Middlefield Post
By Patrick and Lillian Robinson
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A Wild Goose Chase
rom the time I was a small child, I can remember going afield with my father to share in the heritage of hunting and fishing. As one can imagine, it became a big part of who I was and to this day is still something I enjoy every chance I get. Whether it be fishing a stream with a fly rod, chasing upland birds in dense forests, or searching out local marshes for waterfowl with my pup Drake, the things my father shared with me at a young age have remained an indelible part of who I am. Some might say, “I could never hunt,” and I respect that, but for me it isn’t always about the hunt as much as it is about the relationships that are fostered, the appreciation you gain for God’s creation, and the opportunity to withdraw from the hustle and bustle that consumes the average day. Now that I have a family of my own, I am passing this love for the outdoors and the appreciation for God’s creation on to my own children. Here is a story of a recent adventure with my oldest daughter that I will cherish for years to come, but don’t take my word for it … here is the story told from her perspective. I can still remember the first time I went hunting with my dad. The day started with the blaring sound of my alarm clock that jolted me to a foggy state of consciousness. As I rolled out of bed and started to get dressed I came to the realization that this day could actually be the one where I would actually shoot a gun and harvest my first bird. My hands were shaking as I tried to contain the excitement that was overwhelming me. Soon we were loaded up and heading for the field, but not before a stop at Maggie’s to get fresh donuts and chocolate milk. That is always part of the tradition with my Dad and one I like. Once back in the truck and headed out of town, my Dad asked me if my heart was racing. To this day, I don’t know whether it was the way I talked to him
October 29, 2014
and lovely golden yellow. My Dad has always taught me or that I was a tad bit antsy that he knew the answer. But, that taking things for granted isn’t an option; whether it nevertheless he did. be the leaves changing or simply being able to spend time An hour or so passed and we were sitting in the duck with one another, he always blind. Dad asked if I wanted tries to capture the moment. a face mask or face paint and I appreciate that about him I looked at him like, come and know that this is a great on Dad, give me the good lesson that I can pass on to stuff. So with face paint that the next generation. would make the Robertson’s As the minutes and hours of Duck Dynasty fame ticked by, it finally came time jealous, I prepared for the for that big and mighty goose hunt. With a gun in my hand to fly my way. You see I was the ducks came and went on my first goose hunt ever but it wasn’t long before my and I was very happy. The first shots rang out. I tried my way I see it, they make for a hardest and shot at almost bigger target and that must everything that flew, but mean they are easier to hit. I much to my disappointment, waited and watched through we didn’t get anything that my small layout blind as all day. Despite the lack of ducks kinds of different birds came to take home, I did get to our way. A familiar sound of take with me one of the best geese honking came from experiences and memories I behind me and did so several have. times, and each time I would Fast forward a year ... it ask my Dad making sure not was time to give it another to make too much noise, “Did go around. I was excited you hear that?” Of course he and looking forward to did, but it was nice to be able that feeling of exhilaration to point them out and work again. As the day began, Lillian Robinson holding her first goose. on my hunting prowess. it was clear to me that this After several flocks, and just as many failed attempts day would have a slower pace. The beauty of the scenery to successfully call them in, we finally caught the attention around us made up for the lack of birds though. The trees were just beginning to change from a deep green to a crisp Continued on Page 3