I recently had an expensive medical hit and to raise some funds, I decided (reluctantly) to give my NEFs and Handis new homes. I am keeping two receivers , one 223 heavy barrel, and some favorite stocks. Including the 2 Sportster 22s I have for my kids, that is the sum total of NEFs currently in the gun rack.
I am not sure what kind of experiences other Handi-holics might have encountered when faced with withdrawl symptoms, but I find myself looking often a the pics of what I used to have, reading this forum, scanning the classified forum, ocassionaly visiting the NEF web page, and taking deep sighing breaths when something interesting shows up!!
Ocassionally I even find myself thinking of putting a stock under my pillow at bedtime. My wife (also a dedicated shooter) might not object, but I haven't actually taken that step yet! But when/if I do, I think I'd start with this one (stock that is):
I am unaware of any official recovery program for Handi-holics, or any institutional support systems. Of course I could have missed something, so if anyone has any info on such programs, please let me - and the rest of us - know. (If I didn't hate having the government already meddling in much of my everyday life, I'd become a Handi activist, and start lobbying for some kind of funding for this lack! Maybe I could petition Marlin - after all, I know that there really is no cure, only a temporary inablity to acquire - and once the initial financial hit, and subsequent pain of separation wears off, I know my Handi acquisition resumes.)
But ya know, in spite of all the moaning, I am actually grateful for the health part of this experience. I had planned to take my 11 yr old son hunting for the first time this year, but the truth was/is that I was in such a borderline state physically that it was actually possible (in fact, likely) that if we had gone hunting this year, he'd probably have had to drag me out of the bush after I had collapsed!
This would not be a good thing for either of us!
Now, because of the sudden ER visit a couple of weeks ago, I have changed my habits (I was diagnosed with diabetes) and fully expecct I will be in much better condition to go hunting with him next year. This, in spite of current problems and challenges, is (as Martha Stewart would say) "... a good thing."
It was brought home to me that I was spending a lot of time in fear, pretence, and denial about how fit I was. And it was an important moment when I became seriously aware that I
am willing to change my rather lackadasickal habits around food and exercise in order to hunt with my son. (I am divorced from his mother, and he lives with her, so I don't see him as much as in an intact family.)
I hunted with my dad and uncles as a kid, and if I don't pass those experiences on, my son won't get any other chances to experience, not only the practical aspects, but deeper spiritual meanings that come from time spent in the fields and forests. Since I was in my teens, I have always considered hunting a form of prayer. He will not get this from his step-dad. That I know!
And,
knowing that I will be taking my son hunting next fall, there is also the motivation of paying off the bills, and getting enough together to buy us each a Handi for next season. Let's see... maybe a 357 mag for him, and a 30/30 for me, or the other way around, or maybe a pair of 357s or 30/30s... or... I'm sure gonna have fun anticipating!
Anyway, I also want to give my thanks to all the folks who have helped me over the years I have been on this forum (some of you don't even know how you helped, but you did) those I have traded with, and all you other regular guys for listening to my little story, and much thanks to Graybeard and Matt for creating and supporting this forum. It is a life saver and may be the only way, currently, for this Handi-holic to manage the symptoms of (temporary) withdrawl.
Cheers
Kerry
