Lost my Son one year ago Today
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
One year ago today I lost my son Cody. I got so much support from the Bowsite family over the last year. Thank all of you. Last hunting season was the first time we didn't get to hunt together sense he was 12. I miss him every day.
From: Medicinemann
22-Mar-14
Dan,
You honor his memory by posting his photo on here. Post away, my friend.
From: LBshooter
22-Mar-14
Sorry for your loss.
From: Mark Watkins
22-Mar-14
Bigdan, Cody is forever with you guiding your arrows. You also honor his memory by sharing your insight, experiences and ideas......passing on your passion.
Mark
From: spyder24
22-Mar-14
Dan, I know it will be hard for you and your family today as it is everyday after the loss of your son. May God be with you and your family to help comfort you all. Mike
From: deserthunter
22-Mar-14
No parent should have to endure out living a child. Honor his memory by sharing his stories and pictures with us as often as you wish.
From: lewis
22-Mar-14
"The good die young" is something I'll never understand our thoughts are always with you and Mel.Lewis and Diann
From: Chip T.
22-Mar-14
Seems like just yesterday that this sad news hit Bowsite. Every so often I think back to that day and what you posted.
Taeke care Dan.
From: midwest
22-Mar-14
RIP Cody. Prayers to you and your family, Dan.
From: T Mac
22-Mar-14
Life is precious. I lost my Irish twin brother when I was 16 and he only 15! May you find joy in all the memories you created with Cody! God Bless Bigdan and family!
From: Rob Nye
22-Mar-14
We are all sorry for your loss Dan, all the bowsiters share your pain today. My son is my favorite elk hunting partner and thanks for reminding me never to take that lightly or for granted.
From: Deacon Dave
22-Mar-14
Dan, I can't see your handle without thinking of the loss of your son, Cody. Prayers are for you my friend.
From: Ward's Outfitters
22-Mar-14
Dan
I'm truly sorry for your loss, I couldn't imagine the pain you feel. Get out in the woods and hunt that’s exactly what he would want you to do. Know that he is there with you on every stalk and every sit.
From: Shedhead
22-Mar-14
Dan- Sorry for your loss, Hes scouting out the good spots for you up thier some day! I shared the post with my 2 boys today and made them realize why I always am making sure they get the most out of everyday- Life is too short-
From: otcWill
22-Mar-14
Great photo of a happy man. Stay well, Dan
From: Birdman
22-Mar-14
Howdy Big Dan , never sent you a response before and i don't post much. But i do archery elk hunt and i'am coming to your great state of Montana this year. I to have loss several loved ones i think about everyday as you do. All we can do is cherish all the memories . You seem like a very strong and caring man , hope you find peace from your sons death.
From: Ole Coyote
22-Mar-14
One cannot appreciate the pain in your heart! It eats at you everyday nothing can take it or make it go away. We try to remember the good time and all the fun and laughter they brought us but it does not heal the pain. Lost my daughter 5/3/2013 to a car accident, My prayers for you and your Dan.
Stay well !
From: APauls
22-Mar-14
So sorry Dan.
I wrote a big long post then deleted all of it. No one can take the hurt away but so glad you got to hunt together. Nothing brings fathers and sons together like hunting imo
From: SteveB
22-Mar-14
So sorry Dan,I can't imagine losing either of my sons....may God grant you peace.
From: Willieboat
22-Mar-14
Take, care Danny !! Your Bowsite family is always thinking of you !!
From: orionsbrother
22-Mar-14
Thoughts go out to you Dan. I'll be hugging my kids a little tighter tonight.
From: Rick M
22-Mar-14
Dan, you will all be in my families prayers tonight.
Rick
From: T-Rex
22-Mar-14
You and your family are in our prayers Dan.
From: Rocky
22-Mar-14
One of the greatest things God every gave us was our memory. We have the ability to revisit whomever we want whenever we want. A divine gift indeed.
God bless you and yours..
The Rock
From: Fulldraw
22-Mar-14
Dan- you're a good man. I know the heart must ache…Cody was a blessed young man!
From: IdyllwildArcher
22-Mar-14
I sure hope your loss gets easier to bear one day Bigdan.
We all feel really bad for you and your family, but we're glad you're still here with us.
Ike
From: BB iPhone
22-Mar-14
Good luck Dan. There will be lots of critters taken this year with Cody's name on their arrow. I have one into quiver and it will fly in his honor!
