Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Not long for this world.

So last week I got a call from an old co-worker (friend), I've been in contact with since I left that job in 2012. So he starts the conversation "I'm not going to be around long, do you want any of my guns?" He's 79 on oxygen full time with COPD and AFIB he explains, and this is why he feel his time is close.

While I'm interested in some of his firearms, I'm more interested in being there for him. We've probably only averaged a conversation a year since I left my old job. I did stop in when I saw him working in his yard once and spent about 30 minutes shooting the bull in the last 10 years.

His youngest lives six hours away and he's been widowed for nearly 30 years. He lives two hours from me and I'm going to try to get up there at least a couple times a month. I spent four hours with him yesterday and he wanted to show me everything as I told him I'd help him to sell off his firearms, ammo, reloading gear, archery gear, and knives that aren't going to his kids. I also need to spend some time mowing his yard he was so proud of.

Do what you can.

It’s a sad situation. As Jim Conran said do what you can!

I reconnected with an old friend in November of last year. He had stage 4 bladder cancer and was in chemotherapy. Was able to get together before leaving for Florida for the winter. Once back home we fished a bunch on my boat an attempted some golf. Lost him last month. Anything you can do to support your friend is priceless.

Sorry to hear. Hod Bless.

Spending time with him is gold, for him and you.................

BUT!

Do not deny him the blessing of giving you something.........................

A lot of people say no because they don't 'need' it, can 'do it' themselves, or are just too proud..........

The giver wants and needs to give, and there must be someone to give to!!!

IMHO.

There is a lot to this...

Very well said.

I've always enjoyed hanging out with the older guys.

Muffin and OSU Sig;
Morning gentlemen, I trust you're both fine as frog's hair this bright, clear and hot up here Wednesday.

Thanks for the thoughts on giving, I very much appreciate it.

You are both - in my opinion and direct personal experience - spot on with your assessment.

Someday I'm going to write an essay about the subject, but will spare everyone that today.

Nonetheless there is a special blessing available for both the giver and the receiver when they can look each other in the eyes when doing so, you know?

When the giver is gone, they of course are out of the equation, but it also changes for the receiver of the gift, at times substantially.

Just a few thoughts from a semi-old guy who has given this subject a bunch of thought and meditation.

Thanks for reading and all the best to you both and the OP as well.

Dwayne

I'm not going to refuse if he wants to give me something, but he implied he'd sell them to me at a "friend" rate. He's wanting to lighten the burden on his Daughter, and I told him I'm cash poor at the moment and time is what I have the most of. I just finished paying cash for a kitchen remodel and major vehicle repairs or else we'd have settled on a few firearms for me to take home.

There is a Ruger Deerstalker Carbine I have my eye on and I'll buy when we decide on a fair price, but a lot of what he owns isn't in my wheelhouse. His tastes were more towards SA revolvers and 1911 pistols, I'm a hunting rifle guy. Maybe a 1911 will find it's way home with me as well. However, he has close to 100 firearms to liquidate, and I don't want him to have to wholesale everything.

Exactly right, it's important for him to know that whatever he's giving is going to be cared for as much as he has cared for it.

Your time is the greatest gift you can give him right now. If he wants to sort through this or that, help him do so. If he wants to sit in his recliner and just BS, that's what you do. I lost my Dad June 4th of this year. I've got WAY to many guns to sort through, but I'd trade them all for a few more conversations with him.

I'm sorry for your loss. My Dad is 81, and I'm trying to spend as much time as I can as well with him.

Sound wisdom.

Several months back I lost my best friend of 50+ years but before he went to the hospital for the last time he gave me a very expensive rigid LED light bar. Didn’t really need it and had to do mods for the roof rack to fit it but I’m glad I did. I got to spend the last day of his life in ICU holding his hand and telling stories to his adult children who were also sitting by his bedside. When I look at that light bar on the top of the truck I always think of my friend… Glad I excepted his generous gift.

All of us have a limited time in this current life. Prayers sent.

Damn sorry to hear about your co-worker's situation. You're a good man for even attempting to help out.

I've been thinking about some of my "stuff". No children (that I know of ) . Relative's kids that are old enough don't seem much interested in hunting or shooting, although one niece might be talked into it. Another nephew's kids are just getting started in school, so he may get to be caretaker for a couple of items for them until they reach the age of majority or whatever is necessary for them to take possession. Couple of siblings are like me, they have enough of their own to offload when the time comes, so they'll likely not be too interested in what I have or will not be much longer on this earth themselves.

If I have enough warning, y'all might see some items listed here in the future.

He wants to spend time with you... quite an honor to be so highly thought of. Prayers sent...

I came into 3 firearms via that route. Fine arms, but I can't bring myself to use them .

Have the same issue with my equipment. One son, but if there's no xbox attached, he's not interested. Guess I'll sell off if I can see the light coming. If I'm hit by a truck, it's going to be a really fine estate sale.

I know what you mean. I have a Sako in .223 with a custom stock and a fixed 10 Leupold scope. I know how good it shoots but I just can't seem to get it to the range or the field.

kwg