|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
3 Days in September This year Tamarack Outfitters was privileged to have a hunter in camp by the name of Randy Fiesbeck. Randy is a long time hunting buddy of Kevin Hudson, one of our long-time clients. Two seasons ago, Kevin called and said that he was not going to be able to hunt with us in the 2003 season because he and Randy had scheduled a moose hunt in Alaska. A couple months before their trip, Randy was diagnosed with leukemia and of course, Kevin and Randy had to postpone their moose hunt until 2003. Kevin called us and informed us that Randy was going to go through intense radiation and chemotherapy to get his body ready for a bone morrow transplant. A year passed and Kevin called mid-summer and asked if we still had an opening for an archery hunt in 2004. He also informed us that his hunting buddy Randy was not doing well and that his body rejected the bone morrow transplant. He informed us that this would probably be his last hunting season and that they would not be able to make their trip to Alaska. At that time Galen and I decided that we would give Randy his last hunt. We had purchased an extra landowner tag and asked Kevin to see if Randy would be interested in participating in a special disability season that Kansas has in late September. Although Kevin wondered whether Randy could handle the two day trip from Wisconsin, he called Randy and he excitedly accepted the invitation. There were many plans to be made due to the fact that Randy had to have 2 units of blood platelets every two days, however, those arrangements were made easy by the Comanche County Hospital. Randy and Kevin arrived in late September and what an awesome experience. We spent the next three days guiding a hunter whose body was worn down and burned so badly by radiation in an attempt to save his life. Randy’s outlook on life both then and his outlook about his future was one of the most inspiring displays of courage we’ve ever been around. We only got to spend a few days with Randy but we shared many laughs and shed many tears as 3 days of sunrises and sunsets came and were gone. Randy took a beautiful buck the 2nd day of the hunt. He told and taught us in those 3 days to never take for granted what the outdoors sounds like, what it smells like, what it feels like. The 3rd week in November Kevin, arrived in camp for his Kansas archery hunt. His hunt started November 17th. Kevin brought us a plaque that Randy had made for us. It reads like this. In appreciation of your kindness and generosity, thank you for making my last hunt so enjoyable. God is pleased with those who help others and I hope he blesses you and your families. Live and enjoy each day as if it were your last. For when tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever.
On November 19th, we received a call from Randy’s brother informing us that Randy had passed away. The next evening Kevin took his biggest buck ever with a bow grossing 2 inches shy of 170. Kevin assures us that Randy was setting right next to him that evening. Thanks Randy for everything that you taught us. God blessed us when you were with us those 3 days in September. |
|
|
Susie Konrade
