I had two brothers. My mother was 40 when I was born, she was in her 20’s when my brothers were born. They had the advantage of closeness in age. But differences accumulated between us all… geography, interests, personalities, slights – real and imagined, life choices. Seeing each other became rarer and rarer. I stayed “closer” to one, but the choices he made left us distant from his large family. Six kids, and then a seventh. When my brother was dying, I saw him just before… it had been a couple years. And his family? Not since the funeral. I vividly remember thinking how the Beatles could never have a reunion after John Lennon’s death. Now, we never could. Our fab four, my brothers and my sister were now only three. Regardless, my other brother was completely estranged. We haven’t talked in over 13 years. My adult kids do not know their cousins. Brothers lost… and the ripples spread across families and time.
Why dredge all this up? Because I have seen my two sons growing apart. Two good people, but same story of different personalities and interests. Last weekend was more than a fishing trip. Bring the two sons and families together here in Michigan for the first time. Family is important. Just saying so is not enough. Actions are needed. This would be a start. The centerpiece… a Saturday fishing trip on the lake. Daughter-in-laws together with my wife for a cruise. Then my two sons, their young daughters together with me for the evening of fishing.
All started well. Eight and six hour drives brought the two families here for the weekend. But would the fishing happen? Wind driven waves kept boats at the dock the days before the trip. Many of the other captains canceled Saturday trips two days in advance… just based on the forecast. Some canceled as their customers arrived at the docks.
Thankfully, we booked with an experienced captain who cared that his customers drive long distances for the experience. Safety first, but the “go/no-go” decision could wait until the last minute. Sure enough, as we boarded the boat, the winds lightened, the lake calmed. Perfect fishing weather!
Success on the boat? For all to have fun… brothers, father/daughter, and cousins. Then, for each girl to catch a fish. That was accomplished almost immediately after dropping lines into the lake. A fish each for the girls!
Everyone having fun, getting along. And the fun kept coming. A lull, then more bites. Two at once!
Nine fish landed and in the cooler. Five by the girls. Four or five fish were lost due to our inexperience. A couple of them huge, angry fighters. But lost fish were not mourned. Not even for a moment. Captain and first mate were outstanding. We were having the time of our lives. Bonding, and learning. The girls were all in… focused, soaking in the coaching, fighting the fish, never once wanting help reeling in their fish.
When the fog rolled in, the surreal beauty of the lake could be enjoyed. The comfort of radar and a great captain. Here is the place I have to say… if you come to Grand Haven, call Dana at Danel Sportfishing. His motto is “Kids welcome & adults tolerated”. I would say “simply the best”.
https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/11273
Sometimes a fishing trip is more than just a fishing trip. The start of… brothers found.