Dedicate Yourself!

[BigFish]

As we get older....we unfortunately find ourselves from time to time.....faced with mortality. The loss of good friends and family happens more and more sadly. We never really know how much time we have left though we hope we have alot! Time is a precious commodity that we never seem to have quite enough of, however this season, though I do fish quite alot, I am going to try to get out more often especially on those afterwork days for a few hours when I would normally just sit on the deck and pop a couple cold ones. (Those can wait a few more hours) I am going to make a concerted effort to also fish with friends more. Those seem to be some of the best times when you can share a great day of fishing with a good buddy. I implore you all to make the same commitment to yourself. Don't put off till tomorrow something you may regret later having not done it. I plan on leaving this life with no regrets and a box full of memories and hopefully leaving friends with a few as well!

[sks]

Nicely said. I like it.

[QuonsetCaster]

[Bernzy]

Amen Brother!!!
I've been in the Grim Reaper's neighborhood twice in the last year and a half.
I now live my live with no regrets.

Bernzy

[BigFish]

Good for you John! Stay well my friend! Still a fan of Bernzy Bait Co. here!

[Mr. Sandman]

Bernzy! Good to see your avatar on the board again. All the best to you and your crew!

[Nebe]

I had the same thoughts as big fish last year and decided to fish less and spend more time with those I love.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Raider Ronnie]

Dealing with death sucks !
Six months ago we buried my aunt on my side of the family.
Christmas week we buried my wife's father.
Wife's mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, now spread all over including liver, adrenaline glands and other areas. She's on Hospice watch now. 2 weeks ago doctors told the family 3 months tops.
Wife's brother inlaw was diagnosed 3 months ago with brain cancer & melanoma, don't expect he will see next christmas.
Got a few other friends dealing with cancer right now also, one just a few years older than me (early 50s)
His 3 kids will be father less before long.

Death sucks

[BigFish]

Originally Posted by Nebe

I had the same thoughts as big fish last year and decided to fish less and spend more time with those I love.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I did not say abuse your familial responsibilities...merely suggesting that when you do fish....make the most of it! Do it with a friend or whatever but just make the most of it! Thats all.

[putty]

I never post on here, although I have been a regular lurker for a while. This one hits close to home...I have a tough enough time talking about it with friends and family...so lets open up to a bunch of strangers on the interwebs!

I was dealt a swift left/right combo of cancer this past fall- lost my best friend @ age 36 on 9/24/13 and my sister @ age 44 on 9/26/13. Completely surreal and overwhelming feeling knowing both of these traumatic and emotional events were going to be converging on me at once. Still reeling a bit from it- no real safe haven to find when your friends and family are all suffering separately and equally. Selfishly part of me thinks they went out together to somewhat lessen the sorrow to a degree...perhaps get it over with in one fell swoop. Needless to say I was crushed.

I spent numerous nights in October alone on the beach & the rocks trying to either clear my head, assimilate my emotions, or just an alternative from falling into a bottle...I had one time that I was standing on a rock around midnight with my mind adrift thinking of pleasant memories when I got smacked by a nice 20# class bass, which i took as a sign of both of them smiling down on me

The hurt is still there, and probably will be for a while. In regards to Larry's theme of mortality- you never know what tomorrow will bring. Embrace today and enjoy life as you see fit. Even if your sense of enjoyment causes loved ones look at you like you have something wrong with your head because you're going out to stand alone on barnacle covered rock at night getting beat up by the surf in hopes that a fish comes around...just so you can catch it and let it go again...

In the poem Desiderata I love the closing line and it seems apropo: "Be Cheerful- Strive to be happy."

Tight lines to all this upcoming season-

Putty

[Rockport24]

Very sorry to hear about your losses guys. Like so many of us, I too have been touched by this kind of thing too many times (but thankfully not recently).

Fishing is definitely one of those things that helps us get through times like that and it's good to have a reminder that we are lucky to have every day of good health we should be enjoying life to the fullest as much as we can.

[piemma]

As you guys know, I have been in a fight with the big C for 8 years now. I was fishing with RIRockhound when I was diagnosed. He helped me through the beginning with some "tough love". He probably doesn't remember but I sure as hell do.
3 years before that I had a quad bypass and figured I'd never fish again.

So here I am 11 years pass a couple of major life threatening situations and fishing harder than ever with a big change. I use to be possessed with catching the biggest, the most, etc. Now I fish with my nephew and get a bigger kick out of showing him the tricks of the trade. He consistently catches the biggest fish on the boat because I WANT him to. He casts first, gets the first drift etc.
I suspect age has something to do with it but being able to impart what I know to someone I love is the bigger picture.

[afterhours]

well said larry, i couldn't agree more. some real good posts here by some real fine folk. be well all!

[BigFish]

Putty I am deeply sorry for your loss....thats a bitter double dose to deal with. You nailed it though Putty.....exactly my point. I learned early in life never to take anything for granted and I never have. I lost my brother to cancer when I was 9 months old....he was 5 years old. I have always tried to live each day knowing its a blessing my brother never got......to enjoy every day for every drop I can squeeze from it. Unfortunately life throws reminders of our mortality our way......these gut punches tell us to grab all that life has to offer. Piemma......your a grabber boy! Keep on grabbing and enjoy my friend! I think its Clammer that has it in his signature......"Enjoy what you have"!

[BigFish]

In regards to the poem you mention Desiderata "Be cheerful-strive to be happy"! I have never heard of that poem but I am going to find it! My Dad all of my life would say to me......"Do what makes you happy".....his words always echo in my mind and they are words I try to live by and this can only be done today as tomorrow is never a promise!

