From the Desk of Keith Hafner 

Looking for Tiger Tracks

Grandson Markus, now six years old.

Each summer, beginning when he was four, Markus and I would “gear up” (binoculars; walkie-talkies; big gloves, hunting knives, goggles, etc.) and go down into our field and search for tiger tracks.

We always find some evidence:  footprints;  a place where a tiger had obviously laid down and slept;  a well-frequented watering hole.

One year, Markus even saw something orange moving down by the tree line.

Most boys have to learn to be brave. Much easier for a boy to learn courage when, since age four, he has tracked tigers with his Grandfather…

Sebastian, age three, is in the on-deck circle.

Me, to Markus:  “Do you think Sebastian is ready to look for tiger tracks with us this summer?”

Markus:  “No.”

Me:  “Why?”

Markus:  “You’ve only got two hunting knives.”

Later on…

Me:  “We can probably find another knife for Sebastian.”

Markus:  “Yeah.”

Me:  “I wonder though… Sebastian is only three.  Do you think maybe we should give him a rubber knife instead of the ones like ours?”

Markus:  “Yeah. He’s not big, like us.”

Next?  An important meeting.  Planning our expedition.  Goal?  Look for and find tiger tracks in our field

Markus to Sebastian:  “Sebastian, you get to look for tiger tracks with me ‘n Grandpa!”

Sebastian:  “Yeah!”

Markus:  “You get to wear goggles and have a walkie-talkie.  But you only get to have a rubber…”

Me, interrupting, whispering to Markus:  “Hey…do you think we ought to let Sebastian think he has the same kind of knife we big guys have?”

Markus:  “Oh yeah!”