Do You Remember?

Do you remember the person who took you fishing for the first time?
Do you remember the first really good fish you caught and who you were with?
Do you remember the first time you went camping?
Do you remember the first time you really connected with nature whether on the mountain or lake or river?

Today I find my heart swelling and heavy at the same time thinking of my fishing heritage.

When I was very young, I remember both of my grandfathers taking me fishing. Sometimes it was on their boats, sometimes it was on the bank and sometimes in a float tube. I learned to catch perch, crappie, catfish, bass and carp. I learned different techniques, about different lures, how to cast different reels and how to watch a line. Probably the most important lesson I learned was to appreciate nature for its great intricacies. All of the serious conversations I had with these formative men revolved around fishing stories and metaphors. I learned how to speak with adults half a century my senior when sitting at the Whataburger either before or after a trip. Nickel Mug coffee and Breakfast on a Bun still represent fishing and breakfast to me even though I can have neither.

These men were completely opposite in their personalities yet so much alike.

 Papa Jim was very stoic and appeared to be the long lost brother of Lee Van Cleef. He taught me to work hard to enjoy the rewards of time off. His last words to me, as he lay in a hospital bed, were ” Chris, you look bad. You’re working too hard. You need to go fishing.” I went that next day with my family and I caught the largest smallmouth bass I have ever caught, with my son right there helping me. He understood the seed he had helped plant had intertwined with my soul. It was something he could offer a remedy to. Though we spoke less and less as I grew older, moved away, and started a family, a glimpse of me could tell him what I needed. I miss that man every time I get on the water.

PaPa

The other is a joker. PaPa always has been and will always be the court jester. My four year old has all of his spunk and fire so I am constantly reminded of him even though I don’t visit enough. The first question we always ask about is a fishing report. This is a man who has pulled my leg hair with needle nose pliers, told girls I brought to the fishing hole I said they were ugly,  and could find a sore spot to tease a rhino. I have always had fun when I am around him. He makes fishing fun. He always likes to compete too. When I was in high school and even into college I would spend spring break with him fishing at area lakes and keeping score the whole time. I can’t count how many times we have been fishing but it’s a lot and not enough at the same time. When Papa Jim passed it was Papa that I hugged the longest. I sobbed so much I must have soaked through the shoulder of his suit. He’s a fighter and very strong behind all the jest. I hope I never lose him but I know better.

I see my Dad doing the same things with my son as my grandfathers did with me. I hope they come to feel this strongly for him. I am almost sure of it. Fishing, camping or even just spending time in nature with the grandfathers in your life should be a cherished time. It eventually ends and the torch may some day be passed on to you.

It’s important to remember. Do you remember?