We walked the mountain side for hours. Knowing most of what we would find was on the flat land, it was a path we always took. I never knew we took the long way till I got older and he said we can stay out longer if we go this way. (I think he enjoyed the time too) Now my father took me squirl and coon hunting.My job was to keep track of the dogs beings I helped train them and worked the most with them. We usually did well on coons and squirls. Mom said we had to clean what we brought back cause I think it grossed her out!! I was the best time in my life and I`m glad for every minute of it. See look it brought back many happy thoughts for me and I am blabing on and on...thanks for sharing & keeping special moments in your heart! xoxo
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What a wonderful way to preserve and share of those great memories of your childhood and life Leo. When my grandmother discovered she had a rare cancer, which she ended up battling for seven years, before finally falling victim to its deadly sting, she began a book just for me. (I'm the oldest granddaughter and the ony one with a daughter of my own.) In that book are memories of HER life, my mom's life and the part of mine as well. The parts that she was around for. It's one of my most treasured belongings. Now and then I add to it because someday it will go to MY daughter. Cherish the memories Leo. You could never put a price tag on them.
♥ Kimberly -
This is a sweet little story. It's very nice to share your memories with everybody here. It was really enjoyable!
Rob -
and so we are getting the family album one picture at a time? It's just a lovely visit, Leo, it really is.
I can't say I'm disappointed you didn't bag a squirrel, but then it appears, neither were you.
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