My son will make his first hunting trip this Thanksgiving. The son that I spent 21 hours in labor with until I was pretty sure he was not going to ever come. The son that is the smartest, most amazing, talented kid I know is being taken out in the dead of the night.
Who is the culprit insisting on taking him in the early morning hours while all normal people are sleeping? My husband. Yes, the one that might be sleeping on the couch tonight.
A new tradition has been developing in our household over the past couple of Thanksgivings. It seems innocent at first. A chance for brothers to have some male bonding, the morning of a holiday, while the women stay back and cook. Who needed them in the kitchen sneaking bites and getting in the way anyway?
At first, I was a little sad to see my hubby go on the hunting trip last Thanksgiving. Then I realized how beneficial it was for him. He came back boasting with glee and bloody ducks.
I realize that I have offended some with the last statement. I apologize. We do eat what is killed. Granted I can cook every part of a deer in a million different ways. I still have the duck from last year in the freezer. If you know any good recipes with duck, be sure and leave them in the comments. Otherwise, my freezer may soon be overrun with duck.
Back to the point: this year, they have decided to recruit more to their clan of hunting. My innocent, easily frightened son has already picked out hip waders and a camo long john shirt to embark on his first hunting trip. As a mom, he drove me insane tonight bragging with excitement.
I know my son will love being out there with his daddy. These last few months he has grown closer and closer to a man he models after at this point in his life. This stage doesn't last long, I know.
I am thankful they will have the time together. But he is my baby and it is Thanksgiving and it is still dark out.
Yes, I know I can be dramatic. This is a woman's perspective after all.
I am trying to concentrate on sleep, but worrying is getting the best of me. Does he have warm clothes, a hat, food, drink, breakfast, etc? I wonder if he is even asleep yet? Does he realize how early he will be leaving? What are these two thinking? Is my husband responsible not to lose him?
The benefits of hunting for my son are endless. He will have more confidence and bonding with his dad and uncle. But when did my baby grow up? When will he stop growing up?
With a deep breath and a long sigh, I try to relax. I guess our new tradition of breakfast Mimosas can not come too soon!
