An English class essay assignment by Jason Collins, Columbia, as told by James Willis, 1997

Uncle James is a great outdoors man, and the other day he told me about his first hunting trip. "it was Saturday," he said, "and I was at my grandfather's house. My uncle hollered down from upstairs and said he was going hunting. After what seemed like hours of begging and pleading, he finally said, yes, I could go too. I immediately ran and got my BB gun and told him I was ready."

"After the short walk, we entered the majestic woods full of all types of creatures. As we walked looking for our game, my uncle pointed out different types of trees and animals. It was impossible for me to remember all this information in one trip, but this first trip led to several more. This first trip was an amazing one. Even with our talking, we still brought home thirteen squirrels.

"We arrived back at the house at dark. I was going to run on home, but my uncle grabbed me and said, You helped kill 'em; you help clean 'em.' So I ended up staying and watching him clean the first few. Then he handed me the knife and told me to get with it. I worked and worked but could not get one cleaned, so he came over and helped me."

Uncle James told me that the greatest experience he ever had was squirrel hunting with his own nephews. He said it thrills him to see a young kid look up to him. I began to leave, and when I looked back, I saw a tear in Uncle James's eye.

(The above article is reprinted with permission from Broomsedge Chronicles of Western Kentucky University. Dr. Loretta Martin Murrey Publisher. Booksmay be obtained by contacting Dr. Murrey at the WKU Glasgow Campus.)