Rich Memories When I Think of Dad
I have some rich memories when I think of my Dad. Dad had a love and passion for fishing for trout and salmon. This love was shared with his 3 sons. There were many special times on Lake Serene, Diablo Lake, Lake Cushman and other spots that as a family we had so much fun along with catching some fish. Dad would wake Dave and I up early on opening day, we'd drive down to the Community Club where we'd fill up on pancakes and then onto the lake. There were crazy fishermen already on the lake fishing in the dark! Sometimes Dad wondered if we'd catch anything because my pole was shaking due to the cold. We'd catch fish and Dad would get Dave and I back to shore in time so we could make it to church with Mom.
A memory as a family we all remember was on Diablo Lake at Buster Brown Flats. Mom was with us in the boat and together we caught a great string of trout. We put the string over the side to keep them fresh. Later we set out for shore and Dad asked me to show us the fish. I pulled up the string only to show everyone a string of fish heads as the propeller had cut up the fish. It was a heartache then, but fun to remember now.
Another time, when I wasn't yet 15, Dad and I went salmon fishing out of Mukilteo. There I caught my first salmon - 12 pounds. My largest trout I caught in 16 minutes was 2 1/2 pounds. I caught it while fishing with Dad and his Dad.
As a family we grew up with a fire radio as Dad volunteered on the Snohomish County fire department. I remember being real young and Dad leaving a steak on his plate for dinner as a call came in. There were times Dad would have been out on a fire during the night. He'd come home in the morning, take a shower, eat breakfast and take off for his TV and radio business in Seattle.
Later in years Mom and Dad moved over to Sequim, Washington. More special memories made. When Mom passed away it was hard, understandably, on Dad. Dad called and feeling alone at Easter Sharon and I took the ferry and spent a couple days with Dad. The greatest thing happened on Saturday as Dad asked me to help him pray and accept Jesus as his Savior. Dad reached his hands across the table and together he and I prayed. The next day, Easter, Dad went to church with us and I saw Dad holding a Bible for the first time. This was so special!
Dad and I though had our differences, and in my teen years I know I'd given he and Mom a lot of pain. Wonderful things happen though with love and forgiveness. We will see each other again someday in Heaven.