Trending
By Nick Wilson
I have always been amazed by the seasons and cycles of life, how change and hardships shape us while other aspects stay the same or come back around in unexpected ways. Something that has remained a constant for me since I was a little boy is trout fishing. I have been fishing locally for as long as I can remember, mostly with my dad, who tragically passed away in 2009. Sharing this pastime together, along with hunting and other outdoor activities, was a highlight of my youth, and I continue enjoying those traditions to this day, missing my father, yet feeling his comforting presence.
Dad and I fished all over Mifflin County, but we had one special location where we went almost every first day of trout season for many years together - fishing across the stream from two childhood best friends, who quickly evolved from strangers into family. This became a ritual for us over the years and remains one of the best memories of my youth. After Dad died, I continued fishing in our same special spot, holding him in proud memory, still fishing across the stream from our two dear friends, sharing stories and celebrating life together in his honor. It was not easy standing there without my big buddy, but the stream continued to flow, there were trout to catch, and a friendship endured. We recently reminisced that our first day fishing tradition has gone on for over
25 years.
We all miss having my dad there, but now they are seeing me share those times with my own kids, fishing right where their grandfather stood with me many years ago. We are now making new memories, still catching fish, laughing together, and passing on a family tradition to a new generation, memories running through it all so richly and seamlessly. Just the other day, my son, Ben, and I pulled in a beautiful 22-inch palomino trout from this same spot (with a mighty Paw Patrol rod almost as big as the fish) where my dad used to stand. After wrangling the trophy catch in by hand and onto the bank towards my boy, I saw the same joy and excitement in him that filled me fishing alongside my dad, and it blessed me beyond belief to make that amazing memory with him.
I am now 35 years old with three beautiful kids who know their grandfather through my stories and dwindling memory of him. I know now that life is short, and time is so precious, and I encourage you to take time to get kids outdoors to enjoy God's creatures and creation. Along with catching a massive trout, we saw a bald eagle, watched a tree fall, and hung out with a bunch of cows. Make special memories and laugh with kids. Share with them what is special to you. Interests, pastimes, hobbies, traditions, memories run through it all.