Turning the page

[N Florida Mike]

So sorry, Tom. Prayers and thoughts for you and family. You’re always welcome in my boat if you visit Florida.

[Way north bass guy]

Sorry to hear about your son. I do hope you still plan to come on here and spread your generous wealth of bass knowledge. I know it likely doesn’t help at all with your situation, but please know that you’ve helped many folk on here over the years with your wisdom, and it’s always nice to hear your side of things. 

[basser27]

21 hours ago, WRB said:

As most you know I lost my son 5 days after his 38th birthday on Jan 22. I appricaite everyone's support.

I have been selling off swimbaits and a few members received them.

Today I made the decision to sell my bass boat and posted it on a local site, it sold. Now I need to take everything out. This process is more difficult then anticipated, so many memories. 

Turning this  page in my life is harder then I thought knowing it's my last boat.

Tom 

Sorry for your loss. Why you selling all your gear? You quit fishing?

[WRB]

Sold most of my swimbaits and still more tackle then most stores.

I may back seat at some point in the future and keep a few rods/reels for that.  

Big thank you to everyone for the kind thoughts and prays.

Tom

[geo g]

Tom I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Nothing worse than the loss of a child.  God bless you, and your family during this difficult time.  May he give you some comfort during this process.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[scaleface]

I know how much you enjoy fishing , we all do . Too bad you cant come with me and teach me a few things . I have a 22 foot Lowe with two front deck casting chairs . Perfect for us old guys .

[MGF]

4 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Unfortunately Tom made his decision and sold the boat already. I don't know if any of us can truly understand the grief he is experiencing.  I just hope he sticks around here to help us inexperienced anglers catch a few more fish because he is a wealth of knowledge...  his input would truly be missed.

I also hope he sticks around. I, for one, have not caught bass anywhere near the sizes that he lists,

 

My experience would suggest that we can not really "understand the grief". All we can do is empathize.

[Jonas Staggs]

On 8/4/2020 at 6:15 PM, WRB said:

As most you know I lost my son 5 days after his 38th birthday on Jan 22. I appricaite everyone's support.

I have been selling off swimbaits and a few members received them.

Today I made the decision to sell my bass boat and posted it on a local site, it sold. Now I need to take everything out. This process is more difficult then anticipated, so many memories. 

Turning this  page in my life is harder then I thought knowing it's my last boat.

Tom 

im sorry for your loss Tom.

[Big Hands]

Profoundly sorry to hear this happened. Words seem so inadequate to express feelings in times like this. I'm sure you didn't come to this decision lightly. 

 

I joined the site later this year, so I wasn't aware, but TBH it does connect a few dots. I consider your presence and contributions on the site a gift and I appreciate you sharing this with us as well.

[evo2s197]

14 hours ago, MGF said:

Tom, You have to do something all day.  A boat might yet come in handy. Just a thought.

 

 

I myself never had this reaction after losing a grandparent or my mother(albeit I'm sure losing a child is especially tough) but surprisingly a lot of people suffer from bereavement disorder after a death of someone close, such as turning your back on a activity you love irrational and sudden purchases or sell offs.

 

Hopefully you don't look back and regret this Massive sell off, after all life goes on and deaths like this will happen to everyone even if it does sound cold, it's not because of some entities great plan it's just life and that's out of anyone's control when it comes to death, I'm sure your son would've wanted you to keep all your fishing gear and use your love of the sport to ease the pain, what will you do now as an escape?

 

I would suggest professional counseling from a outside source before selling of more items.

[GTN-NY]

My thoughts and sympathy are with you Tom and I can fully understand your reactions.

Fishing was something my son and I always did together. Even team tournaments where I could have had a more experienced adult I had my 12yr old son with me. I’m still fishing but it’s not the same. Every spot I go to I can remember what we caught there together. 

Life will never be the same for you but you are still alive and try your hardest to make the best of it you can. 
Have you tried to find a grief group or individual counseling? With the right group or person it can help! You can’t do this in your own. 

[Junger]

Sorry for your loss. You have a lot of knowledge about bass fishing, and I hope you'll continue to share it here with us.

 

 

[Guitarfish]

I don't know you Tom, but I got teary eyed reading your pain.  I can't imagine how much that hurts.  I lost my best friend and fishing has taken a back seat now for 6 years.  But I want you to get out there when you can even if it's just to float. I went out to a couple of 'our' spots and talked it out. Take all the time it takes to grieve.   It will hurt less eventually, and I bet your son would like to see you out there.  The memories are forever.  Best of luck to you.

