By SAVANNAH TILLMAN, Feature Editor
Life has a funny way of showing us that God has a plan for each and every one of us.
Beginning the fall 2016 hunting season, I had nothing but one thing on my mind: shoot a deer. Every week that lead to opening day, my excitement grew. It had been six years since I had a chance to go hunting and I was so ready.
On Thanksgiving week, I felt like a five-year-old on Christmas morning, after Santa has placed presents underneath the tree, my heart was fluttering and my brain sent images of the potential trophy that was ahead of me.
I had grown up, accompanying my dad on his hunts and when the time was right he with mine. Countless hours had been spent sitting out in the cold, body covered in brand-named camo, guns loaded and listening to the sounds of the birds chirping and the leaves rustling in the trees. Minimum words were ever spoken, but these were some of my greatest memories.
This past Saturday, as we were heading back from the hunt, deerless, my mind drifted off. I have found, as I get older, my thoughts never stay on topic. I seem to always be thinking of the unknown future and how many more moments I will get like this one. In the middle of my brain wondering off, my dad mentions how much fun he had hunting with me this season, despite the lack of getting anything.
In an instant, the realization of this being more than just a hunt became apparent. All this time I had one goal in mind, but God had much more behind it. Throughout my childhood, my dad stood next to me with every shot I took. He taught me how to properly shoot a gun and bow and even was there when I purchased my first pistol.
Between the silence and the occasional funny moments of every hunting experience, my dad and I had grown a bond that not everyone gets to have with their fathers. Our love and passion for this sport got to be shared together. His wisdom and guidance helped me not only be a great shot but showed me that hard work, love, dedication and the strength to stand for what you believe in, will be the foundation for a beautiful life.
In my 24-years of life, I have witnessed a lot of amazing moments in time; however, thanks to God, every hunt with my dad, has to be my favorite moments spent.