From: BITTNMITTEN
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
A few weeks back I told you guys about a friend of mine, who was fighting pancreatic cancer, and was trying to hunt deer as well. To refresh your memories, Jimmy and I were childhood friends. We became friends when my family moved into his neighborhood when we were seven or eight. We took to the 100 acre woods across from our homes, and its ponds and lived like the little banshees many adult males wish they could go back to. Well we were working on getting Jimmy into some hunting that would be his last, this upcoming rut. We were working on his blind, shooting a crossbow and so on. Sadly, Jimmy entered a coma this am, after a few days of pneumonia kicking his butt. The doctors say by Mon Jimmy's tour will be over. We did talk bowhunting to the end of his time awake. We covered many of the things we did as a boy, with his family sitting nearby, and he laughed weakly as we remembered some real hell raising times as young men sowing their wild oats. In his last moments awake, he spent some private time with his wife and kids. Then his bride said for me to come in, Jim wanted to speak to me alone. Well, he was very weak, and I had to get close to hear him talk. He said thanks for trying to make it to the rut, and to enjoy the fall colors as they are really great this year. He said to enjoy my seasons as I will never know when my last is upon me. I was pretty broke up, but did my best not to show Jim. He then grabbed my hand very lightly and I will never forget his words, " John, we did a lot, please watch my family, and I do love you brother". I assured him I would do so. Then he he drifted off into sleep. Im sure many who have sat with the dying know what I am talking about. Per Jimmys request, I am passing along the advice, to love the family, and the seasons,, as we never know when one is our last.Not to be preaching, but I hope you guys do take it to heart. Not so sure how I feel about finishing this season right now, but you can bet Jimbo is gonna be there with me. Bittn.
|
|
From: Archer136
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Thank you. I am currently in Afghanistan and I have spent the last 10 years fighting and training our so-called allies. I have seen too many dead 19 year olds to ever take life for granted. Each fall, as hunting season approaches, I wonder if I will live to the next season.You post brings that all to home. You are a true MAN to watch over your friends' family. Much, Much respect to you , Sir. I think Jim would want you in the field, so, you can carry his memory into the woods.
|
|
From: Harleywriter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Thanks so much for posting this Bittn. I have tears in my eyes right now. You truly are a best friend. And what a great thing for Jimmy to pass on such sage wisdom in his last days.
Fall seems the appropriate time, if there is one, for something like this to happen....just lost a former brother in law to the very same bastard...pancreatic cancer.
True wisdom and again, sorry for you pain but thank you for sharing.
|
|
From: Frisky
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sound advice from a man with his priorities in order. May your friend rest in peace.
Joe
|
|
From: Backcountry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Thanks for sharing this, John. Have to say, it moistened my eyes, too.
You know I've been through this with my dad and a couple of friends, and we're about to lose another prominent member of the trad community to this same dreaded disease.
I'm very sorry you're having to go through this. Just know you're not going through it alone... Take care.
|
|
From: joep003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Thank you for sharing this memorial of your friend. I truly grieve for the loss of your friend and for the loss felt by the rest of his family. I hope you do finish loving out the rest of this season, and I hope you will share with us how your season ends. May Jimmy rest in peace.
|
|
From: Gaur
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry to hear he didn't make it to the rut with you. Thanks for being a good friend to Jim and his family.
My father in law is close these days. Had so many heart surgeries over the years and has blockage again and the Drs say there is nothing they can do anymore. Brought him over to our place yesterday to keep a close eye on him and spend time with him as well.
|
|
From: Will tell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for the loss of your friend.
|
|
From: lowrider
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
My Dad who passed last year in December told me when I was younger that if a man has one true friend in life that he is very fortunate. It seems as though you and Jimmy were each others true friends. Although he will be greatly missed by those who loved him, you will later be able to smile from the memories. Will be praying for you and Jimmy's family in the days ahead.
|
|
From: Andy Man
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
father in law fighting the same cancer right now-no hope; just don't want him to suffer
|
|
From: Buzz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Good Man being there for your friend.
