The Scientist

Thanksgiving.

My favorite holiday.

The holidays are changing with every year. The older I get, the more that reality seems to get in the way and take away some of the magic and sparkle from the holiday.

Prime Example. Taylor my older sister had to work Thanksgiving Day and the day after. She couldn’t venture with us to our Grandmother’s house to celebrate with our entire extended family.

My family minus Taylor and her husband Klay.

But some traditions are not going anywhere such as my yearly deer hunt with Jimmy. This Thanksgiving and like every Thanksgiving since I left for college, I went hunting with my dad. Those of you who know me are aware that I like to be active, but this is typically inside a gym, with air condition and water fountains. Real nature is a bit more out of my element. Jordan my 10 year old buddy I was the bright eyed nanny to this summer once told me, “Shelby, no offense, but I don’t think you are a nature girl”. He told me this as we were climbing up rocks and playing in a creek…Right after I slipped and fell taking a tree with me. Clumsy.

Jimmy, the woods and me.

Pitch Black when you walk in the woods to get to the deer stand.

4:30 am until about 9 am sitting with jimmy.

The sunrise is always beautiful and makes it all worth it.

Hunt is over. Deer Stand.

Jimmy. My fearless leader.

Yes, an extreme change of scenery from my typical day. But there is something about it that is peaceful and exhilarating. I know my dad absolutely loves that I go with him to hunt, and that’s why I do it. I want nothing more to make him happy and show him how much I love him. I have never been more thankful for my supportive, loving dad. This year especially I have seen that no matter what happens or what I do in life, my Jimmy is there to help and support me in or out of the woods. 

oh just lovin me some camo and guns.

-SJP