Fishing

Fishing is a special sport.  It's not for everyone but little Ryan had been dreaming of going fishing on Memorial Day since his brother, Nate and Dad went on a scout-sponsored adventure, at a local fish and game club, not far from their home. That evening, Ryan was disappointed that he couldn't go but also was looking forward to his turn at it in Charlton. He is a boat person, while Nate loves aircraft. It's funny what you can learn from a small child. Fishing is one of those things in which you can determine what kind of man your child will turn out to be. Maybe it's an old wives tale, but, from where I sit, it holds true.

You can tell how patient a person will be and certainly how determined. Sometimes, it's just pure luck. And, as luck would have it, it seems that just about as quickly as Ryan cast out from shore, he had hooked one. Being the careful listener that he is, he managed to bring the catch in, and with the help of daddy, got to eyeball the big one. Of course, he was extremely excited about it, as people surrounded him to view his prize. Mom, was trying to snap a picture, which Nate, would have and has, posed for. But Ryan, no way. We heard something like disappointment that there would not be a picture of his first catch, as Ryan decided that it must go back, quickly.

This three-year-old was thrilled as it flapped all over suspended in mid-air, dangling from the line. Daddy suggested that he touch the kiver. Some kids, under no circumstances, will. But Ryan did.

Since we do not eat kivers here, we knew it would be thrown back in. Daddy did the honors while Ryan and Nate watched. Away it went, as fast as it could swim.

That day, Ryan demonstrated character. It was a moment of distinction. Ryan-- the brave and lucky fisherman! Next, it'll probably be, how big and how many? That is, if memory serves me right.