Hey guys, as some of you may already know, I lost my father to cancer back in January of 2013 after a tough battle. Well today I got text message from my friend Bill Lyman to keep an eye open for the Fed Ex guy. Knowing Bill, I figured that there was some type of lumber headed my way. Well when I got home from work and felt the package, I knew right away that it wasn't wood. So I proceeded to open the package layer by layer and when I saw what was inside, I was speechless. Bill had taken a picture of the last longbeard that I killed with my father back in 2011 and had it drawn and framed by Wess Vandenbark. The detail in the drawing is amazing and perfectly captured that moment. Bill had mentioned to me not long after my fathers passing of this idea but I had completely forgotten about it. I stood there for a good 10 minutes just staring at the picture in amazement and thought back to that day which still stands out as one of the best days of turkey hunting I've ever experienced. Over the years, My Dad, Bill and I have been on some great hunts together both up in NY and here in Pa and going up there was a trip that Dad always enjoyed. Bill and I have become great friends through callmaking and our hunts together and this gesture is just a symbol of what kind of guy he is. Wess, thank you so much for taking the time to do this drawing, Your work is amazing, I can't say enough about the detail and quality. Bill I cannot thank you enough. It means so much to me to have something like this and I can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in the new shop.
Ed
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A beautiful gesture of friendship! Having lost my father 10 months ago I totally understand.
Awesome gift, wonderful memory.
Ed it was a pleasure getting this done my friend. Your father was a good friend and I missing hunting and talking with him plus we both know there's always a table at Bev's for him. Wess did one heck of a job on this and I can't thank him enough. Michaels also did one heck of a job with the framing.
That's a great picture of you both...great job on the art work...
Ed, that is awesome. Bill and Wess done great with bringing that special memory back.
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That's priceless. He did a great job.
Hi Ed - sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing your story. The picture is beautiful and it's such a great way to remember your Dad and a great hunt. Bill and Wess did a great job of commemorating a special experience. Cheers to you all.