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For the last 13 years (minus covid border closings in 20 & 21) my father and I have gone to Northeastern Manitoba to fish for walleye, pike, and lake trout (and sometimes brook trout). This year was an exceptionally good fishing year, but an exceptionally bad weather year (cold and wet for 11 days). But what struck me the most about this trip was seeing my father start to really slow down and have trouble with some basic activities throughout our time there. He just turned 77 and is a very vibrant guy with a lot of life, but in terms of physical health, 20% of his heart is basically dead and he's definitely overweight. He is active and plays golf a lot, but could be healthier. One of the days when it was exceptionally cold, he was really stiff and said - very sadly - that he is worried his time coming on this trip might be nearing its end. He was having trouble getting in and out of the boats, felt really stiff and all but swore off the one really short portage walk for the rest of time as he was out of breath at the end. It's really hard to hear that, and think about your father's mortality and ability to something he loves more than anything in life.
As a son, these 7-11 day trips are some of my favorite time all year because we get such direct and connected time together - in a place where outside distractions are only able to permeate the conversation and vibe when we are at the lodge and have any sort of connectivity to the outside world. But for 9 hours a day on that boat, its just the two of us and a guide, chatting about life, fishing, and making the typical stupid jokes a camp full of men would make on a boat, at shore lunch, etc
The things I have learned from my father while fishing are some of the greatest life lessons a son could ask for as a child / parent of my own:
1. Don't work too much, you can't take it with you (coming from a man that built a huge company and spend most of his young life away from his family - this one hit home and changed my life as a business owner of my own)
2. Show up for your kids in whatever way you can, but be consistent about it.
3. Find a partner that you enjoy being around, even when they are driving you crazy (got lucky on this one!)
4. Don't wait to pursue something you love / a goal or dream you've had... you might be too old to do it by the time you think you "can justify it"
We said goodbye in the airport yesterday as he flew back to Florida and I made my way to my gate and I got a text from him saying "thanks for another great trip, it's my favorite week of the year". I don't know how much longer we'll have this trip or even just time on earth together, but man oh man what a trip this year was; and I can't wait to see him in a few months when he comes to visit. A week is not all that much time in the grand scheme of things, but if it's packed with quality time, it can make memories that last a lifetime.
For you younger folks, take every advantage you can of hanging out with your dad (and mom) because sometimes their mortality really starts to stare you in the face - and it's not a great feeling.
As a son, these 7-11 day trips are some of my favorite time all year because we get such direct and connected time together - in a place where outside distractions are only able to permeate the conversation and vibe when we are at the lodge and have any sort of connectivity to the outside world. But for 9 hours a day on that boat, its just the two of us and a guide, chatting about life, fishing, and making the typical stupid jokes a camp full of men would make on a boat, at shore lunch, etc
The things I have learned from my father while fishing are some of the greatest life lessons a son could ask for as a child / parent of my own:
1. Don't work too much, you can't take it with you (coming from a man that built a huge company and spend most of his young life away from his family - this one hit home and changed my life as a business owner of my own)
2. Show up for your kids in whatever way you can, but be consistent about it.
3. Find a partner that you enjoy being around, even when they are driving you crazy (got lucky on this one!)
4. Don't wait to pursue something you love / a goal or dream you've had... you might be too old to do it by the time you think you "can justify it"
We said goodbye in the airport yesterday as he flew back to Florida and I made my way to my gate and I got a text from him saying "thanks for another great trip, it's my favorite week of the year". I don't know how much longer we'll have this trip or even just time on earth together, but man oh man what a trip this year was; and I can't wait to see him in a few months when he comes to visit. A week is not all that much time in the grand scheme of things, but if it's packed with quality time, it can make memories that last a lifetime.
For you younger folks, take every advantage you can of hanging out with your dad (and mom) because sometimes their mortality really starts to stare you in the face - and it's not a great feeling.
Lovely thread!
