The Big 33...

I really don't know how to start this article, maybe that today I turned thirty-three years old. That aside, I chose to spend my birthday out on the ice with my oldest daughter, Lauren. However, I did give my father-in-law a call last night to see if he'd be interested in chasing some brook trout. It didn't take long for a confirmation and the plans were set for us to meet by 9:15, then a quick venture to my favorite trout hole. This is the basic story, it goes far more deeper though...



My father-in-law gave me ice fishing, when I got married I became part of his family. With that came some outdoor activities like snowmobiling, canoeing, and most of all: freshwater fishing, both on the open water and over the ice. We went all the time, ventured locally and afar sometimes hitting some of the premier spots in Eastern Maine. He's a man of many talents, but his level of patience with a young, eager, and aspiring fisherman would pay off as now I have realized my successes. But this story goes deeper than this...



My wife and I moved back to my hometown which amounted to an extra one-half hour distance between households. Starting a family also put a major dent on our ice fishing, but that's how it goes. We'd try to find time and made the most of the few hours I could muster. Then in the midst of a hectic life, my father-in-law began a fight with cancer. It's hard to see and fathom how a fight to live takes so much energy, time, and patience, but I've watched a man assert that he is living with cancer and a man who wants to see his grandchildren grow....



Today became very special to watch my daughter run around the tip ups with her Papa. It's a day we all have been patiently waiting for, and for me to be able to photograph the two together meant the world. So to sum up my birthday, I am absolutely appreciative that my father-in-law chose to spend his day with us. Thank you Don, this may have been a special day for you to share with your little girl, but understand how special it was for me to see my little girl spend the day with you. We knew the day was coming, I thank god for how perfect it was...



I intend to write another post tomorrow about the details of the day, but needed to share the importance of this day. My 33rd birthday...

Have a great day,
The Downeast Duck Hunter