Life, Death.... and Your Thoughts on Everything in Between.....

[surfstix1963]

I'd like to Thank You all from my wife and myself for all of your condolences they are very much appreciated.Thanks again.

[DarkSkies]

One of my long time customers passed away this week.......I knew him 23 years.....he was up there in years, but one of the original tough guys.....had a very comfortable lifestyle, but worked hard for everything he achieved......

And his generation never complained...even when his legs swelled up to the size of WWF/bodybuilder proportion, full of fluid, he always minimized it...whenever I expressed concern he told me he was "Just fine and dandy!"........never wanted to complain about his lot in life.......

I knew he was in trouble...the last time I saw him...he was supposed to go to a Dr appt....and barely made it to the SUV (he was so proud he always drove himself no matter how much pain he was in)...
I had to help him back to the house....and he was so tough he didn't want to accept my help...he didn't want anyone, including me, to think he had any weaknesses.....

Finchaser would have loved this guy.....he ranted about Obama and the "special entitlements" bestowed on some by the Obama administration......he felt he had to work hard for everything he got....why should others not have to?.....







He was truly a reminder of the older generation, how they were taught to go through life without whining....and suck it up whenever they had a problem.....
Over the years, an inspiration and example of a good American, to me as well....

[DarkSkies]

I think of the rough road I have been on lately, spending thousands of dollars to deal with the eff-ups and irresponsibility of others......missing out on fishing, feeling real bad about it, and the money I am spending like water.......

And I asked myself if this gentleman could have changed places with me.....he probably would have...just for another few years of life and love with his family.....
It kind of put things in place for me.....
I'm real disappointed at the infrequency of times I was able to make it out fishing this year....and beating myself up for how hard life has been.........

His passing, helped to put it into better perspective.......
There are always folks out there, who have things a little better.....
And there are certainly many out there, who will have things worse than we do.....much worse.....








I miss ya already, C......
Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones, who I have become close to over the years.....
You left behind a legacy of good examples, frank opinions, and good stories......

Thanks for sharing them with me....
And especially for your fishing stories, of catching many smallmouth bass on a hot day in the Summer....an almost impossible feat in hot weather.......
Unless one was willing to use the secret bait that you did.....crawfish.....
Thanks for all... pal.....RIP.....

[clamchucker]

This is a nice thread. As I get older and it becomes more difficult to get out fishing as much as I used to. I am reminded that the opportunities and days are as limited as the sands in an hourglass. Have been spending a lot of time with my grandkids and watching them grow. They are not enthused about fishing as much as I hoped. Still it is a good time with them and my fishing buddy when we get them on the water. Your only guarantee on this earth is today. Enjoy while you can.