Grew up dirt poor.

Those stories (found here Proud of Crappie.com folks) made an old loggers eyes cloud up.

Like one of the folks that posted earlier that grew up dirt poor I did as well. I loved to fish but I was raised on an orphanage and tackle was all but none. I fished with what I could get. Old rod and reel. a little line a few hooks and sinkers.



A big bass all but cleaned me out one day. I was devastated. I didn't have enough line left to fish and my reel was history. My world had come to an end. Since I have been in some tough situations at work as a timberfaller and in the army before that. They all paled to the thought of not fishing. I walked back to the cottage as they were called the saddest kid ever I think. I didn't sleep at all that night. Couldn't eat breakfast. Even if I had been working for 4 hours by then.

After breakfast i was called to the farms office. I thought god what now. No fishing and in trouble to boot. i must admit I was no new comer to the office. I was a bit headstrong then. Guss I still am for that matter. Any way I had to wait in the office for an eternity. Ten or fifteen minutes. The supers door opened and he called me in. Well here comes THAT paddle again was all I could think of.

There was another guy in the office as well. Just what I needed. Someone to watch me get my butt beat. I had made up my mind very young that I would never cry. As much as I had been spanked by the super he never made me cry. I walked in and told him to please just get it over with I had waited long enough.

The other guy asked what I was waiting for. I told him my whacking. He chuckled. Fine I thought not only will he get to watch but he thinks it's funny. I was as mad as I had ever been.

The guy reached behind him and pulled out a brand new rod reel and tackle box. My jaw dropped. These were the things I only dreamed of touching never owning. He said with a very kind voice "these are yours". I said "WHAT" he said "These are for you. I have watched you fish for a couple of months. I saw that bass wipe you out. I just thought maybe this stuff would come in handy".

Pain never to this day has made me cry. The kindness of a guy I didn't even know made me cry like a baby. I will never forget his kindness and compassion. I have made a point ever since to help folks fishing. Young old man or woman or child. I have had my heart lifted so many times I can't count them all. Wouldn't have it any other way.