[Harold Pickens]

Woke up Christmas Eve morning to 2 whining setters wanting to go outside. I had hoped to sleep in until 7:00, but got up at 6:00. A pot of coffee, a plate of Christmas cookies, and the new Parker Pages awaited.
Mills, do not let anyone give you grief about taking young Mills hunting. I have few memories of my father, but most involve me tagging along hunting with him--rabbits, pheasant, and squirrels. He died when I was but 8 yrs old of the big C. He was on his death bed that Christmas, when he gave me a Daisy BB gun. Although he could not get out of bed, he made me memorize and recite the Daisy rules of safe shooting before I could take my new treasure outside. We lived on a 200 acre dairy farm, so I had lots of room to roam.
He actually stopped breathing that day, but they were able to revive him and he lived but a few days more. I have fond memories of that day as he tried to instill proper gun handling and safety in me. My younger brother has few memories of our father, as he was only 2.
Mills, your son will treasure that time with you. My son is 25, and just took a new position of head tennis pro back home where I live. He wants to go hunting during the muzzle loader season on my farm in Ohio, so he will carry my muzzle loader and I will "bird dog" around the farm hoping to move something to him. I cant wait.

Merry Christmas to all my new Parker friends.
Harold