The Ol’ Fisherman
“The Ol’ fisherman”
In Memory of my Dad
Standing in alpine water
Feet frozen in their
Wool socks and waders,
He raises a benumbed hand
To wipe his runny nose
And adjust the tilt
To the ol’ fishin’ hat.
For hours now he’s stood there,
Casting and retrieving..
Casting and retrieving…..
Casting and retrieving……..
Knowing deep down in his heart
That out there somewhere
swims a trout.
A trout with enough
hunger or curiosity
To give his fly a try.
Last night at 10:45 my father passed away. As many of you know, he had been fighting lung cancer for the past 10 months.
I can think of no finer tribute to my dad than this poem that I wrote for him 10 years ago. His greatest joy was fishing the lakes of the Sierra. Rock Creek Lake, Intake II up Bishop Creek and Twin Lakes outside of Bridgeport were his favorites. We spent many a wonderful day fishing those lakes. Some of the days the weather was beautiful and perfect, some days it was windy as can be, and some days it was just down right nasty. But we aways had a great time and if you fished with dad, you caught fish.
His pain is now gone.
His soul is free to fly
over his beloved Sierra waters.
The Ol’ Fisherman has gone home.
Dearest Steve, who has brought so much to our lives with Sierra Visions, may God Bless and keep you during this time of sorrow. May He bring you comfort and continued assurance of the peace and liberty that is now being enjoyed by your Dad. Your poem is just beautiful. It is a loving tribute and your life now is, as well. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Steven and Tammy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God keep you and yours in the palm of his hand. You will be our prayers.
Dear Steve, I read with great sadness of the loss of your dear Father. We hope that the love of family and friends will help you in your grief.
With great joy we look at your beautiful pictures of the Sierra. Your poem for your Dad shows just how much he was loved. God bless all of you.
I am very sorry Steven. I am sure your father was a wonderful man. I will remember him in my prayers and hope he is fishing in Heaven’s lakes and streams with the Master. Your poem is a wonderful tribute to your Father.
Dear Steven,
I am so sorry and sad to hear about your dad. Your poem is wonderful and I can feel your sorrow. God bless you and your family.
Steve and Tammy,
Our family extends it’s deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. Our prayers and hearts will be with you and your family as you grieve.
Garry Kay Kyle and Sara Pearson
Steve and Tammy,
Our family extends it’s deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. Our prayers and hearts will be with you and your family as you grieve.
Steve and Tammy,
Our family extends it’s deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. Our prayers and hearts will be with you and your family as you grieve.
Dear Steve –
I extend my deepest and sincerest condolences. My father too passed away from lung cancer not quite 4 years ago. He too loved the Sierras and fishing. Perhaps even now yours and mine are comparing favorite fishing spots or talking about the one that got away. You and your family will be in my prayers. Terry
Steve and Tammy,
I am so sorry for your lost. The poem is so beautiful and a great tribute to your Father. I lost my Mother this past year and I know how very hard it is to lose someone you love. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You.
Dear Steve,
No words can be said to take away your paid and sadness. He is in a better place and will always be in your heart Our prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you and always. One thing I was told when my Dad passed away is that all you have to do is close your eyes and he will be there with you forever. I know it works. Take care and Thank you for all that you do for us.
I am so very sorry to hear about your Father, my sincerest condolences to you and all your family. You’re poem is a beautiful trubute to your father. I hope you find much comfort and solace with those close to you.
Dear Steve,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God gives you the grace and peace you need in this season. Enjoy this time with Tammy and rest, the Sierras will always be here. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man. There is no stronger bond that forms and no greater impression made than what a loving father leaves on his son’s heart. Thanks for sharing your grief with us, we lift you up.