A few weeks ago, my Dad and I went fishing. I'm 34 now. Our 1st big fishing trip was 24 years ago and we've gone at least once a year, every year, since. For most of those years we've gone to the same resort, Skyline, at The Lake of the Ozarks in the springtime.
On our most recent trip, I took a look around and remembered the many years we've gone there. The corner that I hid in the 1st night I was there 24 years ago. Age 10, my Dad went to play poker with the guys and left me alone in the room to sleep. When I noticed no one was around and started feeling alone and scared, I started crying. I think I cried myself back to sleep. I never told anyone about it. I'm over it, but I remember the exact time and place as I stood there. I also remember the many great fish weigh-ins, the "embarrasment " of yelling "No Fish!" when your name is called, and fishing from the boats of my Uncles Joe, Ray and Tony. I remembered eating dinner with my Grandpa. I remember my 21st birthday year where my brother introduced me to the worst(read: dirty and nasty) Lake of the Ozarks strip club that proably ever existed.
When I was young, there was a big group of people in the "Tournament." Then, my Dad operated the boat...caught all of the fish(the few fish that we caught) and led the way. Lately, its me and my dad with just a few others. Now, I get to run the boat, catch all of the fish(the few fish we catch) and hang with my Dad as 2 grown men sharing some great quality time together.
My point is that this year had a lasting effect on me. As I wait for my 1st child to be born, I rememer our days of "gone fishin'." Video Games, cool bikes and other "stuff" never make up for the real quality time that kids spend with their parents. I will always be grateful for my fishing time with my dad.
...and I look forward to some great fishing memories with my kids(boys and girls)....maybe even at Skyline resort.
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