Remembering Tom

[MSDuckmen]

It was a cold January morning not unlike many others that the two life long friends had hunted many times before. The trip had started without much thought as they had walked this path many times before. This particular morning was darker than usual which told the two that the cloud cover had moved in and blocked out what little light the moon had to offer. Dan during his walk relived the morning start, thinking of how he had kissed his wife good bye and how she rolled over and called him crazy for leaving a warm bed to go to a ice covered swamp to duck hunt. He smiled as thought of her reaction when he asked if she wanted to go. As he and Tom moved through the trail he could see that this particular morning Tom’s usual rushed steps were labored and he stopped many times to catch his breath and said more than once it is hell to grow old. Dan took the load from Tom and proceeded to the hunting spot where he readied the hole for hunting by placing the decoys just so as to draw attention away from their usual hiding spot. Although the trip in was just under a mile it was a tough walk for a young man much less men who have passed the midway point in their lives. The two knew this is what they had to do simple because hunting public land required you to work that much harder to get to a secluded Spot and neither man had ever worried about how tough it was. They did what it took to get to the birds with the least amount of pressure from other hunters. After settling in words were not many as they readied for dawn to break. Tom pouring a cup of coffee said to Dan, How many more years do you think we will be able to do this? Dan’s reply was always the same. As many as God will give us.
The trip in was well worth the effort; birds were dropping in without a second thought.
Dan let the older Tom pick his shots. Was not long that the limits had been reached and the morning was still young. They sat and watched the birds, drank coffee, and toasted each other and long ago friends.
As they packed up and readied for the walk out Dan gathered up the ducks on separate lanyards, heaved the decoy bag on his back, shouldered his gun and gave Tom a thumbs up that he was ready for the trip out. Along the way Dan labored under the weight. He was a strong man and stayed in shape as he was a Marine from years past and still held the value of physical training. He would stop on occasion to see how Tom was fairing as the two moved slowly but mythically through the marsh.
At some point Dan noticed that Tom was not keeping up and had in fact disappeared from view. Dan Stopped lowered the load and waited as he caught his breath. Time moved very slowly as Dan listened for a sign or noise to tell him Tom was again on the move. After a few minutes Dan called to Tom but got no answer. He left the gear and started a slow walk back in the direction of Tom. Moments later he saw what the hold up was. Tom had stopped and sat next to a tree and seemed to be resting. Dan called and there was no response. He hurried to his friend and found him laboring for air.
Tom you need some time he was asked and his reply was no I need a ambulance, Taking this as a joke Dan laughed and sat down next to him. Tom turned to Dan and said remember when I asked you how long we would be able to do this. And Dan replied YES.
He said well God just told me time was up. Dan looked at him and asked Tom you OK and his reply was NO. Dan I think I have had a heart attack and I can’t walk out of here.
A tear streamed down his cheek and he said your going to have to get some help. Dan pulled his coat off and covered Tom and told him he’d be back in a bit with help but to stay calm and not try to move. Tom smiled and said I’m not going anywhere. Dan started out and Tom stopped him once again and said we tore them a new one this morning didn’t we. Dan turned back to his old friend and said yes, yes we did.
He rushed the trail and was to his truck in a matter of minutes. On his cell phone he called the local Game wardens and told them the situation. They were there within minutes and an ambulance was on its way. Dan told the Game Wardens that he would go back to Tom marking a trail with red flagging so the Warden could bring the rescue team in to him.
He made the trip back out to his friend and found him unresponsive. He felt for a pulse, feeling none he immediately stated CPR and continued till the rescue team showed up some twenty minutes later.
Tom was gone. It had ended as quickly as it had started. A life long friend.
Dan relives that day each time he goes to the field, he knows Tom is still with him and will be till Dan joins him.
Each and every time Dan has one of those mornings when the birds just fall in he always tells Tom we tore them a new one today. He swears he hears Tom say you sure did.
Now some years later his outlook on friendship, camaraderie and time in the field has a higher level of meaning to Dan. It never will be about just the taking of birds but more so the moment. For in his eyes, that is what it really is. Just a moment in time and each one has value and each one can never be replaced.

[Jeff]

Dan that was a pretty warm and heartfelt story. I have a feeling it is completely true and you put the whole story into words that were very well put together. I enjoyed reading it and also feel bad that you no longer have Tom to hunt with.

[captain duck]

Dan, what a touching story! How many years since Tom's passing?

[feedcall]

Incredible story, the relationships that this sport builds are often stronger than the trees you are standing in. It sounds like you have great memories of a great friend.

[Anatidae]

We all need a dose of reality, every now and then. Thanks for sharing this one with us, Dan. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[mallardchaser]

Touching story!
Sounds like you had many good times w/ him...

[mississippi_duc_htr]

Great story Dan you should send that to a Magazine I bet it would be published. Sorry about your friend and hunting buddy. I was just sitting here think about some of the good times I have had with mine hunting and fishing and how much I will miss them when their gone or the other way around.Thanks for the reality check.

[Doc & Nash]

I bet Tom had a good season this year. After all, If Heaven is everything you can imangine, I see it as a duck hunting paradise, where you can actually shoot and release after you dog makes a beautiful retrieve.

[nomsduckhunter]

You've said it, felt it and lived it.
This is what duck hunting is about.
All of our days are numbered on this
earth, so believe in what you do...

God
Family
Duckhunting
Everything Else

[Bluegrass]

Duckmen, you sure know how to put it into words.....made me think of all the good times I've had with my partners while hunting......we are only here because GOD allows us to.....and we are here for him and not for ourselves......hunting is just a luxury he so graciously allows us!!!