Guns (2011) by Mary
I was raised on a farm where guns stood in the corner of our garage and occasionally in the corner of our kitchen. My brother trapped and hunted, and sometimes tried to teach me to shoot. However, after many years in the city, guns were no longer a part of my life, so when I was called for jury duty where we were asked if we owned guns and how many, I was shocked that so many people did. Later when visiting a nephew in Washington, I was again surprised to see guns standing in the corner as we entered their house. I knew they were needed because of mountain lions, but I still cringed a little. Through the years, I had changed and no longer felt comfortable around guns.
In 2008, a new store was introduced to me. Larry took me to Cabela's. I could not believe the people lined up in front of the gun counter. Every time we went, people were buying guns and ammo. Even women. I had no idea this was happening, and knew my friends would be astonished, also. It was like a different world. We eventually both bought hand guns, and Larry took me to a shooting range, another first in my life. It was also an eye opener as we saw people there we knew, and they had permits to carry.
Going to a shooting range was quite a hair raising experience for me. It was unnerving seeing so many people with guns and hearing all the noise even with ear protection. Firing was difficult as I have some arthritis in my hands and it takes a lot of strength to pull the trigger. Each time I sited my target and got up enough courage to pull the trigger, the noise startled me so much I gasped out loud or swore. Then I had to settle myself down and start the process all over again! It never got easier, but I was a good sport. A helpful hint is to always, always, go to the bathroom before hand!
At home, I practiced loading my handgun and timed myself until I was pretty good at it. Now it is in the drawer beside my bed waiting for the intruder who will never come because I'm prepared. I also asked Larry to show me how to load and shoot his rifle and shotgun that had been in the attic the 25 years we lived in our previous house, and then in the basement of this one. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and can share in the guy's world a little, but I doubt I'll ever feel comfortable there.
After we bought the farm, Larry took a gun along each time we visited. It was more for safety purposes, but we talked about the money we would save if we did our target practice there instead of going to the shooting range. However, once Larry shot at a rabbit and it made so much noise out in the quiet country, I asked him not to do it. Since then, Larry has purchased another gun, but we are so busy while at the farm, we have yet to target practice.
Side track:
It is hunting season and the hunters are all around our farm. Last fall, a man stopped and asked if he could hunt with his bow, so Todd called us to see if we agreed. We decided not to let him. The deer water at our spring and give birth in our pastures. Part of me wants to keep it that way; to give them a safe place. I know it is ridiculous as we pay plenty in money and labor to build fence around our gardens and orchards to keep them out. I'm going to blame it on my dad. He had good river bottom land in Iowa where the deer ate his corn, and he just let them. No hunters were allowed. One day, he accidently ran over a fawn with his cultivator and brought her home. I've told many people over the years that I once had a pet deer, and I don't remember anyone ever saying, "So did I." It was one of the happier events in my childhood.
