Walk Softly, Son,
for you're beginning a journey which can mold your future, build
your character, and establish memories as precious as tomorrow.
Walk Softly,
because as you do, you'll have your chance to experience, learn
and appreciate God's great out-of-doors.
How important is it?
To many it's not important at all, but to your dad, it's life
itself. It's been my love, my teacher, and my bridge to reality.
It's made me a better man, a stronger man, and a gentler man.
Important for you?
I think so, but that is your decision to make. I can't make it
for you.
I can teach you to hunt, to set decoys, build a blind and work
a call. But I can't teach you to enjoy the anticipation of an
empty sky, or to respect the goose that was convinced - almost
to come within your gun range.
I can help you build a deer stand, but you will have to wait for
that buck to come by and maybe he won't.
I can teach you to catch fish, but you'll have to learn to enjoy
the fishless days. You'll have to experience that unexplainable
drive which keeps you making that one last cast of the day.
And if you do,
you'll be a sportsman, a hunter - not a killer of game. A fisherman
- not a taker of fish.You'll learn that you are at best, a visitor
in the out-of-doors, a guest in a precious world that man can
destroy, but cannot master. And no matter what your station in
life, you'll have found, as I have, your love, your teacher, your
bridge to reality.
Dad
