Moo!

Recently I was cooking dinner for my family. I was basking in the smell of hamburger. Real hamburger. From a cow.

We usually have a freezer full of elk burger.Even though, every time I go to the grocery store and watch people buying hamburger for $2.99/lb., I am thankful for my elk, I still yearn for the familiar taste of beef.

And lately, beef it has been!

Happy day for me.

Sad day for Kendon.

This year Kendon didn't hunt elk. Much of his time off was "scheduled" for him with Sirri's medical emergency and his tonsillectomy. So, the hunt was off.

And as thrilled as I am that I get to eat beef this year, I also feel a sadness and void for what has been missing this season for Kendon.

Kendon lives for this time of year. When the Elk begin their rut Kendon is filled with an excitement that is visible. Every year when he pulls his camo out of storage he has an extra bounce in his step. When Kendon hears an elk bugle it speaks to his heart. When he tells a new hunting success story every year and you hear the spark in his voice, you would think it was his first.

Kendon is passionate about his hunting. And this passion is one of the things that first attracted me to him.

So, every time I am eating beef I will try to remember that Kendon's loss and sacrifice is responsible for my gain.

Next year hon. Next year.

Kendon's favorite quote:

"When we can no longer draw bows, when sinew has shrunk and bone gone brittle; we will hunt in our dreams, because hunting is part of our souls."