A FATHER’S DAY FISHING TRIP
He awoke from a good night’s sleep and lay in his tent listening to owls hooting and crickets chirping. It was Father’s Day and his thoughts were about his Dad.
“Haven’t done that in a long time,” he said to himself.
He left his sleeping bag, put on some clothes, and stepped into the early morning darkness.
There were still a few hot coals in the campfire, so he added some kindling and blew on the coals. The fire easily came to life again. He looked up to see stars still twinkling and listened to the sounds around the nearby lake. He enjoyed time alone outdoors but was ready for his son to get there so they could go crappie fishing together.
Maybe that’s why his Dad kept sneaking into his thoughts that morning. His Dad had been gone for many years. There were things he needed to say to him and never had. It was a good time to do that. To tell him what had been in his heart and mind for a long time.
Dad, I don’t remember you ever telling me you loved me. I don’t even remember if you ever put your arms around me and hugged me. I realize now that your father never did that with you, so you didn’t know how. Not showing someone you love them got passed down to you. I wish it had been different, but it wasn’t. Excuse me for a minute. Smoke from this campfire must have got in my eyes.
I do remember the only time you took me fishing. You and my other Grandpa took me along to the river with you. You never let me fish and never tried to show me how. I do remember getting in trouble for throwing rocks in the water.
Were you proud of me when I joined the military, Dad? I wrote you, but I don’t think I got any letters back. Guess you were too busy. I’ll be right back. This campfire smoke is getting in my eyes again. I have to blow my nose and wipe my eyes.
Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, were you there when I got married? I don’t remember that either. Like you, I made mistakes with my kids. For that, I am deeply sorry. They and God forgave me, and I forgive you, Dad.
My wife and I have always told our kids we love them. We still hug them. Grandkids, too. That is important in today’s world. They have grown up fishing, hunting, camping and in church. It has helped shape them into the good adults and young people they are. They have a lot of happy memories. Our kids have passed it on to their kids. They also will pass it on. The cycle has ended, Dad.
What a better world it would be if all kids grew up knowing that they are loved. Well, I have to go now. My son will be here soon. I am glad we had this talk, Dad. I have needed to do this for a long time.
He wiped his eyes one last time, smiled, and started getting his crappie fishing stuff together.
As a father, how do you want to be remembered?
