A Solemn Occasion

[BigFish]

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.

[Raider Ronnie]

Larry,
I'm sure your dad was watching down at you and smiling

[Slingah]

nice post you big galoop...

[MVbluefish]

Very touching, its amazing how important little things become later in life. Its great you can have this annual ritual to celebrate your fathers life in your own way. Great memories can never be taken away.

[BMEUPSCOTTY]

Good for you Larry! You are definitely right, I doubt there is anything that would make him happier.

[Finaddict]

... and Larry ... keep it going no matter what ... it's great to hear that you are able to remember your father, honor him and yourself on this day by doing what makes you happy - fishing. Thanks for sharing.

[ThrowingTimber]

good stuff larry Im sure the old man was right beside you giving you an attaboy!

[BigBo]

A time of solitude for reflection and remembrance doing what you best like to do makes for a pleasant melancholy day.
Thanks for sharing Larry.

[rickhern]

Well done Larry, thank you.

[stiff tip]

do what makes you feel good .....its all about life...

[Raven]

That is a nice way to remember your dad Larry.

There's plenty of other things that

originated with you trying to be just like your Dad

such as taking pride in what you do and having good

manners too for example.

Only Nature can bestow
upon us "enough Beauty" to ease our sorrow and
give us strength when we are in need of it.

[Slipknot]

Whatever makes you happy Larry

[HESH2]

great day to fish and think about your dad and the times you had together.

[decksweeper]

Larry, thanks for sharing that with us. Whatever situation people are in with their fathers, it makes you stop and think about them and perhaps even regroup a little. thanks..

[JFigliuolo]

I'm glad you find a way to celbrate your dad's life. Thanks for sharing.

[The Iceman 6]

Great post up!

[mekcotuit]

Larry - thanks for sharing - made me fill up with tears! It is coming up to almost a year since my dad died and I think of him every day. And though he left us years before because of Alzheimers, the things he taught me will carry me through!

[Squibby17]

Really nice post Larry. Thats a great tradition your doing. I know it will be hard for me when I lose my Dad, He is the one who made me the way I am today.

[Blitzseeker]

Very cool, good story.

[tynan19]

Larry, great post! Thanks for sharing.

[OLD GOAT]

Thanks for sharing. Twenty five years today for my father. Maybe fish tonight for me . We'll see

[vineyardblues]

Larry,
Bring the Boy's with you! Let them skip a day of school and enjoy a day of fishing. Tell them if you want ...or just let it ride!

They also will remember for a life time of the day Dad let them skip school to go fishing every May 21st!
VB

[BassDawg]

great post, BigLarry.

very moving and sort of puts it all into perspective.
i lost my father 11yrs ago, it really sux during football
season ~~since that was the time we talked the most~~

thanks, Larry for the memories and thanks for your thoughtfulness.

[Clammer]

Larry:

I,m glad for you that you have a way to [have rememberce of your dad in a positive way ;; & I,m sure all approve of your choice /
you were fortunate to have a great relationship with your dad & each and every May 21st / you have time to take a step back & relish what you had & have :;
Peace MIKE

[nklinesider]

when i was growing up my dad used to take me fishing as much as possible when he was home from sea. he was in the navy and was away at sea for a good part of my childhood. when i was 8 years old he passed due to complications of alcoholism... to this day, everytime i go fishing, on the way home i look up and let him know about how the trip went and how bad i wish he could have been there to share it with me. i was very lucky to have a grandfather who i guess tried to fill his shoes and became my new fishin buddy up until he moved away to michigan last march. which felt like losing another huge influence in my life, even though we still talk on the phone. but in june, i had my first son and i plan on being to him what my father and my grandfather were to me, a positive mentor. its really good to hear from people who have had the same great experiences with their fathers as i did, though it was such a short time.

[BigFish]

Good for you "NK"......you sound like you are doing alright!