[APK62]

So sorry Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with and family .

[Ski213]

I’m sorry for your pain and your loss. As slonezp said everyone grieves differently. I hope the pain of turning this page leads to some form of healing and that the next page holds good things for you. 
 

As others have said, many seats on boats that would be honored to have you. If you ever find yourself in KY you’d be welcome to a front seat on mine.  You’ll continue to be in my prayers. 

[Jaderose]

16 hours ago, Ski213 said:

I’m sorry for your pain and your loss. As slonezp said everyone grieves differently. I hope the pain of turning this page leads to some form of healing and that the next page holds good things for you. 
 

As others have said, many seats on boats that would be honored to have you. If you ever find yourself in KY you’d be welcome to a front seat on mine.  You’ll continue to be in my prayers. 

I can't say it any better than this except for I know the same holds true for Missouri.  If you ever find yourself in the Show Me State, my and I'm sure others boats are at your disposal (so long as I can go with!  I promise to sit down, shut up, and listen and learn and be a helluva net man.)  Peace to you and your family.

[Catt]

Someone once said, "getting old ain't for sissies"

 

Age places a lot of stress both physically & mentally on all of us.

 

One of my dearest fishing buddies was recently diagnosed with ALS. 

 

Tom, like I mentioned in our private messages I don't want you tackle!

 

I want your knowledge!

 

We've bumped elbows & bruised egos many times but I still place a lot of value in you knowledge of this sport.

 

Tommy T ?

[WRB]

11 minutes ago, Catt said:

Someone once said, "getting old ain't for sissies"

 

Age places a lot of stress both physically & mentally on all of us.

 

One of my dearest fishing buddies was recently diagnosed with ALS. 

 

Tom, like I mentioned in our private messages I don't want you tackle!

 

I want your knowledge!

 

We've bumped elbows & bruised egos many times but I still place a lot of value in you knowledge of this sport.

 

Tommy T ?

You are the reason I stayed on this site so long and you earned my respect for your knowledge and fishing skills.

Thank you for putting up with me.

Tom

[OCdockskipper]

My condolences Tom.

 

If a time ever comes that you want to get back on the water, be it for an hour or a day, I'm just down the 5 freeway from you.  Let me know & I'll make it happen.

[schplurg]

Tom, I thought it was a good sign to still see you in the forums after your son passed. For me, fishing takes me away from my problems when I need an escape. If it causes you grief now (which I may be wrong about, I'm not sure) then I can understand you hanging it up, or for it being one of the reasons.

 

One day I will probably be too old to toss a line without a lot of pain, I'm pretty sure that will be my main reason. I think I remember you mentioning your age slowing you down as well.

 

I've only been here a few years and I respect your knowledge and your desire to help on this forum. Thank you for that. As time goes on I hope I can return the favor by helping others as I learn. Or I can put you on some dinks if you're ever in Morgan Hill (sorry, best I can do!)  

 

----------

 

I've been wanting to ask you but didn't know where or how - do you have any photos of your biggest catches you can share with us? Or are they posted elsewhere?

 

I see the one in your avatar/profile photo and always wondered if it was a replica or an actual fish (looks like you're in a house...), and I'm wondering what a 19 pound bass looks like. I'd love to see these big girls!

 

Best wishes to you.

- Mike

 

Edit To Add: 

Edited August 11, 2020 by schplurg

[Bassun]

Oh Tom, my most heartfelt condolences go out to you.  I know there are no words, so I will just remind you that our prayers will be with you sir. 

[Oregon Native]

Having lost our daughter to cancer and now battling it myself I somewhat feel your pain....we are allondfferent roads not yet traveled. You have many friends on here and I'm sure around.  It might be awesome to get on the water and think and look up  and remember in respect.  Not sure....just talking...Sorry typing bad...hand eye goes in and out and I get tired of correcting and trying to figure out.

All the best....

[dtag31]

My sincere condolences Tom, you are a leader, mentor and teacher that many people greatly respect and look up to on this site. You will be sincerely missed

[Todd2]

Tom, I don't have the words and probably couldn't say what hasn't already been said. I don't know you personally but I hope you stay active here on the forum, in life, and fishing when you can.  Best of luck to you!

 

 

[J Francho]

I still don't have any words other than I'm so sorry for your loss.