The last step!
Gentlemen/ladies, and youngsters

There are five stages of human life, and all but one step will automatically transition, into the next as one grows older! The last step is a one that only humans seem aware of, so we see the various steps coming long before they actually arrive, and understand the result of all of them except that last one! The last one is simply a mystery that nobody returns from to tell us if there is anything past that step we think of as the last one. The last one being our demise! It seems some think they have the answer to this last step’s outcome, but I’m not one who does, or even thinks he does, I just accept the fact that it is inevitable.

The first step is as a child where he learns from his parents!

The second is when he learns as much from older people as he does from his own mistakes.

The third is when he “IS” the older person who teaches all those in the first two steps of life.

The fourth step is when he has exhausted what he is able to teach further, and returns to learning from people who are younger and has learned everything you know, and has added what he himself has learned by his own mistakes just like you did.

Now the only thing you are sure of is the LAST STEP, your uselessness, and impending demise

I fear this is the stage I’ve come to, and feel a little burned out, and have decided to sit in blinds, fishing boats, and around campfires with my kids, and grand kids, and enjoy what is left of my life, and turn the torch over to those who can walk all day on a spoor, pack 50 pounds of meat out of the mountains, and see the sights on his rifle, and has something worth teaching to younger people!

I’ve let my passport expire, dropped all my memberships in hunting clubs, and remove myself from participating in discussions on the internet and place myself in the lurking club, for my entertainment.

Many things in life are inevitable, and one of the last is the step where one finally realizes his race has been run, and his usefulness comes to an end.

I write this because I have completed all the steps save the last one, but at my age being in my 74th year, that step is likely not far in the future.

It’s been a good run, but has ceased to be fun anymore, so I think I’ll sit out for a while!

Sounds like you just need to go on early season elephant hunt so you can get your mojo back.

Mac,

Many of us, myself included, still learn much from your posts here on AR. There is wisdom as well as knowledge, and you have both. You'd be doing us all a favor if you continued to contribute from time to time.

Sincerely,

Mac,

I'd love to sit by your fire and spin yarns with you some day.

Mac I am such a dumb shit ,I need you around for at least 10 more years.Thank you all that you have shared with us.

JD

Mac,

I'm 60, my turkey hunting buddy is 83...we will be hunting turkeys in NM in 2 months. We enjoy everything about the hunt... the birds, the campfire, the excitement of calling one (even if my buddy misses, which is often)...and the sundowners.

I've learned much from him and you...keep sharing your knowledge and enjoy everyday.

Mac,

What ever you decide is fine with me. But you do have a level head and your contributions here are usually well thought out and reasonable and most importantly you are always a gentleman in your responces. Hope you continue to share your thoughts with us.

465H&H

Damn dude, you sound just like my dad right after he was diagnosed with lung cancer 18 months ago at 68. He had successful surgery and is now preparing for a month long backpacking trip. Take a breather and come back ready for action (and renew your passport- you never know when a good deal will come up on an elephant hunt).

quote:

and have decided to sit in blinds, fishing boats, and around campfires with my kids, and grand kids, and enjoy what is left of my life, and turn the torch over to those who can walk all day on a spoor, pack 50 pounds of meat out of the mountains, and see the sights on his rifle,

While in the blinds, boats and around the campfires, those around you will still learn from a master.

Mac,

I'm somewhere between the second and third steps in your continuum, although I'm starting to learn from younger folks, like my son. Learning from someone you thought you taught is not humbling as one might expect -- just the opposite.

My father is just your age. He taught me how to hunt, how to shoot and basically how to live. I continue to learn a lot from him. Yes, he moves a little slower than he used to, and can't walk quite as far, or strain as hard. But, I've learned a lot because of that as well.

I've learned to move a bit slower (see more, hunt more thoroughly), easier ways to do things without getting a hernia, etc. Amazing how much effort we waste when we have the ability. He's still got a lot to teach -- and I hope I've got a lot of years to learn from him.

You've got a lot to teach as well. I've enjoyed reading your posts over the years. Learned a lot, too. And don't forget the learning part. Learning something new from someone you taught is a thrill.

Hang in there. Don't stay on the sidelines too long. Hope to hear more from you soon.

AR would be remiss without you sir...stay hooked.

quote:

While in the blinds, boats and around the campfires, those around you will still learn from a master.

I don't post much around here, do a lot of lurking. But I also don't have the knowledge you have either. I've enjoyed your posts here and in other places, I'll hope you'll change your mind and continue to contribute.

But if you don't, well I guess you should just know you'll be missed.

Mac,
buddy,I"ve enjoyed every time that we have shared camp together,you sir are a man I deeply respect!!!
you are right about a lot of what you say,but nowhere is there a written rule to just sit by and accept the last step of this life you will excuse me if I am telling you what to do,but I am selfish and want to share camp with you again and look forward to it,now get of your butt and get a move on,you have a friend here in Michigan who will welcome you with open arms anytime you feel like visiting

You will be missed. I enjoyed your posts and comments.

Mac,

It has been a pleasure to know you on the forums and to have met you in person.

Please drop in from time to time.

quote:

It’s been a good run, but has ceased to be fun anymore, so I think I’ll sit out for a while!

