There have been times I have compared the daily grind to feeling like I was a bit stuck in a perpetual Groundhog's Day. As a mom to five, there is always so much to do, take care of, get ready and so on.
I am not complaining, as I love my little animals (kids) more than anything, but it's easy to get a bit lost in the chaos.
I grew up in the country - wide open spaces, the beauty of the prairie, the peace and quiet – and I didn't realize how much I had missed it.
But since I started working for the Department, I’ve been inspired by Cayla Bendel, your author here at The Drift, and others to get in the field and have my own adventures.
Whether it's a quick trip walking a few nearby PLOTS tracts or making a day of it chasing roosters, I’ve found something that genuinely feeds my soul and I find myself anxious to return.
It’s not always easy to find time between being a chef, chauffeur, maid and working full-time, but making it more of a priority has certainly helped.
I am learning it’s OK to lean into those grandmas – their arms are always warm and welcoming.
And when I return, I am a better and more patient mom.
This spring, I applied for a doe tag, my first rifle tag, unsure whether I’d be able to go or not.
But when deer season came around, I mustered up the courage to ask my mom to help with the other kids so I could go, too.
As a family, we had three tags to fill.
The first weekend we went, no tags were punched, and I was eager to head back.
But it was Thanksgiving week and I felt guilty about missing the holiday, one of my daughters even wrote me a letter begging me to stay home so we could continue our “fruit turkey” making tradition.
My heart was torn, but I wanted to go so bad, so I called for grandma backup once again, with plans to be back by the weekend.
The guys were able to fill their buck tags Wednesday and Thursday and then it was my turn.
I was a bit nervous, but the thrill of spotting a couple does milling in the trees quickly took over.
The first setup didn't go quite as planned, the does we’d been watching ended up getting spooked by a nearby truck.
We decided to move locations and hiked into a new area.
We soon spotted a doe milling along a trail.
We waited, stalked, and waited again, and thanks to a couple of small bucks that pushed her in our direction, I was able to get a good shot off.
She dropped quickly and when we approached, I turned to my son, who was skeptical of mom’s shooting skills and said, “What do you think of that shot?”
It was one of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences of my life.
We worked hard, put in the time and miles.
Helping fill the freezer also felt good as there is always someone looking for something to eat in our house.
Beyond the thrill of the hunt will be the memories I will cherish from the trip.
Sharing those experiences with my 15-year-old son (cell phone free no less) will be moments I will forever hold dear.
My daughter already plans to join us next year and I can’t wait to see her in the field.
I know these experiences will help shape their character – grit, patience, determination, deep respect for our natural resources and understanding of the importance of conservation.
I hope this is one family tradition that will only continue to grow.
I share this story in hopes that other mom's feeling much like I did, seek out new adventures, learn or try something new, or simply allow themselves a little grace to do whatever recharges their batteries.
Again, I'd like to thank both grandmas because none of this would be possible without their gift of time and generosity. Speaking of which, it’s getting to be coyote hunting season…
