Bittersweet Day Today

[Way north bass guy]

My father in law has lived with multiple sclerosis for many years, the last year and a half he’s been in a hospital, pretty much unable to move at all. 

This last week he finally turned for the worse, with bad pneumonia. My wife and her brother and mom have been taking shifts at bedside for a whole week, and were completely exhausted. I’ve been keeping the home at bay, working and staying with our 8 year old, and worrying for everyone’s total loss of sleep, I don’t know how they’re still moving. 

 

This afternoon I took my son out for a couple hours to try for some pike, and mostly just to get us out and our minds off of everything. 

Fished a few spots and didn’t see a thing, figured we’d try one last bay and on my second cast I feel a big thump on the jerkbait. 

After a good fight, my 8 year old did a perfect net job and some high fives, we slid her in the livewell for a few pics later. As soon as I closed the lid, I got a text from my wife that said dad’s gone. 

 

He  was always out on the bay as a young man ( Georgian Bay), fishing, boating, even worked on the coastguard for several years out there. I couldn’t help but think, after being in a wheelchair for years and not able to get outdoors like he used to, maybe he was finally free again, and maybe, just maybe he sent a little gift our way to make the day a bit more special for my son and I. 

After a few pics, we sent the 38”er back into the bay and I said a silent thanks to him for everything he ever did for me. 

Thanks Dad. 

[Graham]

That gave me chills! Sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family. Really like your perspective on the tough situation though. I hope that you can find comfort in that spectacular catch, and knowing that he will always be with y’all in your fishing adventures.

[SURFSLUG]

Couldnt have said it better graham, sorry your families loss.

[Fairtax4me]

My most heart-felt condolences to you and your family in this time of mourning and healing. That is a memorable catch indeed. 

 

I'm not religious but I do believe in the spiritual connection between people and nature. The fish came with a message, and left with a soul, freed from agony of mortal bonds. May he rest in peace. 

[TOXIC]

Wonderful story.  Sorry for your loss.  My grandfather introduced me to fishing by taking me to Lac LaRonge up in Saskatchewan when I was young.  He and my grandmother went every year.  150 miles of gravel road to get to camp.  Carried in his own twin 35 horse motors for the wooden boats up there.  Spent a week doing the most unbelievable fishing I have ever had.  Same Indian guide every year and brought home coolers of fish.  Had wonderful shore lunches.  Sadly my grandfather passed from leukemia  not long after that trip.  The good......I still feel his presence every time I go out on the water.  Everytime.  I know he is with me.  

[A-Jay]

Very sorry for your families loss.

Remember the good times.

A-Jay

[TnRiver46]

So sorry to hear this. I love your perspective, though. Prayers sent 

[Bankbeater]

I'm sorry for your loss. 

[bassh8er]

Also sorry for your loss and that will be a story you’ll be able to keep telling the family forever.

[tcal4404]

great story, thanks for sharing

[jtharris3]

Very sorry for your loss!

[lonnie g]

Sorry for your loss , glad you got to be with your son. You will always have this wonderful memory, to make the bad days good. Made me think of my dad, passed in 98. He to always took me fishing. And I am proud he was my dad, as I am sure your son is and will always be.