Hunt of a Lifetime

Hunt of a Lifetime is an non-profit organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for young people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. 

As you are reading this, there is a young man named Quincy Raider 2800 miles from home, on The Hunt of a Lifetime.  I have known Quincy's uncle for oh....let's see...27 years.  I first met Quincy a few years ago, when he was one of the usher's at his uncles wedding.  Quincy has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and when I met him, he was still able to walk with his braces on long enough to 'Do His Job' at the wedding.  For the last year or so, he has been pretty much stuck in his wheel chair. 

One of Quincy's dreams was getting to shoot something that his father never has, and to help him fulfill that goal, the Hunt of a Lifetime folks have brought him all the way from Washington to Northern Maine.  Yesterday morning, Quincy shot himself a bull moose, which his father has never shot. 

Because it is a 'feel good' type story, the local TV station there in Maine did a story on Quincy.  Either I'm a softy, or it's because I know the young man in question, but it got a little dusty in the room as I watched the video.  I've also briefly met Quincy's dad at the wedding, and I'm proud of him for being able to keep it together on that hunt, and during the interview.  I'm not sure I would be that composed talking to a TV crew, having it driven home to me that the only reason my child was able to have the opportunity is because of an organization that provides dream hunts for children with lief-threatening illnesses.  I would like to think I could keep it together long enough to enjoy the experience for the sake of my child....but...

But, I say my prayers.  I count my blessings that I never get the opportunity to go on a moose hunt in Maine because one of my children is ill. 

Meanwhile, Quincy is in Maine for another few days...he's got himself a black bear tag to go with his moose tag.   I hope he gets another opportunity to smile.