McCreary Place, North Dakota

Maybe it was February of this year when I found the McCreary Place in North Dakota on-line.
http://www.mccrearyplace.com/index.html
What I was looking for was a place for a father and son North Dakota duck hunt. Aaron was home from Mount Bachelor Academy and the winter had run its course as far as I was concerned. Time to start thinking about fall. Aaron had heard many stories of duck hunts he had missed out on while away, and while occupied with high school football in other years.

The owner, Fred Sauby, had returned my call and gave me vivid descriptions about what to expect on his 1700 acre ranch. The refurbished farm house and land photos had my attention. Our conversation about the value of a father and son getaway had me eager to commit. Aaron agreed to be in...although he wasn't sure where he would be traveling from (he was going to be in Oregon, NJ, Maybe TX, or CO. Possibly California). I do know Aaron told Patrick "You're going with us and you ARE going to hunt ducks." (PT is a non-hunter)

What transpired next I'm not sure. Maybe it was the Mid-March career change that caused me to tell Fred I couldn't commit. Whatever it was, I didn't book the trip. By May 10th, the first of what should have been many father son extravaganzas was a non-event.

I was flipping through my list of favorites and saw "McCreary Place". My list of favorites is in cronilogical order reading the list of sites tells a story in itself. I remembered how pleasant the owner was so I sent him an email to let him know what had happened and that I often recalled our coversation where he told me how special father and son time should be.

Today I received a call from the man I've never met. Our conversation was one of comfort and assurance. You know I couldn't pick Fred out of a two person line-up, but I feel he's known me. I'm forever amazed of the people who come into my life and make a difference. Some people can't, understandably, enter into the drama of our life at the Meyer home. Others, like firefighters into a burning building, walk right in and make a difference...even if for only a little while. I believe the common trait they share with those who save people for a living is the right equipment; Faith. My faith is strengthened by the acts of brave people. In the end, that's going to be most important.

I'm going to go to North Dakota to meet Fred and see his ranch. Cathy, Patrick, Molly and Doc will make the trip too. I think there is something at the McCreary Place we should see.
In the fall, maybe Patrick will go back with Doc and me. He doesn't have to hunt, but we do have to have father and son time.

Humbly walking,

Tom