Killing a Bat, Ala Davy Crockett
My friend took his family to Door County, WI for a 2-week summer vacation. He stayed at a big, old home converted into 3 rental units. His unit barely had enough sleeping accommodations for his 6-person family. The one bathroom was very outdated. His wife learned that the bathroom did not have a screen on the window, when a bat flew in. The bat was blinded by the bright lights, and fluttered aimlessly in the shower stall.
His wife’s blood-curdling screams caused my friend to rush to the bathroom door. He sized up the situation immediately. Without hesitation, he took off his size 13 shoe, and tossed it like a tomahawk about 12 feet towards the bat. He really had only one chance to kill that bat. If he missed, the sound of the shoe hitting the shower stall, would cause the bat to fly blindly around the room.
His “tomahawk/shoe” was true to its mark. Its heavy heal struck the bat’s head. The large sole crushed the bat’s body. The dead bat fell limp to the shower floor. His wife was still screaming. Endless consoling hugs and assurances finally calmed her down. She accepted that the threat of the “Vampire Invasion” was over, after he closed the window.
The Above YouTube Music Captures the Essence of Adapting to the Wild Frontier.
Their 4 children, who had rushed to the bathroom door in time to witness the historic family “life-saving” throw, also needed consolation. For a while, relentless wailing was heard throughout the house. Calm returned when multiple assurances convinced everyone that no more things would fly into their unit, because no more windows would be open. My friend also reassured everyone that they would find new lodging in the morning. First thing.
True to his word, they packed up and checked out before breakfast. They checked into a modern 4-Unit facility near the lake. They spent the rest of their vacation swimming, boating, hiking, playing golf & tennis, shopping in the unique, boutique stores, and eating at family owned restaurants. My friend bought 2 paintings from a local artist to memorialize this family vacation.
Years later, the only thing that anyone remembered was the “Shot Heard Around Door County”. A once in a lifetime, family saving, tomahawk shoe throw will be passed down from generation to generation. Testimony to a father’s “Grace under pressure”, as opposed to just “Blind Luck”. (My friend recently admitted to me that it was “Blind Luck”, but not to tell anyone.)
A Father will do anything to protect his family.
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