As the seasons change I am reminded of a lesson that my favorite teacher taught me. Its been 18 years since I sat in that cold school half asleep watching clock on the wall. Out of everything I learned in school, this would be the thing that hit home the most. We presented with a lecture on making memories that will last. To quote my elderly teacher “no matter how tired you, no matter how hard your day was always play with your kids if they ask.” This hit home because I grew up with young parents who worked constantly. My father being a semi driver he was rarely home. When he was home he would be to tire to play sports with me. To this day we never been fishing, camping, or have that bonding time most have.

My uncle being single without responsibilities took on the responsibilities of teaching me how to survive if needed. Something I will never forget will be the memories of our fishing trips. The best was when we didn’t have much money. Staying in RV’s, renting boats that barely float, and freezing in 4-person tents. My first experience fishing involved staying with my uncle and grandfather at Indian Lake during the MDA Tournaments. Little bit of a backstory is my grandfather and I didn’t get along. He was constantly drunk during my youth. Not angry just intolerable for a preteen. He was a nice guy to most people just for reason it seemed he didn’t care for me.          

 Now back to fishing trip to Indian Lake. This is probably the first fishing trip any of us had been on. Beginners we didn’t know the baits, area, or fishing technics. We had 4 closed faced poles and an open-faced shark pole. Not much tackle and didn’t know there was different rigs beside a split shot above a hook. That weekend I become a man figuratively off course. My opinion mattered, I picked my own food, and caught my first monster fish. Most importantly I finally seen my grandfather in a different light. For most of my life I have only seen him confused or talking known sense. This weekend he was fully of knowledge and stories. Watching him get excited about fishing and including me in it showed something I never seen. His legend status in my family.

 For the first time I seen why his children looked up to him and would do anything for him. His was a kind soul who no longer had kids so decided to live for himself. Its been more than 20 years since that fishing trip. Last week I taught my daughter how to fish at that same spot. Seeing her smile as I told her stories of my grandfather at Indian Lake. He passed away more than 10 years honestly, I have never felt his presence anywhere. Last week at the lake I could swear he was there. For me that will be his legend. It will be what I talk about when I describe him.

As I get older I find myself becoming closer to my father. He has become basically my best friend and amazing grandfather. Hoping one day we can take that fishing trip together. My uncle and I have grown apart due to both of us becoming father’s. I hope his daughter can experience the joy I did while fishing with him. This is first blog and it won’t always be like this, but I wanted to pass on my backstory. Also, a lesson about making memories and creating your legend. Everyone dies but those strong legends they will live forever.