A coupla' years back, I posted about the two young fellas I was working with as a mentor. Unfortunately (for several parties!), the father decided their participation in sports was more important. I never could get him to commit to me getting any time with the boys. It really disappointed me as I was looking forward to it.
Last October, I posted about a young man that I had been buddying around with and his newly aquired Mossberg .243. He expressed an interest in learning how to load for it, so I told him I'd be glad to help him. One member donated a brand new set of .243 Lee dies and another member sent a box of .243 brass and a mess of assorted .243 factory bullets. I had the young man post a note of thanks for the dies, brass and bullets. I haven't seen him since. I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit it's rather disheartening.
A coupla' months ago, I met a young man at the 'coon club card shoot. He was there with his Dad who I had met previously. The young man is still in high school. Nice boy, hair cut, well spoken and VERY polite. "Yes Sir" when he answers you. Called me "Mr. Jim".
We got to BSin' and talkin' about fishin', huntin', shootin' and all that stuff. I gave him my name and number and told him "Call me when school lets out an' we'll go catch some fish and shoot a few ground hogs." "REALLY?!! Thank you, Sir! I'd LOVE to do that!!" I left him talkin' to his daddy an' grinnin' like a jack@$$ with a mouth full o' briars.
Honestly, I forgot about the boy. My cell just rang and it was Mason, the young man. "I'm gettin' outa' school next Thursday. Can I still go fishin' and shootin' with you?" I love to hear the excitement in a young fella's voice when he's been told he's gonna get to do something he doesn't get much chance to do.
I told him I'd give him a call first Monday of June and we'd link up. I hope that "Third time's the charm" thing kicks in for me. Wish my luck, fellas.