James McDonald Jr. Tribute

Dud,
I will always remember our pheasant hunting trips as some of the best times I've ever had. It allowed us guys to loosen up and be guys. These memories Matt and I will hold onto for our lifetime. Thanks for planting the seed of the great outdoors in me and in Matthew's life. It is something I look forward to sharing with my sons for as long God will let me. I can't talk about hunting without conceeding that you were, in fact, the best shot in the family. I don't know how you were able get a "head shot" on a pheasant from 40 yards away but you did it repeatedly. Except the time when you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn and blamed it on the cheap shotgun shells you bought. So much for being a great shopper, huh?

I remember our last Christmas together. You always enjoyed the holidays and put so much of yourself into gift buying so those that you loved could have something special from your heart. When we left to go home that night the spirit of the Lord came to me a said, "you need to go back and tell your brother how much you love him and apprecriate him as it will be your last Christmas together." Naturally, I fought off this tought as it was something I didn't want to validate as being true. Oh, how I wish I could have the opportunity back to let you know how much I looked up to you and admired your strength.

I have made a resolution since you and Jeremy have passed on, that I will always let those that I love in my life know how much I love and care about them. As we never know our last day together will be. Thanks, Dud, for all the special life lessons you have tought me. I love you and will see you in heaven.

Your brother,
Terry