My Fiddleback Challenge

[SA Condor]

That is one amazing knife! I see why it drew you in!

 

[McVeyMac]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I thought it'd be OK here. After all, this update is a piece of the Challenge story too. But let me paint the scene for you....

I was down to about two pounds to go, and I SHOULD have been steaming through. But I was most definitely NOT. Stress was at an all time high. The Frau and I were in the hospital, trying to get our son born. When it came to meals, I was after easy. Not health. Not reasonable portions. Not anything like what I needed. And I was feeling horrible about it. Because I was down to about two pounds to go. And I really wanted to make my goal before Everett was born. And now I knew that wouldn't be possible. Which made me feel even more horrible. And guilt--as it often does with me--drives me to food, where the whole cycle repeated itself.

So I found myself trawling the Fiddleback Forge form, trying (as I had many times before) to find enough inspiration in Andy's handiwork to power through my darkness. And there, on the flea market, I saw this beauty, offered for sale by Bartlax4 (his picture):

It was the day after my son was born, and I looked at Jared's pics dozens of times that day--wishing, hoping, dreaming that I had already met my Challenge....

But I needed a bit of light. Two pounds was an eternity. And so I found myself shooting off a late night email that began "Man, I don't know what I'm doing. But that BB is working on me something awful. A part of me hopes it is already gone. The other part..."

As has been consistent with my experience in this forum, Jared responded with courtesy, compassion, and uncommon kindness. A plan was hatched that involved Jared hanging onto the knife for me until my Challenge knife was on its way. I won't quote Jared here, but let me say that i could probably recite his pm from memory, given how many times i have reread it. It spoke of honor, trust, and respect, and continues to inspire me. Thank you, Jared. From the bottom of my heart. I actually don't know if I could have finished this without your help.

Anyway, enough with the sentimental babbling... ON WITH THE PICTURE SHOW!!!

Michael

Michael, that might be the most beautiful Bush Boot that I have ever laid eyes on. Congratulations, and now you are the proud guardian of three Fiddlebacks.

Thank you Jared for your compassion, your kindness and your selflessness.

 

[viral]

Thank you for sharing. Killer bushboot. One to cherish. And congrats. Keep it going man. Just keep truckin on.

 

[hasco]

That's a great bushboot! Now you have two beauties with blue pinstripes!

 

[Bartlax4]

No problem Michael you are very welcome. I am glad you like the knife and more importantly met your goal. I think you were an inspiration to a lot of us!