Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander

we will live forever and continue to be together in the after-realm. That is the hope we share. That is why we live together without fighting and arguing, and that is why we continue to work together as friends. We are happy as a family—we share in joys, work through our problems, deal with sorrows, care for each other, and always look to the bigger picture. Yes, my dad has taught me a lot. I can only try to make him happy by putting all the things he has taught me into practice. I see no bad in him, only the good. I see no mistakes, only the achievements.
    My biggest achievement was to bring him some of the glory he deserved in this life. He did so much for hunting, so much for his family, and so much for so many people. My biggest fear was that people would not know how much he accomplished. Ihave worked hard to make the right business moves so my father would receive the recognition he deserves. I am so glad to show America that there are still families that do the right things and care for people but can still succeed in this mean ol’ world. My mom tells me all the time that I am just like my dad, and she usually says it after some of my lesser moments. But I still smile and think that those are the things that were passed to me by him. My dad has passed on to his boys the essence of what he is. And it will take all four of us to show it. None of us alone can embody who he is. He is remarkable and noble. My father is a truly great man.
A NOTE FROM JEP
    I guess growing up in the Robertson household was like growing up in a lot of American households. Since I was really young, we were skinning fish, cleaning squirrels, and picking dewberries. They were everyday events. Okay, so maybe my upbringing was a little atypical. I do think I had it a little easier than my older brothers, since Dad had repented by the time I was born. I remember getting up early in the summers and going with Dad to run the nets. He would even let me drive the boat every now and again. We would take our catch back to Mom, and then she and I would take off to the fish market to sell our catch. Something about the smell of those fish markets has always stayed with me. Those places had a stench that is beyond words. I would usuallyfind something outside to do the rest of the day, whether it was fishing, shooting bows and arrows, or building forts.
    On many nights, I remember folding boxes for the duck calls we were selling. To be honest, I don’t think I did nearly as many as my brothers. But I guess I chipped in here and there. My grandmother Granny would get me to go searching for night crawlers, so I could take her out perch fishing. Those were some great times, and she taught me a lot about being patient and about life in general.
    As I grew to become a man, at some point I lost sight of all those life lessons my dad and grandmother taught me. At around nineteen years old, I went on a six-month drug-induced rampage that nearly cost me my life. My brother Willie knew what I was up to and got the family together to give an intervention. I’ll never forget how scared I was that day when I walked in Mom and Dad’s house with all my brothers sitting around. I still remember hearing my dad say, “I know you’ve been up to no good; how bad is it?” I broke down and told them everything. There were a lot of tears and hugs, and I’ve never felt the love of a family like I did that day. My dad put me on house arrest for three months, and it was probably the best time of my life. I learned how to reconnect with God and my family and get back with some true friends, who are my closest friends to this day.
    I have since married the most beautiful, spiritual, wonderfulwoman on this planet, and we have four amazing kids. My dad has shown me through his life how to work hard to support your family, love God, and even fit in a little hunting. My dad has always been there for me in good times and bad, and I hope I can do the same for my children. I love you, Dad!
A NOTE FROM KAY
    When people dream something as a child, it doesn’t always come true. But my childhood dream of what kind of man I would marry and spend the rest of my life with did come true.
    I always knew my husband would be tall, dark, and handsome, but he also had to have a rugged look, as if he’d just walked out of the wilderness. He had to love the outdoors and be able to survive there if needed. I also wanted him to be able to take command of any situation when needed.
    I