When my mom left him I was the oldest , 14 . My sister was 12 and my brother was 10 . My mom came to me and told me she was leaving my dad and asked if I was coming with her . I didn't give her a answer right then . After I thought about it , everyone leaving my dad , I told her that I was staying with dad . I think we had a special bond because I stayed with him . I think that bond extended to his close friends as well . They would take me hunting when my dad could not get off work and to this day one still takes me rabbit hunting even though he does not get out of the truck .
My dad gave me his Browning A5 when I was about 13 . Well I don't know if he really gave it to me , he let me use it to go hunting my first time and he never got it back . I will think about him every time I see that gun . Once I get over my rotator cuff surgery , I am going to use it on my next hunt . I had kind of semi retired it because I didn't want to put anymore wear on it .
I really appreciate all the kind words and prayers , it really helps . The Will Rogers quote brought a few tears .