Passing of an old grey fisherman

[fillorbust]

I wrote this Friday evening. I’m only getting to post it now. His funeral is at 1:00 today.

I’m sitting in the hospital this evening watching life slowly pass from my dad. He’s comfort measures only now. I suspect he will pass sometime tonight.

I treasure the days he an I spent on the water. The story goes that he was a hunter who occasionally fished in his younger years. My mom hated guns and told him that if he gave up hunting and took up fishing she would never complain. He could buy a boat and take my brother and I fishing anytime he wanted. He had at least 1 small row boat and in 1979 he bought a 16’ Mirrowcraft with a 10 HP Mercury. My brother was into ball sports and eventually was busy with those instead of fishing. As far as I know mom was true to her word.

There is a poem in one of my kids rooms that reads:

On the day you were born
You cried and the world rejoiced
Live your life in such a way
that on the day you die
The world cries and you rejoice.

I never heard stories from my grandparents of the day my dad was born but I’m sure he cried and they rejoiced.

My dad was a wonderful man. He instilled in me the value of a hard days work and more importantly the unconditional love a father shows to his children. He was strict, and I know I was more than a handful through all of my school days, but I know that he is proud of the man I am today.

Most of my best memories of him, he and I were holding fishing rods. We fished almost every lake in western PA. Pymatuning, Conneaut, Shenango, Wilhelm, and Arthur, spending hundreds of hours in his boat. We also made trips to the rivers around Pittsburgh, streams around State College, offshore in NJ and NC and the shore of the Outer Banks.

I thank God for my dad starting me on the path of faith in Jesus that I now follow. I pray he will rejoice in the moment now not far away when he meets his creator. I have hope but not assurance.

The witness of family at his bedside throughout the day today, and the tears that flowed, are a testament to his love for all of us, and the way he lived his life!


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[SuperDave336]

Wonderful memories. Sounds like a great father. Made me think of my dad. Condolences for you and your family.

[skiptomylu]

May God Bless!

Skip

[tahoe 50]

Woe what a powerful story that you have written. Wh as t I would give to have just half of them memories. The Lord has indeed blessed you and your family. My condolences to you and your family for the loss.

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[tahoe 50]

PS. WOW

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[BarryG]

Sorry for your loss

[frugalfisherman]

Very moving sorry to hear about your dad but thank you sharing this


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[BuckeyeCrappie]

I feel the pain in your loss. Made me think of my father as well. Your path to faith is obvious in your post and such a blessing. Great memories for sure, thank you for sharing. Prayers for your family.

[Eagle 1]

Hebrew 9:27 says All are appointed to die once . We can look forward to it , prepare for it , and even desire it . The void of a passing love one is a special hurt . Your dad now lives through you . Rejoice in knowing he is truly in a better place . So many think because they die they are in Heaven . A special relationship will be rejoined at a future date .

["G"]

Great read...great memories....Sorry for you loss