I had an inkling that something was stirring this morning, something important coming out of the blue. It has to do with our son Wiley. He lives next door to us with his wife Henna. He turned 31 years old in October. Most of you have probably met him. Oh right, and he is in both versions of Phil’s Camino.
He just found out that he has been promoted to Chief Instructor for our local teaching team of Hunter Education. Hunter Education is the course that young people take before they can get their first hunting license. It is taught by certified trained volunteer instructors watched over by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. I have been a instructor for something like 25 years as well as a past Chief and Wiley joined the team maybe five years ago. So, through a series of happenings and circumstances he was the most logical candidate to take over the lead position when the latest Chief stepped down.
I am so happy for him. It is a real feather in his cap, as they say. Our community really stresses giving back through volunteer service and this is one thing that he has chosen to do and he is a perfect fit. Hundreds of local youth will hold him in their memory as their mentor as years go by.
Just briefly Hunter Ed has been taught for over fifty years, all the States do it and it is responsible for saving lives through not only safety training but also through associated parts of the class on survival and map and compass training for instance. It also represents in my mind an important rite of passage for youngsters when those rights are largely missing in our age and place.
So, thanks for being with me through that. It means a lot to me. And now here I have my son as my boss which is an important right of passage for me. Time to turn over the reins.
As this is going on we here are still in the icy grip. The good news is that the snowfall has not amounted to much but the temps are still low. We will see what happens in the next few days as we transition to the next weather pattern.
The best to you loves, Felipé.
WELL DONE Wiley.
This is indeed an exceptionally important roll for which you volunteer.
Hunter training is crucial.
I am also very proud of YOU.
C.C.B.C.
William.
Thanks William ~ I am immensely proud of the guy. I will pass this on. Thanks, Felipé.
Congrats to Wiley, and to you, too, Dad. It’s gratifying when we see our children follow in our footsteps–or, as I like to say–stand on our shoulders. They will surpass us–and we want it that way!
Well put Henriette. He is a perfect fit for the position, although it might feel overwhelming in the beginning. But I am here to help with the transition so I am not anticipating any major problems and he’s game. Hope to see you soon, Felipé.x