First time in 10 years I will not make it to Africa. Had it all planned out. Looking for that big elephant in Bushman land Namibia. Did my research booked paid the deposit. Then my Dad took a turn for the worst and is on his death bed, trip cancelled. I need to be here this summer. It a sad summer losing my Dad. He was a hunter not big game but a duck hunter, lit the fire in me. Took me many times early in life and then I ending up taking him, we had some good times. I am Living through you guys hunting reports. I am not looking for sympathy just keep the hunting reports coming.

Hang in there, it's a tough trip.

Made me call my dad. Thanks for the reminder of what's important.

Jeff

Lost my Dad 31 yrs ago this August, still miss him.
It'll get better as time goes by.
As for the safari. There wil be others.
Thanks for making me think about my Daddy this morning, he was a very good man.

Extremely unfortunate. You can make the trip up but not the time you'll get with your dad.

Life gets in the way of a lot of plans for the right reasons (time to reflect, take care of family) and wrong (ex-wife, etc.) Sorry for your loss. Take your father in your heart on your next trip

I know how you are feeling. I lost my father a year ago. While he was not a hunter, we took a week fishing trip to Canada for 33 straight years. We were very close and this made his loss a little tougher. However as time passes it does get easier and then memories just help as time goes on. Just keep in mind how blest we were to be good friends and keep close through the time you have left together.

Sept. 21, 1997 was probably the worst day of my life. You learn to live on, but what a hole it leaves in your life when you lose your Dad. Thoughts are with you.

Never ever fun. Luckily I still have both mom and dad but I love 4 family members in 18 months and that was rough. One was in his twenties and died of cancer. That was brutal to watch and see and try and understand. I agree; sometimes we live through the reports and optimism of others; or at least I do.

Sorry about your Dad, spend as much time with him as possible, you will not regret it.

Lost my dad 6 years ago. He said "as long as you are out there doing what you do Dave, I will always be living through you, my son. Think of me as you live, remember our time together, and make sure to live a good, decent, and GODLY life so we can be together again when your time is done"
I remember that everyday, and want to pass that wonderful advice along to you.
Leave NOTHING unsaid....

I took my Dad to Chewore South in 2006. He still talks about it. I would take him again but not sure he can make the plane ride again. My Dad took me hunting from as early in life as I can remember. He always made sure I had a gun, ammo, and a place to hunt for something as I grew up. I loathe the day when it comes my time to endure this particular life experience. But as my Dad has always told me...death is as much a part of life as life itself. My condolences!!!

The best call Jeff, tomorrow we leave to go duck hunting for a few days, when i am standing in the pre dawn chill with my GSP quivering at my side with anticipation i'll be sure to tip my cap to you and your Dad

Good choice. Went to see my dad last weekend, not doing good at all. Kinda felt like when I shook his hand it was the last time I would.

Tough decsion but the right decision and one most of us will be faced with one day... remember your Dad as he lived, not the last few months. Best wishes to get through this experience as well as one can.

I owe more to my Dad than I can ever express. I miss him.

The times he took me hunting or fishing will live in my memory forever. I was more excited to do these trips with Dad than with any Christmas.

Thanks for giving me this moment to reflect on what is really important in life.

All the best

My condolences . I know how you feel I lost my Dad In May 2009. He seemed to be doing OK then took a turn for the worse right before I was scheduled to leave. I canceled a Elephant hunt to Zimbabwe when that happened even though my family urged me to go, very happy I did . Good luck on your next hunt.

Jeff,

Our condolences. Like most here, my dad started me hunting early on and effectively ruined me for more genteel pursuits for the rest of my life. He was a "local" hunter only, with no real desire to travel overseas...an all-expense-paid shooting expedition to France in '44 was all the world travel he'd cared for...

Regardless, he was very interested as the She-Wolf and I made our preparations to go on our first safari in '95, and I was looking forward to sharing the stories and photos of our adventure as soon as we returned. That plan never made it to fruition, however...on our last evening in camp a lorry rolled in from Bulawayo with the driver bearing word that Daddy had fallen over dead from a massive heart attack. As we weren't terribly far outside of Hwange, our PH drove me to the Baobab Hotel where I placed a middle-of-the-night transatlantic call back home to my Mother.

On the drive into town, as the realization of the news began to sink in, I lamented the fact that I wouldn't ever have the opportunity to tell Daddy about all the wonders we'd seen, the things we'd experienced, the people we'd met. It was then that a real sense of peace settled over me...Daddy already KNEW what I'd seen, what I'd done, who I'd met...and I suspect he was smiling.

I still hear Daddy's voice whenever I'm afield; as clear as if he was standing beside me.

Mark

I am very sorry to hear about your fathers being ill.

Although sad in a sense, this thread is a great tribute to fathers who have played such a major part of our lives.

Time is the most valuable asset we have......

Memories reopened, the last time I saw my Old Man was thirty-six years ago, when he dropped me off at Youngsfield to start the long journey to rejoin my unit and then onwards for another stint in Northern Namibia and environs.
Jeff H, make the most of whatever time you have.

Sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine, and my father in law, within 3 weeks of each other, six years ago. Spend the time that you have left with him. You can always go back to Africa.

I lost my Dad over twelve years ago. I still miss him. We were each others best friends. He was a squirrel and rabbit hunter, never cared much for big game hunting, but took me when I was a kid, and went with me when he didn't need to or want to. Still miss him, but remember, you can be that for somebody else. The memories will help ease the pain. Next year will be here before you know it.
Bfly.

Jeff,

I'm sorry to hear about your father. You made the right choice. I lost mine last year and it was tough. I wish the best to both of you.

George

It is tough no matter how long you have to prepare for it....Dad was "dying" for 16 months before passing and the last words he said was "I love you'Nita" to my mom....had six months to prepare for Mom and the the last words she said wee "I love you son....take care of your boys".....it is never easy!

My father passed just over 20 years ago. I grew up fishing and hunting with him though he never got to Africa. He also never got the retirement cabin that he had been dreaming of...simply because he was just too busy making sure his son had a roof over his head, a cheap car to drive, and a rather expensive higher education. His effort made my life possible and every time I wake up to see the African sunrise or ducks skimming the lake up in Canada, I think of him and how much he IS enjoying it.

Thank you for your encouraging words. Kind of nice that people that don't know each other, but have hunting in common would be so kind.
Bless you.

Jeff,

Sorry to hear about your Dad but cherish the times you have with him. My Dad died when I was 16 just as I was getting to know him as an adult and I've always felt that loss.

My heartfelt sympathy to you and yours.

Mark

Jeff.
This has been a good post and think it good that you shared with all of us your decision that demonstrates loyalty and honor to your father. There have been some great thoughts shared by the AR members that reflects the character of men and women who are hunters.
I want to thank you for posting your decision that give us the catalyst to share about our parents who formed our fabric. Lots of heart warming posts.
I want to thank you for your kindness tin behalf of the Game Rangers in Zambia.
You are fortunate to be with your dad in these hours.
Elton

jeff h , right decision , hang in there ...take the time to reflect on ten years of magnificent trips and likely there will be more coming, in my prayers ..