huntersdaughter Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 I just wanted to tell you all what an honor it was to meet you. Each and every person was truly phenomenal. I wanted to also let you know, for those of you who were with Kaeden, how much I appreciate the kindness and patience that you showed him. He is still talking about what a great time that he had and is on the countdown until next year. You all made that little man's year. And to Scott and Leo, I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you, my heart has no bottom. You both went above and beyond the call of duty for my family. When my 9 month old baby was having seizures and needed to be sent to a town 2 1/2 hours from here, I was having a hard time finding a sitter for my 2 yo daughter. Scott graciously offered to watch her so I could leave. Not many people would do that...especially those of you who know our Ella. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. I am still, literally, without words. I know that you identified with my situation and your kind words and the genuine concern in your eyes were very comforting. Your kids are very lucky to have you as a dad. You obviously are fantastic. Then there is Leo. There are not very many people who come into your lives that make a strong impression, but this man did. I am not one to cry easily, but I bawled the day he left. You are the most tender hearted, down to earth, caring, talented individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am glad that you all made it home safely. I am sure that everyone that slept in that tent was extremely happy to be back in their own beds. Until next year, my new friends, be well. All the best, Randean Klindt PS: Kaeden says hi, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 It was definately all my honor in being there for this get together. Steve surely has one special family indeed. That little blondie you have for a little girl is a cutie for sure and Kaeden is a young man that is going to have one heck of an impacton the the hunting world ... ;) Your mom and dad, well I think we all know how special they both are... :cool: All I can say is THANK-YOU for letting us be part of your family even if it was for a short time .. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 That's really cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 That's really cool. Yep, very cool. wtg Scott and Leo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Dang,......I got goosebumps reading that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Randean; Since the first time I met your Mother and Father two years ago they have been in my thoughts and prayers. They are two of the kindest, honest, and genuinely open hearted people I have ever met. Their willingness to open up their lives for the sake of others is second to none. When I think of them I ALWAYS smile. I sincerely hope that God watches over them and your family, especially your little guy Bridger who will be getting alot of extra prayers said in his behalf. I've always felt that no one can understand the meaning of the word Love until they become a parent, the feelings and emotions that are stirred in us by our children are generated by nothing else. The Love that God has for us is more than we'll ever comprehend. Thank-You for letting my Son and I be a part of your family, albeit for only a few days. P.S...........................I still think you need a new hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Randean, It was an honor and pleasure to meet you and your young family. Your kindness and respect did not go unnoticed. Your words to me on my success were heartfelt. Young Kaeden was not a bother at all. He is a good kid and you could not help but notice his enthusiasm for wanting to be like the big guys. I was impressed with his ability to know the way and lead his good buddy Randy O. and his dad to the ranch. Your father was most surprised and impressed, as well. He was disappointed that he couldn't come along with us in the bad weather, but he took it like the little MAN he is...I have a feeling I know where his thoughts were on his first day of school this past week... It was quite the week for emotions for me. From the excitement and joy of surprising Buckee and meeting the rest of the gang to the sadness I felt when I left on Thursday morning. There was the joy in celebrating the success of those who got their antelope. Especially, JJL's son. Joe arrowed his first big game animal making his father most proud. I gave Joe a bowhunter pin for his accomplishment and the look in that young man's eyes was priceless. There certainly was happiness and joy as we sat and swapped lies on the hunt around the supper table and after. The news of baby Bridger having another seizure hit hard and was most concerning to all of us. Didn't seem fair to the little guy who just went through having tubes put in his tiny ears. In comforting your wonderful mother I felt the same compassion that I felt for being there in the first place. Being there for each other in many more ways than you could imagine. Who knew that it would test us like it did? Your words for Scott and Leo are most touching and could not have been said any better. These two have found my heart also. You could not meet two nicer guys. Scott Hughes is certainly a gentleman and a great representative of the good guys. He went above and beyond for everyone on this hunt, big time! Your little sweetheart, Ella, was in good hands with him. I met Leo on the plane from Denver and immediately formed a friendship. To hear his story and what he went through to even be here for this hunt was a miracle. Definitely a talented individual in many ways. He kept me in stitches with his great sense of humor and right on the money analogies on life. To see him suffer from the pain of losing his dog was again, another emotion. Especially, after the joy of watching him absolutely smoke his antelope from 47 yards in a steady rain. This whole experience has been a godsend for me. To be with people just like me who share the passion for the hunt and compassion for each other. It was never more evident at any time in my life. I certainly took away a lot more than an antelope from Wyoming. That was just strawberries on the shortcake...Then when Buckee came through and got his beautiful buck...well, that was the whipped cream! Thanks Randean, Mike PS.. Print this out for your little man, Kaeden. He certainly looks up to Randy Oitker! Randy Oitker Scott Hughes Leo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Dang,......I got goosebumps reading that! me too and the I read on......and got more! Great post all:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Randean, I still have pull myself together after a very hard welcome home. I'm glad that Bridger is OK. Ella pegged me in the first 30 seconds I met her. She came up to me and said, "I love you Big Guy." After that is was "Big Guy!" "Big Guy" Well I was pretty much done for then. She did like sitting in my lap and playing with Microsoft paint. She was laughing so hard I was afraid she was going to puke. Maybe Kaedon is still mad at me for not trading him the jacket I won in the drawing for a hat he won. A jacket that fits me I made add (Which for me is a tough item to find). It would have looked like a full length camo evening dress on him. Thanks to you and Rilda for putting up with my guitar playing and caterwalling. I'm so glad Jeff brought the guitars. I wish I had had the time to show him some bar chord tricks. I honestly slept better in the wall tent than I do at home sometimes. That was no hardship to me whatsoever. I still have to put together all my thoughts and pictures for this trip. Randean, I know it was a hard good-bye for you but trust me when I say you and your family touched me as deeply. The sentiment is most assuredly reciprocated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 Woooow.... I'm speachless..