You see I have this ritual before the season starts to name my shells for duck hunting, slugs for deer hunting and of course my arrows for archery season. So as I was going through and naming my arrows I was daydreaming about the early doe season starting in a couple days. Visions of a well placed shot and good footage for the show made me smile. As you know I like to share what I am doing and decided to take pics of my newly named arrows and posted them on a networking site. Then my hunt changed.
Soon after I got a message from a friend of mine in Indiana. He asked me if I would add the name Brady to one of my arrows. I said absolutely, and did so and posted a pic of the arrow. It was then when he told about the persons name who will be gracing my first arrow of the year.
He replied with a story about friends of his who lost their four year old boy to cancer. He told me that it would mean a lot to him as well as the family. I was flattered that I was asked to do this as well as honored. I stared at that arrow for a bit and it had a new look to it. It's purpose is now more and the significance of it is greater.
I could not imagine having to go through this as a parent let alone a child dealing with this wicked illness that does not discriminate against anyone. I selfishly thought about my son who is only three. I cried when he went home Sunday and it would be only two days before I seen him again. I couldn't even imagine the pain and sadness this family went through in dealing with this. My thoughts and prayers immediately went out to this family.
I asked my friends wife for a picture of Brady if it was ok with his family. A few minutes later I received it and I don't know if I can really put into words the way I was overcome with emotion. I guess to make it easy I will say I was overwhelmed. It was a whole new ballgame after I seen this picture.
Well I can safely say that this hunt has taken on a whole new meaning for me. My focus is that much greater and I can't wait to call and tell of the success Brady and I have. There will no doubt be some extra guidance when that arrow leaves the string. I will be honored to have had him along with me. So with Superman riding shotgun with me there is no doubt our hunt will be successful.
I am asking all who read this to please in honor of Brady put his name on your first arrow you will use this season. Send me the pics and I will post them for all to see. Please let this little Superman guide your first arrow this season. Stay tuned to see how this hunt turns out. I am sure it will be a great one.
As a mother, whose son battled cancer at a very young age. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is an incredible story Chico. I will be thinking of Brady too while I am out hunting this season and I will put his name on my arrow and send you a picture.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome story!! Being the father of four, I could not images what that family has gone through. Good hunting to you and Brady!!
ReplyDeleteI don't shoot arrows but will do one just as good. I will put that little mans name on every cartrige I shoot this year.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent I can't fathom the pain that this family has gone through and can only say that I pray they seek God through these times.
And even as we question God he has all the answers even if we don't understand the answers.
God is good all the time.
This little man is in good arms.
i didnt even kno the kid but when i found out his mom was close to my family i started balling): idk how i could be strong you guys are an inspiration and a hero(:
ReplyDeleteThank you Chico for doing this it really means alot! His parents like it too! They say thanks for helping with childhood cancer awarness! Brady is a superman! He has touched so many! Again thank you it means alot ! God bless you my friend!
ReplyDeleteI thank you again my friend from Michigan for honoring Brady's name.This means so much for him and his parents.As he looks down upon us let us all remember just how precious a young child's life is.Brady this ones for you hold my hand why we walk through the woods together.Chico God Bless you see you soon in the woods the 3 of us...
ReplyDeleteVery heart felt story.
ReplyDeleteAs a Mother of two (8 and 17) I cannot even begin to imagine the pain. My thoughts and Prayer go out to Bradys family.
And Kevin is right, Brady is in good hands.
Chico, I do not know you but for what you are doing is amazingly awesome! My Son will be putting Bradys name on his arrows!
I don't know the little boy or parents but his parents and him was close friends with one of my friends. Thank you some much for doing something like that it means a lot to have people out here that is kind enough and thoughtful enough to do this. Myself as a parent couldn't imagine going thou something like that. I am sure his parents appreciate you doing something like this for their little man.
ReplyDeleteBrady "Superman" Northern June 8,2006-June 9, 2010
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this heart touching story. I will be honored to place Brady's name on my main hunting arrow. God bless Brady and his parents. I can only imagine the pain and heartbreak they have endured.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching tribute to Brady,this brought tears to my eyes just reading it!!
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Eric and Melissa, they asked me to check this out and I am so glad that I did...I could not imagine the pain a parent goes through, having 3 children of my own just our little daily stuggles seem so small compared to this!
Just a girl from a small town in Indiana :)
You got it Chico. As a parent I can't even imagine what it would be like to go thru that.
ReplyDeletewow thanks to all of you that have put Brady's name on your arrows and more . thanks for making others aware of childhood cancer. God Bless you all!
ReplyDeleteBrady was my little cousin and a very brave superman. His parents are phenomenal people and I can't even imagine what it has been like for them. Thank you SO much for doing this!
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I just read this story and we find it very touching. As parents to four kids we hope never to have to deal with something like this but you never know what gods ultimate plan is. As an avid bow hunter I will feel honored to put Brady's name on my first arrow too.I'm going moose hunting this week and if I harvest a moose I will use this arrow and send you pictures.
ReplyDeleteThis is Brady's Grandmother and I want to say "Thank You" for honoring my precious little man this way and helping to get the word out that much, much help is needed to treat and CURE the dreadful disease that took Brady from us so soon.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You and keep you safe in your life.
Grandma Tancy