An Unexpected Treasure

[EPC Guy]

On my current road trip through Texas, I stopped to visit my Dad and Mom who live just NW of Austin...from my late teens until now, my relationship with Dad has always been a little uneasy...he has never liked the fact that I'm the only one of his kids who has moved away from Texas, we had major differences of opinion on how I raised my daughters, etc....you get the picture...although we were never "on the outs" it has many times been strained...

Now in his early 70's, Dad is not in the best of health - he has diabetes...he's had several operations to remove spots of skin cancer...he's lost a tremendous amount of weight - and in general the years are beginning to show...but on the plus side, our personal relationship has improved and I think we're both more comfortable about spending time together...

On this particular trip I began to talk about MD'ing...and he was very interested. I took him outside and showed him how my machine worked - how to use the pin-pointer, etc....we didn't find any real treasure...just a couple of pennies and a wing nut from his lawn mower...but we had a great time! We talked about anything and everything...and before we knew it - it was getting too dark to see...just a great afternoon!

He wanted to know how much the equipment cost, and I could see he was interested in doing some detecting on his own...I didn't want to discourage him by telling him that I thought even the most basic equipment would be a little expensive for his fixed income - so I told him that I'd been considering upgrading my equipment - and as soon as I decided on which machine I wanted; that I would give him my Prizm III and get him a Vibraprobe for his upcoming birthday....he was ecstatic!

When I left, we were making plans for areas we'd hunt together and he was more excited than I'd seen in years...all because we'd FINALLY found something we both had an interest in...I'm looking forward to hunting with my Dad - and don't give a damn on whether or not we find anything of monetary value...I'm just glad we'll spend quality time together.

Sorry if this post may be a little off topic - but the way I look at it - it's a treasure I'll always be thankful for.

[Kentfb]

I just love stories like this. Without family where would we be . Thanks for sharing.

[JCWhite]

I really liked your story as well. When my daughter came to visit last week I took her out hunting and she did as well as I did but it was so good to share the experience and now she is talking about getting a detector.
Thanks for posting this.

[Gregory]

Very nice and you have found treasure. There's nothing like family.

Greg

[Steve in PR]

Funny how an inanimate object can pull people back together. The real treasure here was putting the past behind and refinding the connection. That's worth more than gold! Glad to hear it!

[John's Detectors]

I am very happy for you EPC and I wish you and your Dad many happy hunts together. God Bless y'all and that is the best treasure of all= FAMILY!

John Tomlinson,CET P=VI
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.
Best Little Detector Shop in Texas!

[julieburger]

That is wonderful. He has probably wanted to reconnect with you for a long time. Sometimes people just need common ground to get started.

[pris]

What a great story!! Totally NOT off topic. Especially for TQ, since it's just a big family. I bet you're still giddy about it. It sure give you motivation to get a new machine, now This may be what he needs, too, to start feeling better physically. It's such a great hobby. Plus, if he's on a fixed income, it may even be a source of additional (though possibly small) income. I'm really happy for you both.

[bigbillinsc]

my dad dies when i was 13... he was elderly and knew he wouldnt be around to see me as i am now. so from a very early age ge taught me many important things. always say yes sir and yes maam. (i even say yes maam to my wife). he taught me a man should always carry three things in his pocket: enough change to make a phone call, a pocket knife, and a handkerchef. many has been the day when i didnt pick up my knife off the dresser and need it at work, or not get a hanky out of the drawer and my allergies kick in. i have cell phone so that one is taken care of. till the batteries die and I stop at a pay phone with zero change in my pocket. he taught me treat all women as ladies. and taught me respect ladies. he taught me a good work ethic.

even though your father is older....now is your chance to teach him. teach him how to use the machine. teach him the proper ethics of huntin. teach him that yer never to old to get out and have a blast with your kids... wether they are 5 or 55.... thanx for the post and sorry for gettin sentimental....happy huntin to you all

[The TINMAN]

That does belong here cuz if thats not a Treasure Tale then I don't know what is. Treasures Do Not Always Come As Solid Objects!
WOW! That is Beautiful!
Excuse Me, I Need to Go Find My Oilcan.

The TINMAN