Clay,

This is the 5th season in the deer woods without you and it doesn't get any easier. However, I know you want us to carry on with the sport we enjoyed so much together. Your little brother is just as passionate about hunting as you were.

I haven't fired a shot from that box blind you built 6 years ago while trying to stay active from the chemotherapy ravaging your body. I was waiting on that "special" moment and it finally happened late on Sunday. Of course, you know that.

We were having a good hunt, with three bucks already in the food plot and 4 does out grazing. I was looking at the beauty in the leaves turning colors when Kaden whispered, "Dad, a stud stepped out!"

I brought the binoculars up and immediately knew this was the one. He was majestic, a truly special buck at a special moment. He marched out to the end of the food plot by the river, the furthest deer from us 225 yards away. For the next 15 minutes, he was blocked by other deer, facing away from us, towards us, anything but a shot. Your brother and I were wrecked with anxiety. Finally, Kaden got down on his knees and spoke to you with the most heartfelt, tender voice I've ever heard.

About 10 seconds after he got back in his chair, it was if the Red Sea had parted. The other six deer created a 50 foot gap between us and the one. At that time, he turned broad side and looked straight up, as if pulled by a string.

I had this amazing sensation, like a huge, warm blanket descending around my shoulders. At that moment, I completely relaxed and put the gun to my shoulder and put the crosshairs on his shoulder. In a split second, the great buck had joined you on the other side.

Son, I can't thank you enough for this gift. On Sunday afternoon, you helped me take another major step toward healing. I love you, buddy, and look forward to the moment when we join again. I love you, Clay.

Dad

Awesome tribute...God bless you sir, and wrap His arms of love and peace around you and help you continue to heal

Wow. Tears. Congrats man and i know it helped you, even if just a little. God bless sir.

I wonder how many will, like me, read this and not know what to say. There are no words. I trust The Lord and time will heal ease the pain. Through all the joy and excitement of deer season we sometimes forget the tougher parts of life others deal with.

I couldnt said this better myself, god bless you and congratulations on a hell of a buck.

Absolutely beautiful! Amazing.. God bless you sir!

Wow that's one way to make a grown man shed some tears. God bless you, your son and your family. Your oldest boy was and as always will be right there beside you

Wow!!! Prayers for your continued healing!

Thats amazing. God bless you!

Fork Man, What a beautiful tribute. This and your tribute last year put me in awe of your expression of love for your son. Thank you for sharing this...

Thank you Sir!

Whew. A loss for words beyond that.

Couldn't even begin to imagine. Very cool!

Powerful. You mind if I share this around some?

Thanks for sharing Forkman. Well said and moving tribute. God bless.

Being a father, I can't imagine having to go through your pain.

God bless you. And god bless Clay.

Not at all, jseago, thanks.

What a beautiful tribute to your son! God bless you and your family and thank you for describing such an important aspect of experiencing hunting with family. Prayers are lifted for you and your entire family.

[quote=spibiggie]Being a father, I can't imagine having to go through your pain.

God bless you. And god bless Clay.[/quote

Thanks for sharing your story and that's a fine buck! What a great gift.

What a wonderful story and tribute. May God grant you peace and heal your heart. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, I'm a father of two young boys, and a full grown man with tears rolling right now. God bless

I cannot ever fathom your loss.. However I hope I never do have to deal with the pain you have felt. Your hunt was amazing and I thank you for sharing. I cried like a baby when I read it. Congratulations on the amazing hunt with both of your sons!