From: Boris
22-Mar-14
Dan, I think that we here on Bowsite have been waiting for this day. We want you to know that wewill stand beside you and your family. Not behind you. Remember that Bowsite people are a special breed of people. We bicker and fight among ourselves. But, when the chips are down we stick together. Why, because we all enjoy the flite of the arrow. Just remember, we are here for you.
From: Charlie Rehor
22-Mar-14
Gone but not forgotten!
From: B N A A guy
22-Mar-14
Dan, You and your family are still in my families prayers. Cody will be forever missed but all of those memories will never be forgotten. Please now that when those times get tough that God is always available to you and so is your Bowsite family.
Best regards, Scott Alberda
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
Every arrow I shoot has Codys name on it. Thank you again guys
From: Blake Patton
22-Mar-14
Dan, Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
From: Adventurewriter
22-Mar-14
That is a heavy burden to bear. I'll say a prayer...
From: Adventurewriter
22-Mar-14
That is a heavy burden to bear. I'll say a prayer...
From: Buffalo1
22-Mar-14
The first anniversary following a death is always the toughest. My prayers are with you and your family. Keep the faith.
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
22-Mar-14
Archery95 hit it in the head...Cody's doing the pre scouting!
From: pav
22-Mar-14
Sorry for your loss Dan...but glad you have so many fond memories together with Cody.
From: BOWUNTR
22-Mar-14
So sorry... I couldn't imagine. Ed F
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
Dear Cody, This is a letter my wife wrote him today It is one year since I found you gone. Some days it seems the pain will never go. Most times I just miss talking to you. But if I could tell you this, I would: I was always proud of you. Even when you drove me crazy, even when you took too long, even when you were lazy, still I knew what a good person you were, with a brave, honest view of life. You didn’t have kids, but you passed things down anyway – Maddox has your hair color (I suppose it will change on him too), Payton’s sunny nature reminds me of you as a baby and Brooklyn has your heart. Loki is loved and cared for. Because of her, we have a new king size bed and non-carpeted flooring in our big room now. And she took second place in a dog contest last summer! I’ve learned you were important to many people. As a mother, I’m gratified. As a member of that group, I’ll always have friends. You’ll never be lonely or angry or hurt or sad again. I will never worry about you again. That’s a comfort I never expected to have. Another mother who’d lost her son told me ‘you won’t get over it. You will get used to it’. I’m not there yet. But I smile when I think of you. Love always, Mom
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
This is one his sister put on facebook today A year has gone by. A year since ive seen you, a year since I talked to you, a year since my heart was ripped in two and I lost a part of me forever. But I still cant believe it brother. Maybe because I still dont want to. There's still so much to say and left to do. But I got some great people in my corner brother and they're helping me continue to push and go on. So here we are, I miss you more today than ever. And like a new tradition we will all meet tonight at the V, raise our glasses and toast the best man ive ever known. Your little sister loves you even though you would give me a charlie horse right now just for saying it:) and p.s. thanks for making me a Duke fan. We choked again
From: Mule Power
22-Mar-14
I was just thinking that last week Dan. I figured it was about a year now. I hope time is doing it's best to help you find peace.
From: loudman70
22-Mar-14
God bless you my archery brother! We will all meet again one beautiful day.
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
This is a photo that we took a year ago last Dec . With Cody and his new Niece Payton
From: Bigdan
22-Mar-14
This was his first beard
From: JW
22-Mar-14
God bless you and yours Dan. Posts like these help keep things in perspective. I'll hug my son a little tighter tonight. So very sorry for your loss.
From: Rick M
22-Mar-14
Those are beautiful letters Dan.
From: Fixitman
22-Mar-14
It takes a life time to make memory's and it will take another to forget I lost my little brother 9 years ago this September and I think of him every day. I will be hunting elk in your great state this fall and with a little luck from above and the advice you have me I'll have a great hunt no matter the outcome Thanks and God bless Dig Dan
From: jjb4900
22-Mar-14
wow, it seems like just yesterday to those of us who follow your threads, can't imagine how it feels for you...God bless you and your family.
From: TREESTANDWOLF
22-Mar-14
BD, my thoughts are with you and your family this day.
Stay strong , I'm sure I speak for most, we are glad you come here to remember Cody.
God Bless
From: BULELK1
22-Mar-14
That is a sad memory bigdan---
Many of us have lost our Mom's in the last year---so very sad too.
Cherish the memories of ALL lost family loved ones for sure.
