This is not about hunting but involves a Canadian. When I am not out hunting, I make a living as a paramedic. A little while ago we were called out on a subject in cardiac arrest. It turned out to be one of your countrymen who was in his mid 50's. He had no pulse and was not breathing. His friends started CPR (which likely saved his life so go take a class and learn how to do it!). We defibrillated him and gave some cardiac drugs to stabilize his rhythm. His pulses came back after one shock and after a few minutes he started breathing on his own. Shortly thereafter he reached up and took the airway out of his mouth (he recovered so fast that we did not even intubate him). Upon arriving at the hospital he was making purposeful movements. At this point in time it looks like he will make a full recovery. I love my job on days like this. I hope he is a hunter and that he gets his deer/bear/elk/ or whatever he likes to hunt this next season. And I hope he takes his kids with him when goes. I didn't write this looking for any accalades or approval but to stress how important each day is and that missing an opportunity to take your children fishing, hunting, camping, etc may be the loss of a lifetime. So, go hug the wife, and take some family time with those that you love.
And learn how to do CPR.

congrats!!!!!!!!!! you just made a family's christmas a happy one

I know what you mean mustbhuntn, my grandfather is on his last leg in the hospital and probably won't make it another week, maybe.

This past summer we went on a 4 day fishing trip up to The Pas on father's day, he said it was the best fathers day ever as we sat fishing for walleye on the Saskatchewan River. A tear still comes to his eye whenever he recalls the memories or looks at the pictures of our catch for the day.

I will surely miss my grandfather, especially our fishing trips....at least the memories will last forever, I am glad I took the time and didn't put it off till next year, if I had we both would have missed out.

Just like Mustbhuntn said, get out there into God's great wilderness, and for your's and your children's sake...take them with you. The memories last FOREVER!

Good for you Mustbhuntin!I know what you mean,I'm headed for Vancouver Sunday for a chemo procedure,I have had a nasty cancer for the last 4 years.If things don't work out right,I'll know that I hunted as hard as I could,as much as I could,right up til the last day of the season.Could'nt find the buck I wanted,but that didn't matter at all,I was out there doing it,and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more.If this procedure doesn't work out,and I can't hunt anymor I'll still have that.Merry Christmas to you and Yours!!,Cheers,Monashee

That was a great story, mustbhuntn! Thanks for sharing it. I was a little depressed after reading the National Post article posted in another discussion, and your story cheered me right up.

Hi: My brother does the same job. He never makes a big deal about this stuff but i know that like you he has made a big difference to a lot of families. Well Done and all the Best to you and yours.