Oh the memories I have deer and duck hunting with my precious Daddy, Dickey Pendergist. Yes, one was horrific and tragic! That day, January 28, 2018, at the Buffalo River in Mississippi, I lost my husband, Darrin, best friend and sister, Madeline, and my buddy and nephew, Joseph. We were making memories, following all the rules…my Daddy and Joe (Madeline’s husband and Joseph’s Daddy) wouldn’t have it any other way. Sweet, fun-loving Joseph was planning to kill his first duck at just 7 years old. But, God had a different plan. Within seconds our blind was upside down and under water. I thank God every single day that Joe, Mr. Fred, my Daddy, and I were able to make it out. I also thank God the rest of the kids (Patrick 25, wife Rachel and first born, Audrey 3 months, Emily 20, Riley 12, Rebecca 11, and Mallory 10 at the time of the accident) were not on the blind that early January morning.
As I have always believed, once again God has this plan for us. I have accepted I will never make sense of that tragic day but have allowed myself to be okay knowing I will not understand. When He calls us home, it is on His time, not mine or yours. As a great boss told me, “This is just a waiting room until we are all together again”.
Now, fast forward 4 years to the day. It is a freezing (literally freezing), bright, calm morning on the Chache River. My Daddy and his best friends, Uncle Jerry Billy Pendergist and Mr. Bates Browning, Emily now 24, Riley 16, Emily’s best friend, Heather, Cousins Bill and Jack, and I were all headed out to the blind. Goodness, I was scared, nervous, and ready to face the day. Uncle Jerry Billy’s morning prayers always comfort me. This was Riley’s first time duck hunting since the accident and she said “Momma I am ready to kill my first duck”! And guess what?!? So exactly 4 years to the day, not only did Riley kill her first duck but she was shooting with her Daddy’s brand new shotgun that he never had the chance to fire. We remembered, we laughed, we made memories. And if I am being honest, I missed 99% of the ducks I shot at, of course not because I am a bad aim (wink, wink), but let’s be real, 3 shells ONLY?!? I could never afford a year round duck hunting season!
Mallory, now 14, and Madeline’s daughter, Rebecca, now 15, stayed back at the cabin. Those sweet girls cleaned the entire cabin and put all the clothes to wash.
The following morning the laughter continued, so much so we all had tears. My cousin, Mason Pendergist, and dear family friend, Perry Galloway joined us. The girls had a spur of the moment photo shoot behind the blind (because necessary) that lead to my Daddy unloading three precious girl’s shotguns. In Daddy fashion, he reminded me that when I was younger if I left the blind, my shotgun, too, was unloaded. When those girls were done taking pictures, they rushed back in the blind and the Mallards came in droves. “Something is wrong with my gun.” “My gun is jammed.” “My gun is unloaded.” Hollered the girls. And the tear jerking laughter continued. The girls cooked breakfast burritos for all of us to enjoy. However, we quickly realized we forgot plates and utensils. So a stick from the woods did the trick! Ole Mason needed to relieve himself and knew to bring a gun so it would not get unloaded! Uncle Jerry Billy and Daddy laughed and grinned the entire time! Mr. Bates shaking his head and also grinning. Perry, my back up shooter (ha!), was a trooper hitting all the ducks I missed (99% remember). You know….I am still trying to figure out the difference between “get ready”, “don’t move”, and “shoot, shoot, shoot”. Maybe next year.
The remainder of the trip was just as memorable. Perry brought Gus, his BFF yellow lab, and boy could he retrieve those ducks. Uncle Jerry Billy continued to laugh at our amateur shooting skills….well, mostly mine. This trip was good for my soul. Precious time with family and friends that I will always cherish. I cannot wait for next season to get here! Side note: I promise I am going to practice!!! Anyone have a skeet machine?!?
Along with duck hunting, we boiled crawfish and shrimp, played cards (ALL of us!), and Uncle Jerry Billy learned about snap chat filters! I know these memories made are beyond priceless, especially for Emily and Mason. Those two are such old, kind souls. They would live out in that cabin if they could, both known to rather hang out with “old folks” than party with friends.
Over my years, I have been to many places, but sweet ole lil Gregory/Augusta will hold a special place in my heart. Uncle Thomas Huie even played his harmonica for me, such a sweet sound, bringing back many childhood memories. Goodness, Madeline and I would do some dancing!
Grief has a funny way of changing a person. Flowers smell a little sweeter, laughter echoes a little louder, friends and family bond a little tighter. This trip was one for the books. New memories made, new friends to join us in laughter. More laughs than tears of heartache. Always hold on to those memories oh so very tight. Always make new ones. Our Angels in Heaven would have it no other way. #hugyourpeople #everysecondcounts
-Tatum