Ginger's story

"I'm writing a story," she said. "Would you like to hear it?" She was sitting on the couch with her laptop, and I was watching an episode of Northwoods Law. I was a little surprised but answered, "of course," and turned away from the television.

What follows is Ginger's story - in her own words.

"Well it's here - again. Deer hunting season. I know this because bags of corn have appeared at our back door. I've also seen a box that contains a new ground blind in our hobby room. Now, in Dan's defense, I knew he wanted a new ground blind, but it's just another thing. To him, it's like me getting another pair of black shoes or a great new ball of yarn.

"I do love the outdoors, and fall is my favorite season. I love the crispness in the air, the smell of a wood fire and the change in the trees. I make it a point to go driving in the mountains to see the brilliant colors. In fact, I planned a trip to visit my son in Colorado this fall so I could also experience the color changes in the Aspen trees. So I can truly understand how Dan loves to sit in the autumn woods and hunt.

"I've heard him say many times that he doesn't need to kill anything; he just enjoys being in the outdoors.

"When I think of the outdoors, I also think of mosquitoes, spider webs and snakes. I think of Bigfoot. I can honestly say that I don't particularly enjoy walking through the woods, but I will do it - if I have to.

"Around our house, the anticipation of the deer hunting season builds over the long, hot summer, and now - here it is. It doesn't matter that it's still 92 degrees. Sitting in a tree is fun. I smile knowing that it brings him such great delight. In the time that we have been married, hunting is something that Dan has also shared with his family and many friends.

"I think it is great that some husbands and wives hunt together, and I know that there are ladies that go deer hunting by themselves. I am not one of them. I did mention to Dan, in a moment of weakness, that I would go hunting with him on our land near Paxville and give it a try. I know he is going to hold me to it because he has already asked me when I wanted to go.

"Like many other wives, I know the deer hunting season puts the long 'honey do' list on hold. The day is pretty much gone because he wakes up very early and is tired when he gets back home.

"But it is a season for me, too! It doesn't take me long to find my groove on the weekends, by myself. I enjoy watching college football. The cooler weather gets me in the mood to knit. I love to curl up with a good book and read. I recently found the art of binging on whole seasons of television shows that I didn't see the first go round. So my dog Buster and I will have plenty to do."

She stopped here and said, "That's all I've got right now, and I know I need to end it. I think I know what else I need to say."

After a few minutes, she tapped out the words, then read me her ending.

"I know that God made us all different, and that's a good thing. Sometimes I give Dan a hard time about hunting. I love to joke with him about it. But, if truth be told, I'm glad he can do something he truly enjoys. He puts his heart and soul into the outdoors. He enjoys sharing stories with everyone, and he makes me proud.

"Well folks, it is here. Are you ready?"

Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.