Yes, it is very hard to let go of old friends. We must accept that the old must depart so that the new can arrive. Somehow God always seems to ease one loss with several new gifts. This is one to cherish, and I hope you have an ever-growing bond with the young man, Jim, and share the best hunting years ahead with him. You may not realize it, but you are helping to shape the man he will be. Your own immortality will be cemented in the stories the boy will relate for the rest of his life.
Success has so many different facets.