Hoping you have a great hunt in your friends honor.
|
|
From: George Tsoukalas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
So sorry! My eyes are also tearing up. You have been a good friend to Jimmy. George
|
|
From: Stalker
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
He is very fortunate to have had such a great friend.
|
|
From: Arrowflinger
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
I'm Sorry for your friend, and his family. We all need to follow his advise. You sir, are a good man.
|
|
|
From: kenwilliams
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your great loss.
|
|
From: Jeff Durnell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry to hear, John. People like you and Jimmy who share a lifelong, deep, bond of true friendship are the truly fortunate. I offer my condolences.
|
|
From: tjulian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss. You are truly a good friend to the end.
Prayers for you and his family.
|
|
From: Jim D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
A true friendship. My condolence on Jimmy's passing.
|
|
From: Ole Thumper
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
God Bless all of you!
|
|
From: Backcountry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
It sure is. And it is no respecter of a person's position or age. Lost my dad to it. A friend lost his younger sister a few months ago. He had risk factors, she didn't.
And there are others going through it right now. I'm expecting to be getting bad news about another friend up in Idaho at any time. Many of you may know him or have heard of him, but it's not my place to say it here.
Prayers for an outpouring of God's grace for all who need it couldn't come at a more critical time...
|
|
From: BITTNMITTEN
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Update, Jim just passed. Perfect day, its a lot like November here in Michigan today. Oh well, thanks for the kind words guys.
|
|
From: Easykeeper
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
My condolences to you and your friends family. Very sad, but thanks for posting.
|
|
From: dingas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
My condolences. You are very fortunate to have had such a close life long friend. I have one like that. We grew up together and although we only see each other one or twice a year now due to distance, we greet each other as "Brother" and will remain such for ever. I can tell your friendship is much the same. I pray for comfort for you and for his family now. I hope you can shoot a dandy buck from that stand for him. All my best.
|
|
From: George D. Stout
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
The older we get the more we understand how limited life is in general. The fortunate ones get to stay a little longer, but quality generally lies in how we spend our life...not how long it is. I will keep prayers for you and your friend and his family. It sucks to lose a close friend. Hang in there.
|
|
From: Farmer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss an family's loss, because real good friends are hard to come by.
|
|
From: NE Archer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Bittn, Sorry for your loss, but kudos to you for being such a stand up guy. He was lucky to have you as a friend. And thanks for the reminder on what's important.
|
|
From: HARRY CARRY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Listen to the Winds of the future, as they rustle the leaves, bring the aromas, and carry the sounds of the woods that you and Jimmy lived as children, and lived as life. May his memories, his life, his family, inspire you to live as he would have continued to live, and as he does continue on, in the hearts and minds of those he kept close. Peace unto you.
|
|
From: Poppy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
God bless u brother,A true friend to him u were! Finish the season both of you started, he will be beside you during the hunt,in spirit and memory!
|
|
From: Steve-ALA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Prayers to God for peace for you and his family and thanking God for the testimony of how true friends should be and providing the rest of us that example.
|
|
From: Silverback
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
So sorry,God bless all of you
|
|
From: Slick
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Prayers sent for all of you.God bless.
|
|
From: dire wolf
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sad that your friend has gone..Carry on..He'd want you to do that, Jim
|
|
From: greenmts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
very sorry for your loss,sounds like a good man.
|
|
From: Drewster
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It's tough to lose a family member but good friends are really difficult to lose too. Enjoy the season and the good memories.
|
|
From: Kwikdraw
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Thanks for sharing and GOD be w/ you and his family.
|
|
From: nomo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Well done...a friend to the end. IMO I think you should finish the season for Jimmy...especially the rut.
