The last time I saw my Father, I was packing up my truck for a mid-May fishing excursion, still a relative "newbie" at the time having only been fishing stripers for maybe 3 years. I remember closing the back hatch on the truck cap and looking up to the storm door to see my Dad smiling and shaking his head at me......he somehow knew that fishing was something I loved. My Dad passed away suddenly a few days later. That was 7 years ago today, the 21st of May.....truly the most difficult and sad day I have ever experienced. Probably the greatest thing my Father ever taught me was something that he said many times over the years....and it kind of stuck with me. He would say....."Do what ever makes you happy"! So every May 21st since he passed away, I put everything else aside, at least for a few hours, and on what is the anniversary of the loss of my Father I do what he would have wanted me to do..............I fish! Fishing is what makes me happy, so I spend those few hours casting and hopefully catching fish (I have not been skunked on the 21st of May yet
) and thinking about my Dad and all he meant to me. So today.....I took a few hours and hit a favorite spot in search of a little solitude and hopefully alot of fish. I was in luck today, as it seems I always am on the 21st of May......I got the blues....lots of them! It made for a fine day as I caught several 7-8 pounders.....they were feisty for sure! I can't believe that another year has gone by........but my Dad would be pleased to know that I am happy.