Good luck, Robb
From: Nyswitchback
22-Mar-14
Any anniversary following a death is always tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Great pictures and memories for sure. God Bless
From: Drummond Lindsey
22-Mar-14
I've found that the loved ones I have lost are still with me everywhere I go. I lost my dad 7 years ago and I still talk to him every day. My daughter isn't quite 2 yet and we keep a picture of him in her room looking over her bed. She started calling him "papa" about 3 months ago even though we never told her who it was in the picture. She often looks to where nobody is in my house and waves and says "hi Papa". The other day she was playing peek-a-boo and we were watching her on the monitor from the other room. Just before she stopped she said "Bye Papa". He is with us just as Cody is with you.
You and your family are in my prayers
From: Cajunarcher
22-Mar-14
Thoughts and prayers sent from Louisiana . I've learned over the past few years since I've found bowsite that this site is full of great people and friends we may never meet who come together at times like this.
From: TurkeyBowMaster
22-Mar-14
That's a fine looking young man you had in Cody. Having two sons I can't imagine loosing one. As hard as it was for us to have children the thought comes to mind. "It is better to love and lost than never loved at all". Still, I can't imagine and don't want to know.
From: elkmtngear
22-Mar-14
RIP Cody,
So sorry (again) for your loss, Dan.
Best Wishes, Jeff
From: tobywon
22-Mar-14
Prayers for you and your family Bigdan. May Cody be smiling down upon all of you. Makes some of the petty little arguments here seem so insignificant.
From: weekender21
22-Mar-14
I can't even begin to imagine the pain you've felt over the past year. Prayers for you and your family.
From: JLS
22-Mar-14
Bigdan,
I always think of Cody when I read your posts. I hope time is easing the pain, and I pray for you often. Rejoice in the wonderful memories he has left you.
It's a reminder to all of us parents that you can never hug your kids enough.
God bless you and your family Dan.
From: TD
22-Mar-14
They say time heals all wounds....
I don't know, nor claim to know if that's always true. But regardless of the process or how long..... it can sure leave a nasty scar. Scars are just reminders of a past pain.
Memories are what we take with us everywhere we go. You were surely blessed with him for that time, however short..... and he was blessed to have you as a father. Life.... we move on.... and keep moving on and on until we can go no more.....
Take care Danny, we always have you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
From: abow4me
22-Mar-14
Dan, I don't post much but I do feel like a small part of a big Bowsite family. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Prayers and blessings sent from Oklahoma.
From: jdee
22-Mar-14
R.I.P.
From: Bou'bound
23-Mar-14
So sorry for your loss, Dan. I am sure you and Cody were very proud of one and other. Bless your family.
From: LWood
23-Mar-14
Dan, Prayers of continued comfort and healing for you and your family.
Lenny
From: jkoenig04
23-Mar-14
Hope you and your wife can find peace with this Dan.
Julius K
From: Bill in MI
23-Mar-14
Thinking of you Dan and wishing you peace. My son just turned 5 and I can't imagine going thru what you have.
From: tcosmic
23-Mar-14
I lost a friend to cancer at a very young age. Before he left he said I won't be here come hunting season but I want you to know I will be there in spirit.I think of him every time I go hunting. Keep Cody's memory alive and may he guide you to your next bull.So sorry for your loss.
From: in2dmtns
23-Mar-14
Once again very sorry for you and your family Bigdan. Thanks for sharing the photos and letters,
Prayers of peace for your family....
RG
From: Rut Nut
23-Mar-14
Hard to believe it's been a year. Prayers to you and your family Dan. Prayers for peace and comfort as you move forward.
From: Muskrat
23-Mar-14
My heart goes out to you. I just responded at 3 am this morning to a car crash, my son as driver, that could have sent him to the next world, but did not. It did let me know how lucky he and I and his mother are.
Time does heal and soften the pain of losing one so young. And every day that passes makes it a little easier for you to deal with it in your heart and mind. Good luck to you and your family.
From: cityhunter
23-Mar-14
Dan Im glad to see u have so many friends on bowsite.com . I never got to meet Cody but knew him thru Dan s talks . Dan I wish there was a magic word to make the sorrow go away !!
From: Bowfreak
23-Mar-14
Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss and honestly I can't imagine how it feels. I know one thing it still seems like it was yesterday when I first read of Cody's passing. God Bless you and your family.
From: patdel
23-Mar-14
Dan, my thoughts are with you. I lost my dad a few years ago and I still miss him everyday. I am hoping time eases your pain and you find peace.
From: Z Barebow
23-Mar-14
You and your son have been in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Barty1970
24-Mar-14
My thoughts and prayers to you and yours Dan; I have my 'Cody's Arrow' in my quiver
From: Fuzzy
24-Mar-14
Bigdan, I remember, again, sorry for your loss. I can't imagine...
