Hi guys,

I know not many of you "know" me. I am fairly new here. But I wanted to share a quick story with you. First a little background. My son who will be 18 this month has a Neuromuscular disease called Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, it's a horrible disease with no treatment or cure. It's slowly taking him from my wife and I. However we don't dwell on the future and live for today. My son loves guns and would be a Police officer if real life wasn't so tough on him.

Last night I headed home after work because I've been fighting a migraine for two days. Tuesday is my usual "dad's night out" and I go to the range to shoot. But not last night as I was trying to rid myself of the pain. I got home and my son was there because the friend who he usually visits on Tuesday was sick. So he asked me if I could take him to the range to shoot his "Cowboy gun" it's a Chiappa 1873-22 SAA we got him for Christmas. So I showered and loaded him up. He has been in a wheel chair since he was 9 and has limited strength and movement in his arms, but I have found that using low velocity shorts in his gun allows him to shoot. Hopefully linking this video from Facebook will allow you to see him shooting it.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...r&notif_t=like

Surprisingly after spending 30 minutes in the range with him, and he was able to shoot 42 rounds total before he got tired, my headache was gone.

Matt

+1
Make every day a good day.
I don't know what else to say.

jack the toad said it all.

Best wishes MattO.
A tough row to hoe.

A great time for him and you

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Thanks guys, it's amazing how therapeutic the range can be. Made even better by the fact that I got to spend more time with him doing something we both love. Funny I didn't even take anything with me besides my carry gun, it never left my side. It was all about him and he loved it.

The range guys also were awesome and helpful. I called ahead of time and they knew we were coming and left the end lane open for him knowing it is the best to take the barriers down on for someone in a wheelchair.

My love and admiration to you and your family! I can´t write any more...got something in my eyes.

He looked like he was having a great time, i wish the best for him and your family.

MattO:

God bless you, Brandon, and the rest of your family. Are you sure that boy ain't a Texan?

Warmest regards,

Dave

You're a good dad. Best to you and your son, thanks for posting.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

What a wonderful story and fabulous time for the both of you.

12/26/2014, Lost my 43 year old daughter after 23 months of fighting terminal cancer. Our motto was "yesterday is history, today is a present, tomorrow in unknown, so take the present and make the most of it."

Thanks for sharing your story and being there for your son.

derryl

Matt, if we had a post of the year, this would be tops. You Sir have my utmost respect and admiration as a Father and family man. I wish we had a world full of folks with your values. May God Bless your entire family and "Thank you Sir for sharing real values."

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

Wish you and your son well with whatever the future holds. Very nice of you to share your range experience with us.

We all live to spend quality time with our kids. Your range time with Brandon was precious on every level and very inspirational. Thank you for sharing that special moment.

Best wishes for Brandon, you and your family.

Happy (early) birthday Brandon!

Koz

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paws for friendship

Thank you for posting that made my day.

Like your positive attitude as well.

It don't git any better than this....... Nice job!!

In a word ...Awesome. Thanks for sharing your special time with your son with all of us. May the Lord bless you all.

My deepest sympathies about your loss.......

Nice community here at S&Wforum.

To steal a line from Mother Honda: You meet the nicest people with a S&W!!!!

Nice quote!

...and keep the not-so-nice folks at bay!

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paws for friendship

Best range report ever!

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

I lost my son at 19 old I wish i could have took him to the range. I have never had a head ache but always worked tohard. I commend you for doing what I didn't. God bless you and yours...

Paul

Thewelshm

Thank You for posting.

You are a good man Matt, and a wonderful father to Brandon.

You have my deepest admiration.

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SWCA #2817

THESE ARE TIMES TO CHERISH. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR SON, MATT. YOU ARE BOTH IN MY PRAYERS………..

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

An outstanding and uplifting post. May God rest His hand on your son and his pathway be as smooth as possible.

Your spirit is to be commended.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to comment. I had no idea when I posted this how it would be received. I just put him to bed, and came to read the forum. This is a great place to be.


Matt

Matt, I am honored and delighted that you and Brandon are here. Looking forward to more Great post from you two birds. Only the best Sir and thanks for sharing your story.

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

In case you were wondering what you get a "Good Cowboy" for his birthday. I had a local Leatherman make this for him for the gun you saw in the video.

Untitled by MattOphotog, on Flickr

Matt, if your comfortable with it pm me your address please.

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

Awesome report Matt!

I shoot with my boy every chance I can. After reading your post and watching your son shoot, it makes me realise just how blessed we are.

I too reside in Missouri, if we ever bump into you and Brandon, it would be my honor and privilege to pay for his range time and ammo.

God bless you and your family.

Cowboy up Brandon!

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Molon Labe!