I was introduced to hunting and the great outdoors late in 1998, by the man who would eventually become my husband. I did not grow up hunting or fishing, but I certainly did not oppose either. I was open-minded, eager and curious. When my relationship began with my then-boyfriend, an avid hunter and sportsman, my motivation was to spend time with him, understand his world and his passion and see where it took me. I was not sure what the future held, but as time passed and our relationship developed, hunting and the outdoors became the center of our life, not just his. I learned quickly that this was far more than a hobby or a sport, but also a lifestyle. One that I am proud to call my own.

A whole new world opened up for me. Everything from boating, fishing, scalloping and lobstering to hunting hog and deer during gun season, hunting with our dogs, archery, muzzloading, still-hunting and riding our 4-wheelers. I learned to find utter joy from walking and riding in the woods, and taking the time to observe nature: the sunrise, the sunset, the moon, the wind, the air, the trees, the rain, the extreme Florida heat and even what we Floridians call the cold. I've been taught to appreciate the trees, the flowers, the deer, the hogs, and the turkeys. I've learned to cook deer and hog meat, and even squirrel and quail. I know my camo. I know how to worm dogs and check them for ticks. I know how to use a CB radio and 4-wheel drive. The list goes on and on, but these are a few of my favorite things.

My husband, Bo, was killed in a car accident a little over a mile from our hunting camp in Perry, Florida, on August 20, 2004. He was 30 years old.

Bo left me with many gifts; not just the materialistic kind, but the very best kind, the ones you can't see or touch. There are far too many gifts to name, however, one of the best gifts Bo gave me is the gift of hunting and the outdoors. Hunting and the outdoors are not only about harvesting game. It's also about family and friends. It's about camaraderie, story-telling and making memories. It's about silence, peace and solitude. It's about feeling renewed and refreshed. It's about learning and teaching. It's about awareness and appreciation. It's about the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

I do not know what my future now holds without Bo by my side. I do not know how hunting and the outdoors will fit into my life without Bo. I do I hope that as time passes, the pain will subside some, and I can find peace in the woods again, with Bo in my heart.

Bo, Thank you for this wonderful gift. I will cherish it always and I will find ways to honor you and this gift, for the rest of my life. I love you and miss you. Rest in peace.
Love your wife, Andrea