From: Tom
24-Mar-14
So sad…just not right to loose a young one. Keep Cody's memory alive in ever hunt you do do.
From: Grunt-N-Gobble
24-Mar-14
May God bless you and your family during these difficult times.
From: mixed bag
24-Mar-14
Its got to be so tough.God bless you and your family.
From: Old Crow
24-Mar-14
God Bless you and your family. I almost lost my son a couple years back, when he fell from a tree stand. I was spared the hurt and anguish, and he is doing good. I can imagine your loss and things left unsaid or undone. Prayers for you and your family.
From: CPAhunter
24-Mar-14
The arrow marked with Cody's name went into the boiler room of my buck on the antelope hunt with BB last September.
Time heals but doesn't erase.
From: Elkstuffer
24-Mar-14
I can't imagine the loss of a child Dan. My heart aches for you and your family. Memories do last forever.
From: 4FINGER
26-Mar-14
BigDan...Still can't find the right words to express...Our thoughts and Prayers for you and yours...Lost a Brother at 16...a lot of Folks used to tell my Dad that "time flies"...He would always answer..."for everyone But the Dad"...Keep pushing forward Bud...4finger
From: jingalls
26-Mar-14
So sorry for your loss! Those are wonderful memories you shared with all of us! I'll hug my family a little harder and longer tonight! God bless!
From: Bigdan
26-Mar-14
As you go through life you wonder if you made the right choices for your kids. They make you proud and they disappoint you. No one thinks a thing like this will happen. Unless your a parent that suffers a loss of your son or daughter. You just don't know. The loss of a parent is one thing but the loss of your child is the worst. Thank all of you guys.
From: IdyllwildArcher
27-Mar-14
The loss of a parent is natural. The loss of a child is unnatural.
Programmed to our core is the life and prosperity of our children.
I can't imagine.
I took an extra trip to my kid's bedroom to hug them tonight. I try to share your mourning Bigdan, but I can't even imagine it.
I hope you're coping as best you can.
From: Boris
27-Mar-14
Like I said earlier, We are walking beside you. This past weekend, I picked up my son from boy scout camp. He works on staff during the summer. Earlier that morning, I was reading on the BOWSITE about some of the wonderful things people are saying to you and your family for support. I reached over an took my son by the hand an told how much I loved him. Please BIGDAN don't be upset, because you are reminding us all at how sensitive life is. Many think that money and career are the main focus and that family will always be there. Until it is gone. Thank you for reminding us.
From: BigOzzie
27-Mar-14
Too choked up and emotional to have much to say, same as I was a year ago.
All I have is a big bear hug for ya,
that's it a hug nothing more nothing less, a hug.
oz
From: deerhunter72
27-Mar-14
I think we fail to realize how fragile life is. I lost my good neighbor, hunting buddy, and adopted grandpa 4 years ago. He had a massive heart attack while doing some work for his daughter in Texas. I never got to say goodbye. I sometimes still have a hard time going to his woods without him, but I have often felt his presence there. He and his wife lost their only son in an accident in the 80's. I don't think they ever "got over" his death, but life goes on with or without you. We never talked much about it, but occasionally he would share some of their hunting stories with me. Just the other day his wife made a comment that floored me. He had all but given up hunting when he lost his son. She said that after I moved next door in '99 "I saved him because I got him to start deer hunting again". We were both in tears, but some of them were happy ones.
Bigdan, you and your family will be in my prayers. I wish you peace. God bless, Greg
From: Notnormal
27-Mar-14
Bigdan, sorry for the loss of your son.
My one and only son died as an infant in my arms 21 years ago. It still gnaws at my guts everyday.
I have made it my personal mission to share the sport of hunting with as many kids as possible since then. Altho I will never sit a deer stand with my son or hear a turkey gobble on a misty april morning with him, I know he is in a better place now.
Cherish the moments you shared with cody. Continue to live everyday to the fullest and enjoy life.
Brian
From: AZBUGLER
27-Mar-14
Continued blessings and prayers my friend. I have a Cody myself. Seeing that name on the arrow hits close to home. I can't believe it's been a whole year.
From: Habitat for Wildlife
28-Mar-14
Dan,
It was tough to open this thread as I knew the contents just reading the title. I don't know you, but feel your grief. I am glad you have so much support here!
Will continue to offer my prayers that you and your family will find comfort and peace through Him!
