I wrote this last year and I feel it fits in for father’s Day.

Before my dad turned 80 on April 26th 2006, I decided I wanted to treat him to a camping/fishing trip on the White Mountain reservation like we did when I was a kid.
I remember every summer growing up, we would go 3 or 4 times to the White Mtns and fish places like Hawley Lake, Diamond Creek, Whiteriver, Big Lake, and Christmas Tree Lake. I grew to love that country, and for some unknown reason haven’t been back there for about 35 years.
Since that time, my dad gave me all of his fishing stuff, and had basically called it quits for hunting and fishing, because he doesnt want to leave my mom alone.

Well, I planned the trip, made the necessary reservations for 8 of us. My mom, dad, wife, 2 sons, daughter in law, grandson and a friend went for the past 3 days.

As we drove the dirt roads, which brought back memories of long ago, we saw a bull elk that would score right now about 320″, cow elk, and 4 different groups of turkeys. We fished, and even though the fishing wasn’t as good as I remember it, we had so much fun kicking back on the bank and enjoying all that God gave us.

Something that stuck out, and really made me think were, that I had to bait my dad’s hook because he has a tremble in his hands. But, it reminded me of when my dad always baited my hook, untangled my line, and got my hook out of the tree or bushes when I tried to cast.

Yesterday, as we were about to pack up for the trip home, my dad sat next to me, and as I looked at him, he had a tear in his eye. he said, ” I really apprec”, then he started crying. I hugged him and asked what was wrong, as I didnt realize what he was trying to say.
He said it, this time through the tears, “I really appreciate you doing this……………I hope you can come back once in a while after I am gone”.

Well, that brought tears to my eyes, and after a couple of minutes I walked outside to see the lake. But, instead of looking at the lake, I said a little prayer and thanked God for my dad and allowing us to share so much together.

I guess I am telling you this because I have taken things for granted and allowed everyday life to control me. When my dad told me that, I realized that he may not be around much longer, and that I need to cherish the times we have left.
So, if your dad is still alive, make every minute count that you possibly can.
Garth