| There's More than Fishing | |
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by Ron Brooks
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Of all the things in this world a man can cherish, his family is perhaps the most important.
Where would you be without your family? I had occasion to contemplate this question over the past two weeks, and I think you may want to do the same. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, the fact remains that over 6000 people stepped into eternity on that Tuesday.
I grew up with a loving mother and father, and unless I hear something to the contrary, I believe I have raised my children under that same umbrella. The recent terrorist events have made me ever more aware of just where my values lie, and where my children are.
I fished with my middle son, David, this past week. He pastors a church in North Carolina, and was here on a vacation. We spent the day fishing and talking about a variety of things, not the least of which was family and closeness. He is, after all, a ten-hour drive from me.
I sensed a desire in him to be physically closer to his family than he currently is. I felt that same desire as we talked. There is a comfort that only closeness can bring during trying times.
We fished a number of areas in Northeast Florida that day, from Saint Augustine to Palm Coast. Recent rains driven by a tropical storm made for a huge freshwater runoff. That freshwater pushed tannic acid into the Intracoastal Waterway, and essentially shut the fishing down. We did manage one twenty-six inch redfish, which we kept for supper.
I used to tell David, on days when the fish just weren’t biting, that it was great just to be out together even if we didn’t catch any fish. He usually laughed and completed the comment for me before I could finish it. It became somewhat of a standing joke with us. But today, it seemed to be very different. I truly was great to be together – even if we never put a line in the water.
I fish with my oldest son all the time because we live in the same area. And even though I see him almost daily, that same pang about being close hit me while he was fishing offshore on Saturday. David was driving home, and while I waited by the phone for him to call and tell me he got home, I wondered where Tom was. Was he back at the dock? Did he have engine trouble? Twenty miles of ocean between you and the dock with a broken engine can mean a frightful evening.
I got a call from both of them that afternoon. David had made it back fine, and Tom had caught over twenty red snapper.
I made two commitments that day – a commitment to be closer to my family, and a commitment to prepare my family and myself for that eternity. I hope you think about being prepared as well.
It may be while we fish, or it may be sitting in church, but in any case I plan to be closer. The thought of losing one of them without that closeness won’t keep me awake.
If you have no family, consider finding an extended family. Everyone needs to have that closeness. Find a kid or find a friend and take a fishing trip. It’s important that we look out for each other in all aspects of life.
Tell us your fishing experiences and reports on the Saltwater Fishing Forum.
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