The Music man, The fisherman.

Thank you Flukes, I feel the same way. You have sadness at such a time, but you must stand on the happiness. This is what carries you through a difficult time.

Absolutely!

Jamie I have to share with you my last fishing adventure with my dad. He was in a wheelchair with no legs as they were amputated at the knee. I said to my mom and my two sisters that I was going to take him fishing for probably our last adventure. They pleaded and finally ordered me not to take him as it would not be a good trip on him and dangerous as well. I turned and said to my dad hey your call do you want to go fishing or would you rather not go? He answered and said....I will be tired and it will be a long drive and a strenuous two days but I want to go one last time. I looked at the girls and said that settles it we are leaving early morning. We were going to my trailer in Waubaushene and my good friend Humphrey met us there, to help me. My dad slept in for the first morning and Humphrey and I went out. We came back early and he was sitting on the couch with his PSV soccer shirt on watching his favourite team in the Netherlands play. He was bouncing with joy. He had not seen us yet and we saw him as a kid having fun. In the 1930's he played for PSV Brabantia and in 1938 they won the Netherlands championship. I said to him hey it's time for you and I to go fishing. He was startled as he realised we seen him bouncing he smiled. I said looks like a good game you are enjoying there. He said he was ready and looking forward to getting into the boat and go fishing. Humphrey and I put him in my truck and took the short ride to the camps beach where we put him in a chair. I went and got the boat and beached it. We grabbed him and lifted/rolled him into the seat laughing all the way. We headed out and it wasn't long before he felt the tug on his line and brought in a nice sized pike......not soon after another.......I will never forget the smile on his face the rest of the day and the satisfaction of his accomplishment. I asked him that evening if he wanted to go out again in the early morning but he declined stating he was very tired and would sleep in. He too is gone now and left me about 10 years ago but we both looked back on that day , talked and smiled about that day for the rest of his time here on earth. So Jamie I shared this story to give you some solace of all the memories you had fishing with your dad. He started me in the Netherlands at 2 years old. I thought he had gone to the canal without me and I took it upon myself that I was going to find him. The neighbour spotted me and alerted my parents....Dad was in bed asleep.....lol. H ran after me bamboo rod in hand and took me for the first time. I hope it helps you to smile and feel good about all your past adventures with your dad. God bless you Jamie.

Only one word could describe that great adventure. "Love" I hope everybody reads this story twice Arnie. I had to wipe my eyes and smile at the same time.

Thank you Jamie...it is my most treasured memory and it almost did not happen.

Arnie

Thank you Jamie...it is my most treasured memory and it almost did not happen.

Arnie

You are welcome Arnie. I must say, I was inspired by the wonderful tribute from InformativeAngling. When his friend passed he paid his respects in a very special way. Most of us learned to fish with family or a friend. Grandpa, grandma or mom and dad. Fishing traditions go back a long way for many families.

So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you experienced an incredible number of great times and learned much of what is important in life from your old man - live it to the fullest!! My old man was a very stoic, very legalistic "Christian Man" who passed when i was 15. Other than how to be an obstinate bastard don't feel like he imparted much on me. Learned to fish and hunt be by visiting the library solo on my bicycle and reading magazines and as an excuse to get out of the house. Don't feel like i knew him at all. Trying to live my life different and to actually be a father figure that connects with his kids and grandkids.

If you are ever around Dufferin County or Nipissing shoot me a line and maybe we can shoot the sh@# or maybe even wet a line.

Thank you for your thoughts. Yes after he gave up the bottle the dark side of him got better. Hard to forget the dark side, because he was a mean drunk, but at least he tried and finally succeeded. Dad's come in all shapes and sizes. It sounds like you had a tough time when you were young. You sure are a self made man judging by your posts over the last couple of years. You put your mind and best foot forward. Sometimes we have to build the house alone and then we can share ourselves with the ones we love. Great things take time, just like your 34 year old Christmas tree. Have a great Christmas.