Hey, old man, don't be giving us that crap. You have a hell of a lot more work to do here on AR.

I'll let you know when you can retire.

Wishing you the very best of regards, Bill.

All the best to you, whether you are here posting with us or enjoying time with your family.

I always though the first step was the doozey?!

All the best,

Baxter (still on the second step)

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
I’ve let my passport expire, dropped all my memberships in hunting clubs, and remove myself from participating in discussions on the internet and place myself in the lurking club, for my entertainment.

Many things in life are inevitable, and one of the last is the step where one finally realizes his race has been run, and his usefulness comes to an end.

That makes me feel bad because you have always been a real gentleman. I sure wish you the best in everything and I hope good times are in store.

Mac: Whatever you decide to do, you sure have a hell of a lot of friends here on AR! You'll be in our thoughts, and if you change your mind and decide to join us occasionally, we'll all be honored!

Mac, I sure hate to see you go. I have learned a lot about double rifles and African hunting from your posts, and I enjoyed meeting you at DSC a couple of times. I hope you reconsider, but if not, take good care and enjoy your AR retirement.

Well said. From "burnout" came the Phoenix. We'll be waiting for you. Jim

Mac,

Thank you, I've learned so much from you,and could use some more help...YOU ARE A TRUE WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE... very best wishes,sincerely, Butch

Take it you will not be joining me on the Flats?

Go well old man and in ten years time when you are really bored with that family stuff then come to the Luangwa again. The door is always open mate.

Mac one of my clients shot his first buffalo at age 77, i reckon that 74 is far to young to throw in the towel!!

Mac, don't quit own us or yourself. You have years to go, and many more pigs to shoot.

There are many of us here on AR that are selfish and do not want to lose your friendship and inter-action with you.

All the best,

Keith

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
Many things in life are inevitable, and one of the last is the step where one finally realizes his race has been run, and his usefulness comes to an end.

To borrow a phrase........BOLLOCKS!!!!! I too hope to see you around AR as AR will be diminished without your presence!

Brett

mac

this is not okay, since you and i have not shared a campfire yet, and i will be in texas soon (actually this spring)

get a cup of coffe, and hang back a bit, but dont quit untill you be carryed out with your boots on.

best

peter

Mac,

Thanks for what you've shared with me via PM and on AR. I had zero experience with nor knowledge of double rifles when I came to AR, but I now own a DR and have learned some and hope to learn much more. I credit your posts with providing a great deal of what I now know about DRs.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

Get a grip man and take Prozac if you are going through a midlife crisis.

Gonna speak to my Nganga in Luangwa about this bad spirit and see what he has to say about all this nonsense. However he will insist you send him something you wear in order to rid you of the curse.

I was gong to let this one slide into the sunset but after reading everyone else posts I"m jumping in.

I'm 57 so take this as you will from a youngin' but I can tell you this.

My grandfather died at 97 and he contributed to the knowledge that made me what I am.

My father lived to 87 and he contributed more than anyone in making me the man I am.

Please don't take this advise from a mere 57 year old as having any value but I can tell you that I have learned from my elders and I hate like heck to see them vanish.

My Grandfather and father are gone.

Contribute when you feel up to it.

Mac, Unless there is something your not telling us ( I pray its not!!!) The last time I saw you about a month ago you were healthy as a horse. You were showing no signs of needing to "sit out"! You can become a hermit all year long but when DRSS rolls around, if we have to come drag you out by your ear then thats what we will do!!!! It would not be the same without you there and I feel everyone else would agree!!

Mac, your camp fire has not burnt out yet, please throw a few more logs into it and stay with us!

As Shoeless Joe was addressed, "Say it ain't so!"

I'm with the below opinion. We're coming to get you next year.

quote:

Originally posted by Mississippian:
Mac, Unless there is something your not telling us ( I pray its not!!!) The last time I saw you about a month ago you were healthy as a horse. You were showing no signs of needing to "sit out"! You can become a hermit all year long but when DRSS rolls around, if we have to come drag you out by your ear then thats what we will do!!!! It would not be the same without you there and I feel everyone else would agree!!

Mac, I don't know you, but that you can write clearly about your feelings is a wonderful gift, not to be hidden from us! I am sure that you still have much wisdom and life experiences to share with us all. My Dad is now 83. He is my best friend and hunting partner. At 81 he helped me drag antelope in Wyoming for miles. He is physically as healthy as a horse, but has had dememtia for about 5 years. I have to help him to complete sentences, remember names and how to get places. He comes to my work once or twice a week to have lunch. Mom tells me that it is the best part of his week. We eat and I listen to the same story as last time we met. I wouldn't trade these times for anything and I am fearful for his eventual passing. All of this to encourage you to stay involved. It sounds to me like many here on these fourms will miss your contributions! May God bless you! Gary

mac you sound like you have the winter doldrums, not hard to get this year. cheer up you have obama care now you know get out of the house, grab a gun and go shoot a crat

I knew that when ever I would see your post or reply common sense and wisdom made it's way into the thread. I'll respect your wishes but hope to see your posts in the future.

Dutch

We youngsters (I'm 51) still have much to learn .Dont put out that fire yet please

SSR

Mac, I've learned a lot about double rifles from you, thank you, God bless you.