There comes a time in your life when a person comes into your life and you have to wonder why you met them. Was it meant to be or was there some sort of purpose? It is our belief that all of us attract particular individuals and if you allow it, that person can be the best thing that ever happened to you. A person recently came into Ted’s life a short year ago but we have valued his friendship and the name of that individual is Scott Bauer. Not only is Scott truly one of the nicest persons you could meet but he is also one of character and conviction.
Scott is a 43 year old man who absolutely loves the outdoors. The definition of ‘love,’ in his case, means that he could fish and hunt all day and every day! There are very few outdoorsmen who are willing to take their love of the sport to the level that Scott does.
Now with most of us, paying the mortgage and taking care of a family is typically a priority so hunting and fishing cannot be all consuming. Scott is no different as he makes his living as a Sioux Falls Cartridge World franchise owner. Now, owning a small business can be difficult and it can also give you tons of freedom. The challenge is giving it enough attention so that you can find the time to get away. Over the years, Scott has worked his business to the point where he has been able to get away in order to chase some whitetails and walleyes, which are his passion.
This past November, we went on a deer hunt of a lifetime to Saskatchewan, Canada. Scott has been going up to Saskatchewan for many years and shot the biggest buck of his life up there last fall. This buck was a gorgeous 13-point trophy which scored almost 180 inches. Anyone who hunts at all would be very proud of this deer. While we were up there, we were all excited about coming across a monster deer, and as the time flew by, we kept strategizing about what we were going to do when that gigantic buck would step out in front of one of our blinds. We did eventually shoot our bucks but they were well below expectations. Nonetheless, the bond of our friendship was sealed on this trip.
While we were in Canada, he kept talking about a nagging stomach ache which he had been having for a while. Asking if he had seen a doctor, he immediately replied, “There no way that I wasn’t coming on this deer hunt with you guys, but I’ll make an appointment as soon as we get back home.”
Along life’s path, God has a way of throwing curve balls at you. It always seems like just when you have things going well and life is good, a challenge is put right in front of you. We believe that how we handle those challenges is what makes us stronger.
Well, Scott has been given the challenge of his short life. When he got in to see the doctor, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which is an advanced stage of cancer. This means that it has grown and spread to other organs. This is what makes this stage of cancer extraordinarily difficult to get rid of. People at the age of 43 just don’t get colon cancer! We were absolutely stricken with disbelief, then overcome with shock and anger. How can this possibly happen to such a young man and close friend?
This is precisely where the outdoorsman, Scott, has raised the sword and gone into battle. He calmly pronounced that we are to stay strong and he is not going anywhere without a fight. In fact, for his teenage son, he wants to set an example that quitters never win. This is why he has chosen to endure months of chemotherapy and the agony which awaits him. And along this journey he has also committed to keep doing what he loves to do… hunt and fish.
It was then that we could comprehend the enormous character, optimism, and perseverance that real outdoors people possess. If you think about it, this optimism and perseverance is needed while pursuing wild game or wily fish. This is exactly why outdoors people are often successful. This is the strength that Scott is going to need during this journey to live another day.
What You can Do
You can help Scott Bauer with his cancer battle, by becoming his friend on Facebook. He is at: https://www.facebook.com/scott.bauer.9889?fref=ts
Also, there will be a fish fry/game feed benefit for Scott and his family at 5 p.m., Feb. 18 at the Fraternal Order of Police facility east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Free will donations are also welcomed, and you can call Mike Tietjen at 605-695-2705.
Please wish him well and send him prayers for strength, and to encourage him to keep on living. We thank you in advance.
Photo: Scott Bauer.jpg: Avid outdoorsman Scott Bauer with his big buck taken on the recent Saskatchewan hunt. At age 43, Bauer has been stricken with stage 4 colon cancer, and could use your well wishes and prayers. (Photo: Ted Takasaki)