My Valentine

OK guys…no pressure here but today is THE day, don’t mess this up; if you have a significant or special other, then I hope you have remembered that today is one of those days that you don’t want to miss! You know what I mean…Valentine’s Day is upon us…have you prepared?

It is no secret that I have grown up in an outdoor, hunting and fishing family. I consider myself one of the lucky ones and frankly worry about the many kids I see in school each day that don’t understand anything past their I-pad or gaming devices. My mom supported all of us in our endeavors and still does. I still enjoy the time that dad and I spend together whether it be a short jaunt to a lake or pond or a cross country trip in search of pheasants or trout…and through this all mom has been a supporter and wise enough to see that this father/son time together is healthy for everyone; thanks mom!

I don’t think I am the only one that has fallen in love with the Duck Dynasty show on A & E, in fact it has become very evident that the Robertson’s of Louisiana are serving up a slice of Americana that has been missing in our society for a while. I take many things from the show, mostly just a good old fashioned laugh that doesn’t involve cursing, criticizing or nakedness; one of the show’s most appealing virtues to me is the love that all the couples have for one another. I love the fact that Ms. Kay loves Phil for….”Phil”, just the way he is, bearded, long-haired, and opinionated, etc… I have watched each and every show going back to all of the Duck Commander episodes and not once have I witnessed her trying to change Phil! Now, I am sure that there are times that she has to cringe and would love to see things done differently but she loves him the way he is and that says a lot about their love for each other. On the flip side I am always amazed how quickly Phil jumps when Ms. Kay ask for something…once again it proves to me that their love runs deep.  If you know the history of Phil and Kay you know that this wasn’t always the case; there was a time in their marriage when Phil was a bad fellow who ran off and left his family-before showing back up on the doorstep, crying and asking Ms. Kay for another chance and like the prodigal son she took him back in and the rest as they say is history! If you want a very good read then purchase a copy of “The Duck Commander Family” written by Willy and Korey; the book goes into detail on the various couples on the show and their love for each other…it will inspire you!

Nine years ago this past week I went on a blind date…my first, last and only blind date of my life. Three separate caring and concerned friends had been trying to set me up on a date…oddly enough they all said the same thing…there is a gal that would be perfect for you…and you perfect for her. If you have ever suffered through the end of a relationship you can understand that I was a little skeptical…perfect, are you kidding? I relented and on February 4^th of 2004 I embarked upon another chapter of my life; this chapter would be called ‘love’!

Much like Ms. Kay, Vickie has loved me (and my 2 boys) for who I am. I am someone who passionately loves the outdoors and all it has to offer. I am not happy indoors, cooped up…in fact it really bothers me to just exist. I have been loved for the way I am; for the pairs of wet waders hanging on the front porch or from various doors. For the deer heads, pheasant mounts, hornet nests, antelope, prairie chickens…float tubes, fly tying materials on the floor, slobbering dogs in the garage, piles of magazines in and around the living room, being gone for one or many days at a time…and the list could literally go on and on!

If you  are an outdoor wife or mother then please take a moment as you side step another pair of dirty boots and know that we love you;  yes, us focused, dirty, clumsy guys…we love you for loving us, just the way we are-without trying to change us.

Not a day goes by that I don’t look back to February 4^th of 2004 and thank God for bringing into my life…the love of my life. Odd isn’t it that all too often God knows what we need; we have to be patient enough to stop and listen! For those of you out there, reading this column, loving nature and all it has to offer, take a minute and thank that special person in your life as we all Enjoy the Great Outdoors.