POSTSCRIPT
The extraordinary buck was a 23-point non-typical that later netted 183 points. I was now the proud owner of two giant bucks -- an incredible typical and a bizarre non-typical. When my guide, David Charles, arrived, he was so astonished that he could not contain his enthusiasm. David energetically shook my hand and shouted, "Holy smoke, two big bucks from the same stand, two years in a row! I cannot believe it! You are the luckiest guy I know."

Before this second trip, my friends had jokingly told me that there was no way I could ever top my luck from the previous year. Half-heartedly, I reminded them there was always the hope of someday shooting a non-typical or a drop-tine buck. Oddly enough, I had also relayed the same ambition to my wife by telling her of my desire to someday return home with a buck having an unusual rack. Obviously, someone upstairs must have been listening, because I ended up with my second "dream buck" of a lifetime -- not only a big non-typical, but one with a drop tine as well!

Now, with two great bucks under my belt, I started hearing the same comments from various people about not needing to hunt whitetails anymore because nothing is left to accomplish. The truth, however, is that I need to hunt now more than ever before, because hunting is in my blood and it's a part of my soul. Chasing big whitetails is what really makes me feel happy and alive. Regardless of past accomplishments, there is never a finish line when you are doing something you love. Anyway, hunters are only as happy as their last hunt.

Whenever I am alone in a deer stand, I can feel Emaleigh's reverberating spirit close to me through my passion for hunting. I feel honored to have taken two monster bucks and I'm grateful to know that she was there with me in spirit to experience the tagging of each one.

Emaleigh, like her mom and me, always had big dreams. But sadly, not all dreams come true, and she never got to go on that whitetail hunt with me that she dreamed about. Nor was I granted the dream that I wanted most in life -- the healing of my precious daughter's body from a ruthless disease. However, I know Emaleigh would agree that we must all continue to dream, because dreams are filled with hope, and hope is what makes life livable.

So always keep the dream alive, because who knows? At any moment, in the flash of an instant, that buck of a lifetime could walk out and turn your dream into a reality.

Emaleigh, my puddin', I'll never forget your feisty spirit, your trusting eyes, or your playful giggles. You are my love and my inspiration and I miss you fiercely. While our unbreakable bond continues, I will do my best to be as brave in life as you were. And as I promised, together, you and I will forever keep those big whitetails on the run!

Love always, Daddy.

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