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbeck Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 Nice, we sure do have some good people in here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyohunter Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 K is a great kid, i spent saturday with him and the " randy's" he is wise for his years......hope the other kiddo is doing better too...thanks from all of us, and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 What a wonderful story to read....goes to show Realtree has some awesome people. I cannot wait until the day I can meet up with a bunch of Realtree-ers for a hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 It was a real shame that so much, was going on in your lives, when we all arrived. I wish I could have talked a bit with you Randean, but I was there in the sidelines. Kaeden is one awesome young man. He sure impressed more than just a few of us, with his shooting and knowledge. Randy Oitker better watch out for Kaeden stealing his show someday....LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pendog Posted September 15, 2008 Report Share Posted September 15, 2008 Sounds like alot of memories, great reading about all of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Realtree Posted September 15, 2008 Report Share Posted September 15, 2008 Thanks for the post and kind words Randean. I don't think anyone stepping into your parent's house last week would have done anything less. The timing could not have been worse for your family, yet you were all so accommodating and patient. I also saw last week (and in these threads) what makes these forums special. S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted September 15, 2008 Report Share Posted September 15, 2008 Randean, Though I was not able to make it out on the antelope hunt, I have been praying for little Bridger and for a quick recovery. I'll never forget meeting Kaeden two years ago on my elk hunt, he certainly leaves a big impression on whoever he meets! We're praying for your family and tell Kaeden Dakota says hi! Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyoitker1 Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Randean, I had a great time spending time with your kids. I like working with Kaeden and holding little Bridger was fun.I hope he is doing better. Your family has always treated me like I was part of your family. I think that your mom liked riding in my car! I had a good time just taking Rilda on errands. I hope everyone is doing okay and hope to see everyone again. Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aksheephuntress Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Randean, I had a great time spending time with your kids. I like working with Kaeden and holding little Bridger was fun.I hope he is doing better. Your family has always treated me like I was part of your family. I think that your mom liked riding in my car! I had a good time just taking Rilda on errands. I hope everyone is doing okay and hope to see everyone again. Randy ...This was a truly amazing trip, and hunt, with so many people to thank.....I don't know where to start; and I am excited to see so many threads, and pictures, from everyone that was there....-I had no idea how out-of-the -loop I have been, having just been able to log on and actually read anything here, until today... -I feel compelled to post a few precious pictures, Randy, of Kaeden waiting for you at 4:45 or so, in the morning, so he can go hunting with you and your dad, and his PaPaw.... ...Kaedan waiting for Randy.... .......Randy with Kaedan, and little sister...SteveB's garage, after a long day of hunting... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Figures Randy would be sleeping again .. :D Kaeden, surely had enough energy for all of us... what special little boy he is.. Great pictures Kathleen .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 i just have to add a story i still haven't shared. randy o, his dad, wyo hunter, and others were hunting one ranch, and i was on another. my ranch was about 7 miles away. my ranch was also about 7 miles by 8 1/2 miles wide. lots of land. well, along comes a vehicle behind me, and i want to see who is out on this land where i'm supposed to be alone. lots of poachers, as you might guess. well, there's kaeden and the otheres. seems they wanted to hunt elsewhere, and kaeden said "i don't know left from right, but i can tell you where to turn". and, the adults listened. and on that big ranch far away, they actually found me. heck, at 61 years old, i doubt if i can do that...!!! kaeden will be a guide some day.... those who hunted with me on this ranch know the odds of him finding me better than anyone else. and it has nothing to do with my "texan" post.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 "i don't know left from right, but i can tell you where to turn".I remember hearing that story from Randy and his Dad..LOL. He sure is one smart young man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 This is a total joy just reading all that went on in WY! You will never forget a trip like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 i just have to add a story i still haven't shared. randy o, his dad, wyo hunter, and others were hunting one ranch, and i was on another. my ranch was about 7 miles away. my ranch was also about 7 miles by 8 1/2 miles wide. lots of land. well, along comes a vehicle behind me, and i want to see who is out on this land where i'm supposed to be alone. lots of poachers, as you might guess. well, there's kaeden and the otheres. seems they wanted to hunt elsewhere, and kaeden said "i don't know left from right, but i can tell you where to turn". and, the adults listened. and on that big ranch far away, they actually found me. heck, at 61 years old, i doubt if i can do that...!!! kaeden will be a guide some day.... those who hunted with me on this ranch know the odds of him finding me better than anyone else. and it has nothing to do with my "texan" post.... Yep, I was there. Steve was very surprised when a truck pulled up behind us. "Hey! That's Randy and Kaeden. How did they find us." We were on literally 10s of 1000s of acres. Kaeden has a built in GPS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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