So sorry for the loss of such a dear friend. Prayers said for you and Jimmy's family and other friends.
|
|
From: Fields
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Wow, Tough read.... thanks for posting.... I'm sure you'll honor his requests.
|
|
From: Jeffhalfrack
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Its hard to type but God bless ,I wish I had the words to make you feel better ,,,so so sad JeffW
|
|
From: Pointer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss. Prayers sent
|
|
From: CD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
I am so sorry for your loss. I will take his advice to heart.
God Bless,
CD
|
|
From: Desperado
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 18-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss but....You said "Not sure about finishing this season right now"...You know exactly how you should finish this season.....Give it 110% just like you pal would want you to and hold the memories of the 2 of you in the forefront of your mind.. Precious memories are some of Gods greatest blessings to be cherished.I have lost close hunting pals in the past and often think of them fondly when I smell a campfire,when I hear the wind in the pines,when I have a good blood trail,when I see the sun rises over the ridge and so on. Those pals who have been a big part of your life will always be a big part of your life. Enjoy the memories...They are priceless!!
|
|
From: bradsmith2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
sorry for you loss,, prayers sent,,
|
|
From: Long Hunter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
Very sorry for this incredible loss. I hope the great memories of your times together give you strength at this most difficult time. Prayers sent for you and for Jim's family.
|
|
From: Long Hunter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
Very sorry for this incredible loss. I hope the great memories of your times together give you strength at this most difficult time. Prayers sent for you and for Jim's family.
|
|
From: Old School
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
Bless you brother. Enjoy the time afield left to you, for yourself and for your dear friend.
|
|
From: George Tsoukalas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
So Sorry!So difficult to loose a close friend. May his memory be eternal. George
|
|
From: Popester1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
You're lucky to have had such a friendship. I'll keep you and Jim's family in my prayers.
|
|
From: arlone
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
I missed a doe last evening and maybe feeling a bit bummed. Guess Jimmy would have loved to have been able to miss one yesterday! Your post John, really makes one realize what's important.
|
|
From: uphuntn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 19-Oct-14 |
|
Condolences and prayers to you and his family from Michigan.
|
|
From: GR8R8S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
The way I deal with these horrible things is to believe that they are in a better place and hopefully are simply there ahead of us, are no longer suffering and we will see them on the other side. God bless and nothing can take away those memories. I say go hunting but do it in his memory, from your post I think that would maybe be what he would want you to do
|
|
From: Stinkbait1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss. Yes, by all means go hunting. Your friend would want you to go. He will be with you. God Bless you and Jimmy's family.
|
|
From: Stan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
God bless, John... You are a good man..
|
|
From: MStyles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
My condolences on the loss of your good friend. A prayer of comfort for you and his family. You are the best kind of friend.
|
|
From: WV Mountaineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
My prayers are with you all. God Bless brother
|
|
From: bodymanbowyer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
WOW,what good friend you are. Jeff F
|
|
From: crazymoose
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 20-Oct-14 |
|
Prayers to all who are affected by this tragic loss.
|
|
|
From: Michigan Hunter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 21-Oct-14 |
|
Prayers said this morning lifting your friend up to the Lord. I included his family in prayer that they may have comfort and peace. Thanks for sharing this with us as it helps bring perspective to what should be important in our lives.
|
|
From: COPicasso
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 21-Oct-14 |
|
Sorry for your loss. You are a true friend.
|
|
From: Fuzzy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 21-Oct-14 |
|
thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your loss, but joyful for what you had.
|
|
From: Bownut
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 21-Oct-14 |
|
Very sorry for your loss.
|
|
From: 4FINGER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 21-Oct-14 |
|
Wow another Good One leaves Us...Sorry for you loss Bitten and my Condolences to Jimbo's family and Friends...Rest Well Bowhunter...4finger
|
|
From: Old Crow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: 22-Oct-14 |
|
God Bless Jimmy's family and friends. Jimmy passed along some wise words that we all need think about. As you get older you think more about things like that. Live each day as it's your last, and each season as it is your last. Might fine words from someone that has passed, and leaving us a message. OC
|
|
If you have already registered, please sign in now
For new registrations Click Here
|
|
|