Amazing way to spend some time

[Big Fin]

Last winter, I got an email from Ron Hurr, a guy I had never met or even heard of. He contacted us via the website and sent an email to the @info link. Those emails go to Mrs. Fin. She called me and said, "Check your emails. You are booked for late July."

I had no idea what she was talking about. So, like any good husband, I checked my email.

That email was a request from Ron to come to Miles City, MT and participate on a fund raiser for an organization he and his wife Pam had started a couple years ago, in honor of his daughter, Erin, who had passed away at age of nine, due to brain cancer.

I really did not know what to expect, other than to say, "Yes, I will be there." So, yesterday I loaded up the truck with DVDs and my archery gear, a few lines of a speech, and ready to help with anything I could for this fund raiser.

Last night was a banquet. Amazing how many people and merchants in that area turned out and donated to this cause. At the event, I got to meet some very nice people and some who are not as fortunate as us, when it comes to health. That is always difficult, but the attitude of those dealing with illness is inspiring to all.

It was followed by an archery shoot this morning. Lots of people turned out for a 3D shoot on a great course. Only a few of us were using our hunting bows, so I was a little worried that I lose all my arrows.

Met some more amazing people at this event. The shoot actually went very well for Fin. Only problems I had is when I used the wrong sight pin. Imagine that. Even had a few 12X, which was cause for complete shock.

Everyone was a good sport and they took it easy on me when the TV guy was in the middle of the score sheet. Secretly, I shot far better than I had expected.

Point of this post is to remind all of us what amazing people are out there and how lucky we are to not be facing the daily struggles of what some others are facing. So often we can take for granted the blessings of good health. To see kids struggling with health issues and how they and their parents cope with it, amazes me. And, it motivates me to do what little I can to make their lives a little better and a little easier, even if for only a day.

All money raised was in the name of Erin's Hope Project. The funds will be used to help kids in the Kippenburg Creek Kids Foundation, a foundation that uses these funds to take these kids on hunting trips.

Links to both of those organizations provided below.


http://www.erinshopeproject.com/Home_Page.html


http://www.kippenbergcreekkids.com/

Thanks to Ron and Pam for inviting me to be part of this event. I don't think i could have spent the last two days in any activity that would have been more rewarding or that would provide a better regrounding of just how lucky I am.

 

[DavidKeenan]

Sometimes we take our health for granted. It takes something of the sort to slap us in the face, and wake us up. Glad you had fun and for a great cause.

 

[Big Slick]

I would like to say thank you Randy. Just hearing you did this for others is awesome in its self. I do agree we all need to be humbled once in awhile and realize how lucky we are to have our health. Thanks again for the great post.

 

[Devil Diver Down]

I hear you, Randy. This is the sixth year I've produced the local stuff for the MDA Telethon, which means I spend a large portion of the summer chasing down all of the elements, coordinating every loose end and spending time with some of the families--hoping to tell their story in a manner compelling enough to separate viewers from their hard earned money Labor Day weekend.

You want reality tv--this is it. Real tales of human heart break at every turn. Kids who wear tiny braces on legs that will never take their first step. Parents who are told their kid (or in some cases, kids) won't see a breath beyond their teens, if that.

Last week, I met a man stricken with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in mid life. Two years ago, he was a bowhunter--big guy--his wife described him as 215 pounds of pure muscle. Now, he's been reduced to using a computer that speaks for him. Can't use his hands, legs or arms. He types with his eyes and he welcomed his first grandchild with that monotone computer voice the day before we met. He won't see the first birthday party.

I can tell you there aren't enough hugs to go around my house and not enough beer in the fridge after I get home from days spent working on this project. It means I make less money each year and have fewer days to chase trout in the mountains. But it also lets me sleep easier at night, knowing I've used my skill set (however limited it may be) to help some people while educating others. And when I wrap up that first weekend in September, I feel lucky to have been part of it.

 

[zfountaine55]

Fin, sounds like a great time and an experience that will forever be a fond memory. Just want to say thanks for being willing to go and represent the greater hunting community, can't think of a better person to represent a great group of people. So thank you Randy and keep up the great work.

 

[Big luke1981]

That was a very nice thing you dis Randy, Sounds like a great time.

 

[pointingdogsrule]

Living in a town of pop. 823 it's amazing how the people come out of the woods to help and donate to a good cause and those in need. Event after event & it still never ceases to amaze me. Congrats to all those who put forth the effort.

good luck to all
the dog

 

[shoots-straight]

Everyone gets a little down from time to time. You really don't have to look very far to see those less fortunate you. No matter how bad you might think you have it, there is always someone far worse off. Good job Fin, I think it was a good use of your valuable time.