Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the gd-system-plugin domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the better-click-to-tweet domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the rocket domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
The Making of a Man : Michael D. Butler

The Making of a Man

by | Jan 30, 2012 | Coach

What makes a man?

Michael-D-Butler-Deer-Hunting-as a teen-Camp Gruber, OK

This 1963 Chevy I bought from my dad when I turned 16 from the money I saved from mowing lawns

There are many things that go into the ‘making of a man’ I suppose. Growing older, taking on responsibility, time spent with dad, growing facial hair or buying a pick up truck.

There are so many stories of ‘manhood’ learned on this camping trip at Camp Gruber, in 1984, age 15.

I had this photograph of me killing my deer on a Father-son hunting trip at age 15 but the photo I had was taken with a 126 camera and not that hi-resolution but thanks to my Facebook friend and fellow Vinita Hornet, Michael Collins who posted this high-res image to Facebook I’ve got it preserved for my grand-kids. I miss this old truck!

The Jewish sons have a Bar Mitzvah at age 13 which is their ‘rite of passage’ in becoming a man. There is no clearly defined coming of age for teens in the USA but I must say that somewhere between killing my dear and buying my dads pick up is, in my mind, when I became a man.

In fact I love 1963 Chevy’s so much I’ve been known to pull over and snap a photo when I see one, flash forward to this past summer:

Michael-D-Butler-1963 Chevy

How do you like this 1963 Chevy Truck? (maybe a 62) looks like the one I had in High School but mine was Turquoise-I liked that truck! 3 on the tree! No I didn't buy it-it was near my boys house-you like? Broken Arrow, OK

camping-Ken Butler-Oklahoma

My brother Ken age 17 in 1984 this was Ken's Senior Year-Notice the Lantern hanging from the tree on the right-That green canvas tent was a bear to put up-But a Blast!

Ken (Kenny as a kid) and Michael Collins, the read head in this picture with the big 28 lbs carp-loved to hunt and fish. I went along for the ride because there was not much else to do.

Carp fishing

Michael Collins' mom even cooked this carp! I'm holding the bass on the right.

What memories do you have of your upbringing that are good memories? Hunting and fishing are some of my good memories of childhood. I’m glad we only had 3 channels on the television. This made us go outside and create adventure. I want my kids to have some of the same opportunities that I had! I have 4 sons: Michael Jr. Matt, Josh and Jeremiah; stay tuned you may meet them soon!