Timmah, my deepest sympathies during this most difficult time. Hopefully you both enjoyed each other during your time together.
Not a "funny" dad story, but one that I hope...provides some type of comfort.
I've been fortunate enough to "circle-back". Here's my synopsis of me and my dad. Having fished with my father since very young, mainly targeting bottom-fish for table-fare... awaiting my chance to chase fish on my own, I finally got my license and changed gears. I started hunting for large...This didn't coincide with dad's plans so our paths <
fishing-wise> started heading in different directions. Instead of targeting scup, tautog, etc...I was giving him left-over mackerel and hearing how he didn't like the fact that they had holes in them
. Sadly enough, as he aged...his desire lessened, our schedules conflicted and his time got filled with other things which made fishing non-existent for him. Selfishly, I continued on with my own desires and never pursued our fishing partnership. Our relationship did rebound somewhat AFTER my rebellious years
(
you know, when you think puking is fun), but it did not fully recover. I've since gotten married and started my own family. I can now honestly say, our fully-recovered relationship is awesome. He semi-retired a few years ago and I somehow convinced him to try fishing again. Dad now starts most mornings plugging for large...and then targeting bottom dwellers afterwards. At 74, he doesn't hesitate walking from Narragansett Ave, all the way out to the point...hanging a bass or blue over his shoulder and white-bucketting some scup and/or Tautog for the mile+ walk back. He follows tide-stages catching his own bait and can easily fish 4-5 days a week. He still maintains a part-time job as a grounds-keeper/maintenance man, continues to be the "Mr. Fix-It", for whom-ever needs it and together, we made over 90 gallons of wine this year...he is most indeed, my ultimate role model. I can only pray to be 1/2 the man that he is. I am very thankful for what I have and try to make the most of our time together. I can also honestly say, this past year has been by far, the LEAST amount of time spent targeting Large for me. Having had purchased a boat mid-season, I've surrendered my own desires to ful-fill his. The day before we head out, I smile as I ask him.........."what do you want to fish for tomorrow dad?" Whatever he wants, we do. Milo & Goose can attest to that, as I rarely fished with either of them this year...
...we only shared reports afterwards
This thread of yours, especially with the request that you made...will hopefully spark some past father-son relationships. Time here on earth is short...the older you get, the more you're reminded of that. Enjoy it and BE THANKFUL. I do believe in the after-life...proud to be a God-fearing Christian and pray that I can somehow secure a spot inside the pearly gates. I am confident that God-willing, whomever enters first...will be awaiting the other with a bucket of bait, a couple of rods and a carafe of wine.
Timmah, try to find solace in the fact that God does exist and is forever forgiving. Your father's soul is in Great Hands. I know it's easier said when you're not going through it...but stay strong, you're dad is catching your bait as you read this...
Gilly ~
Apologies, but I'm posting this pic to pay tribute to dad's everywhere. <<
Shhhhhh....he'd kill me if he knew I posted his pic on the interblab>> >XX;>
...it finally happened, there are no more secret spots
Linear Mode
