I was surprised at how emotional a final glance at my father’s old farmhouse would be. The memories began flooding in, and I got teary. This could be my last trip to his woodland mosaic, and I already know that I will terribly miss being here.

My father passed away two years ago. Dutifully, I attended to finalizing his affairs. He developed his land in the image of an artist and only stopped his improvements when he felt nature could do it better. His 40 acres, the home, self-made barn, pond, and woods have touched a chord deep within me. I learned a lot while at this place. I felt I truly grew up here. Dad taught me a little about farming, some handyman skills, and much about getting along with friends and neighbors. Mostly, he helped me to define family. I hope to carry on his traditions and teachings. My goal is to continue to build on them.

Dad had an immense love of nature and managed to pass much of this on to me. For many years he hunted, but never seriously. For many more, he pretended to be interested in quarry. Finally, he just admitted that his outings were simply to enjoy nature and watch the wildlife. I understood.

The house has been vacant for several months now; perhaps this is why nature is showing off for me on this trip. A pair of wood ducks appeared to be scouting a nesting site on the far side of the pond. A short time later, I was excited to notice a mallard hen nesting on his island. Dad wanted ducks to nest on his pond for years; perhaps they were here today as their tribute to him. He actively operated a series of bird feeders around his property. His maintaining the feeders made the difference in numerous local birds making it through the winter. I spotted a large snapping turtle in the pond. The ducks will need to maintain a tight reign over their young to be successful in raising their families. Squirrels and rabbits scurried through the woods during my walks, and deer have left telltale tracks as evidence of their nighttime visits. On my last evening here, a wild tom turkey strutted through the garden, then picked his evening roost in a nearby tree. Later that same evening, I was privileged to hear distant coyotes taking turns trying to outdo each other in their evening serenade.

I feel the need to move on with my life now. I expect that I will have more experiences to savor and more memories to accumulate. Dad’s passing is transitional in my personal development, but I will remember and constructively use his teachings. My father’s passing alerts me again to the fact that life is but for a limited time. I wish to wisely use my remaining time. I would like to experience as much as I can while I am still physically able.

Assuming that I learn from my adventures, I hope to pass on my knowledge. I would like to teach, perhaps to write, possibly about the outdoors that I have grown to love. But for now, my heart is heavy. Many good times were had here, and I will cherish the memories.

I will add one last bit of bird feed to the feeders for dad, and then head for the gate. In the years to come, photographs will help me recall this setting. It will be my memories, however, that will establish the true value of this place. ❖

Roger Urbaniak did follow through on his desire to pass along his knowledge. He writes about the Great Outdoors and other topics from his home on Mercer Island. “Rogers Outdoor Channel” is the place to learn about the adventures of Northwest Outdoor Enthusiast Roger Urbaniak along with his lovely wife Linda and trusty pooch Sparky. Visit rogersoutdoorchannel.comfor more information or email Roger at admin@rogersoutdoorchannel.com.