An explanation for my lack of participation here

After a series of health issues through the fall, I lost my dad on the 3rd of January.

No apologies for my absence, because I was doing what I needed to be doing, but I do feel you all needed to know I haven't abandoned the forum.

Dad taught me to fish, and we spent a lot of time fishing for just about everything that swims in the waters of Indiana and Kentucky. Because of that, some days it's kind of hard to visit fishing sites. But some days it's the best therapy.

The day before he passed, they served fish at the hospital, and we had laughed together about a fishing trip where coons got into our cooler and ate our mess of cleaned fish while we were helping some friends set up their tent and unload their boat. A bit sobering to realize that of the five of us who ate bologna instead of fresh fish that night almost 40 years ago, only two remain. Hell, it's sobering to realize I can remember something that happened 40 years ago!:yikes

I just hope I've been able to provide my kids with the kinds of memories Dad gave me.

Sorry for your loss John ...

Memories made with someone as special as a dad are priceless ...

Rickie

My condolences for your loss, CatFan. And I have little doubt you have, and will continue to provide many good memories for your children. And your help and counsel here on Crappie.com will likely help make many good memories for the members (young/old) and their children for generations to come.

... cp :kewl

Sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. When my father passed away, it wasn't the same. I sold my boat and didn't fish for 7 years.
My wife surprised me 3 years ago and said it was time to start back. Every time I go now I think of all the good times we had together. I laugh while out there when I am at a place he caught fish and can see him doing it plain as day.
Once again, so sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Quite sobering when you stop and think about those memorys.

Sorry for your loss.....it will get better for you in time. I lost my Dad in 1981 and I feel like he is still with me everytime I get in the boat......the memories last forever and thats a good thing

Truly sorry to hear about your loss. Great memories will always be there & pop up when you least expect them.

Sorry for your loss. Stay strong. The memories are priceless. Glad you're back.

Sorry for your loss. I often have fond memories of my dad.

Sorry for your loss ..... my signature is an inside joke from a salmon fishing trip with dad when he was still with us.




Looking for the one that makes it all worthwhile.

Time is the greatest healer. Sorry for your loss.

-Danny

Sorry for the loss of DAD, I only fished twice with my dad in Ely Mn but i have been hooked ever since, I wish my three boy's had time to fish with me but in this day and age grand kids need to eat. Why does work always get in the way.:pray

Sorry for your loss Catfan. As time goes by your memories will change from bringing you sorrow to bringing a smile to your face.
I lost a couple of really great friends back in the 90's. I can't say I've ever gotten over the loss but now I bet a week doesn't go by that I don't have a good memory of our times together.
It will take a while to get back in the saddle but I'm sure you'll ride again.

Sorry for your loss Catfan.

Sorry to hear about your loss! Funny how something as small as the fish dinner reminded you both of such great times that long ago. He must have been a good man, becaused he cared enough about his family to raise yaw in the outdoors. I lost my dad when I was 16, now im 28, he raised me in the outdoors. From here on out you will think about your dad every time you go out. Ya cry at first with sorrow, then later with happiness from what all he passed on to you. Seems my dad is right beside me everytime I hunt or fish and its very comforting now!

I am so sorry for your loss. Dad's are awesome!!!