[BigFish]

I just read it Putty....all I can say is wow. I recommend to those like myself who have never read that to do so. Very, very moving.

[putty]

Thanks for the sentiments Larry- it is appreciated! Also I wanted to extend my condolences to you and to others who have posted on here dealing with some of the unfortunate aspects of life. Stay positive as much as you can & keep fighting the good fight!

As far as the poem- I am having trouble locating where I actually came across it the first time. I could've sworn it was in an early issue of Surfcaster's journal where someone had a print of it on their wall, but not 100% certain. As soon as I saw it I printed it out and have it tacked up in my office- just to take a glance at and help keep things in perspective. For the uninitiated, I'll repost it here- hope I'm not breaching any rules.

Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[massbassman]

Thanks for sharing putty... Very inspirational!
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[sks]

Nice. Good bunch of guys(people) on here. I'd fish or have a beer with any of you. I always tell my wife, he fishes, he can't be all bad. I'd say 99.999% of the time it's true. Have a good season all.

[N.ShoreFisher]

Sorry to here of the losses and struggles, but amazed as always to see the support for one another on here too. I def plan on making down to the canal for my first time this year, if for no other reason than to say I did. And Piemma, I haven't forgot your offer, still wanna fish with you this summer!

[piemma]

Originally Posted by N.ShoreFisher

Sorry to here of the losses and struggles, but amazed as always to see the support for one another on here too. I def plan on making down to the canal for my first time this year, if for no other reason than to say I did. And Piemma, I haven't forgot your offer, still wanna fish with you this summer!

I haven't forgotten either. If this #@$&^%# Winter ever ends!!!!

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by sks

Nice. Good bunch of guys(people) on here. I'd fish or have a beer with any of you. I always tell my wife, he fishes, he can't be all bad. I'd say 99.999% of the time it's true. Have a good season all.

99.99%..........
I have been fishing by myself since I was seven years old and in all that time I have only run into one honest to god "a s h l e", thats fifty six years, and just to let everybody know I didn't join the jerk in his pain that night.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Tagger]

I'm down to crank it up a few notches this season . (retiring March 28) Another chapter closed, the years are just flying by .. Tick tock tick tock . Life is about all the lives you touch along the way . Hopefully positive .. Rastafari !

[jimmy z]

Ya know Larry, these last few years have given me reason to cherish life itself. Lost a gig 3 yrs ago, after 14 yrs of giving my all. That was what it was, now! But it was tough, having to start over at 50. But I never lost faith, even when times when our family couldn't pay the rent. But I counted my blessing, and saw what i did have, and moved forward.
Today, I know that the important things are what count in this life, and how we treat others is who we are.
One thing is for sure, I am looking forward to this season! Even more so than others, my friends! I commit too, Larry!

[tattoobob]

I Dedicate myself to the things that are important to me which is Family first then comes everything else

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Tagger

I'm down to crank it up a few notches this season . (retiring March 28) Another chapter closed, the years are just flying by .. Tick tock tick tock . Life is about all the lives you touch along the way . Hopefully positive .. Rastafari !

I'm thinking I may give retirement another shot. Tried it at 62 and didn't like it as I was bored silly (also drove my wife crazy) Now I'm going to be 67 so it may be the right time.

[massbassman]

I echo jimmy z's perspective, as its right on the money. A year ago I took a nasty fall and completely destroyed my shoulder, rotator, labrum, bicep tear, the works. After having surgery in March, I was 8 weeks into recovery at PT, and the whole procedure failed and tore apart again. I ended up changing surgeons, and having it repaired again in July. The repair was extensive the second time, and due to the prolong time out of work, I ended up losing my job. In pain, angry, and a little depressed, I thought my life was over. One particularly bad day, I just shut down and told myself,"I'm done." My wife came home from work and sat down with me and said," i know things are hard right now, but dont forget that you still have us, and we'll always be here." It was if someone dumped a bucket of warm water over my head, as this feeling came over me to reevaluate what is important in my life. I have 7 yr. old twins that greet me everyday with sleepy eyes and a hug and a " I love you Daddy". I have a beautiful wife who has taken the brunt of all the household responsibilities, along with holding a full time job. And greeting me with hugs and smiles throughout the day. I have learned what is really important, and totally prioritized my life. She said to me one day," To be upset over what you don't have, is to waste what you do have." I live by that now. Remember what's truly important in your life and keep it close.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by massbassman

I echo jimmy z's perspective, as its right on the money. A year ago I took a nasty fall and completely destroyed my shoulder, rotator, labrum, bicep tear, the works. After having surgery in March, I was 8 weeks into recovery at PT, and the whole procedure failed and tore apart again. I ended up changing surgeons, and having it repaired again in July. The repair was extensive the second time, and due to the prolong time out of work, I ended up losing my job. In pain, angry, and a little depressed, I thought my life was over. One particularly bad day, I just shut down and told myself,"I'm done." My wife came home from work and sat down with me and said," i know things are hard right now, but dont forget that you still have us, and we'll always be here." It was if someone dumped a bucket of warm water over my head, as this feeling came over me to reevaluate what is important in my life. I have 7 yr. old twins that greet me everyday with sleepy eyes and a hug and a " I love you Daddy". I have a beautiful wife who has taken the brunt of all the household responsibilities, along with holding a full time job. And greeting me with hugs and smiles throughout the day. I have learned what is really important, and totally prioritized my life. She said to me one day," To be upset over what you don't have, is to waste what you do have." I live by that now. Remember what's truly important in your life and keep it close.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I REALLY wish you posted this yesterday......and I REALLY wish a friend of mine read this.
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