The Boy Likes Arrows!

[BigMedicine]

My 3-year-old son, whom I had hoped would be my best hunting buddy, was diagnosed with autism over a year ago.  I still have some hope that he will be able to share the excitement of elk hunting with me, but realize that my own idea of what our realationship will be like will be dictated more by him than by me.  He may never understand what I am doing in the yard flinging long colored sticks at a target...I've accepted that.

However, last night, while I was laying the orange paint to some new arrows and cresting, he stood right there by my side, looking up at the spinning shaft as I applied line after line of paint.  He was really into it!  He just stood there, one hand on me for reassurance and the other holding a great big vanilla ice-cream cone, dripping all over and smiling as the orange paint was graced with thin black and white lines.  I was very moved by this, and realize that there are other ways that I can get my son interested in archery.  Life is good.  Going for a nice fat cow on Labor Day Weekend in NW Colorado with the newly painted CX Heritage 250's.

[Izzy]

Thank god for kids!There are other members here who share the same challenges and rewards with their families.Enjoy your time with your son.
                             IZZY

[Killdeer]

Anything that connects your son to the here and now is a blessing. That it is connecting him to something you love is a true gift. Thank you for sharing your joy.

Killdeer  

[STOBBER]

COOL    .......WHAT A BLESSING!

[Shawn Leonard]

Very Nice, and their is always hope!! Shawn

[zilla]

I have a son who is severly handicapped both mentally and physically.. He loves to shoot and has been trying all his life. He bugs me to go hunting all the time.. He has his own bow but gets frustrated when he misses, which is often..  Don't give up on your son.. He can still participate, just on his own terms.

[Onestringer]

I am kind of in the same boat as you BigMedicine.  My 3 year old son had downsyndrome.  He has one of those little green Bear kids bows and he just loves to go out in the yard and try to shoot it.  I think I will try taking him hunting with me some this year.  I took our daughter when she was three, so I don't see why he can't go.  I'll just have to carry him.  Taking kids hunting is what blinds were really built for.  You are right life is good, we will get to experience many things other people won't.

Take care

Scott

[thp]

Some awesome fathers here!

[JEFF B]

that is the most touching thing i have heard and you my freind just may have yourself an arrow maker right there. way to go.        take care.

[Dave Coalter]

Love that little guy with all your heart, that's what he's doing to you.

[vermonster13]

It may take more time.patience and effort on your part, but there is very little he won't be able to so long as no one tells him he can't and you let him believe them. I believe you'll support him every step of the way and he's going to surprise you more times than you'll be able to count. Enjoy every moment, they're all precious.  

[T.J.]

Sounds like an arrowsmith in the making!