Lunker (original publication 2008)
A little less than two years ago, Samuel Josiah entered my world. My wife and I, married only two years, considered children as a future possibility. Possibility transformed into reality. In late July, we brought home our son. Remarkable in so many ways, that day is forever a connection between generations. Samuel shares his grandfather's birthday. As my son grows, I find myself recalling my own childhood, the years spent running from chores, hiding from helping my father out of the sheer curiosity to explore the wilderness surrounding our home. My father, it seemed, preferred the tasks of fixing broken appliances, replacing worn parts on yard implements, or fabricating some new table, chair or jewelry box for a family member in his wood shop. Thirty some years under my belt and I regret the times I whisked away into the country side hunting for May-apples, wild black berries, and deer sign. Despite the wealth of knowledge he held in open hand, proffering for
