Throughout my professional career, I’ve traveled the globe many times, visiting all 50 United States and 6 of the 7 continents. Not much is going on in Antarctica, last time I checked. Mind you, that does not include air travel with the United States Air Force.
While at first blush this might sound glamorous, I can assure you that there are many sacrifices that come along with time away from family. Families are important. It does, however, give one the opportunity to travel and visit fascinating people. I’ve had conversations with famous actors, singers, rock band members, Hall of Fame athletes, coaches, models, and even astronauts. Yes, I even had lunch with Buzz Aldrin once.
While traveling from Washington, D.C., one of my most memorable conversations was with Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges. After introducing myself and telling him that I admired his work, I informed him that he and I go way back to the “SEA HUNT” days. Jeff replied, “Why, you don’t look old enough to have watched that program!” While his compliment was graciously accepted, I think we both knew we were contemporaries.
Some of you may not remember “SEA HUNT,” but it was a very popular television program that aired from 1958 to 1961 about a former Navy Frogman who spent most of his time underwater searching for clues to solve mysteries. The lead actor was Jeff’s father, Lloyd Bridges, and he had occasional cameo scenes with Jeff and his older brother, Beau.
Jeff has made several mentions in interviews, late-night talk shows, and even his acceptance speech for Best Actor in the Motion Picture “Crazy Heart” about the importance of his father Lloyd, his mother, his brother Beau, his wife Susan, and his three daughters. Jeff and Susan will be married forty-nine years this June. Quite the anomaly in his profession. Families are important.
Lake Cypress Springs provides a beautiful atmosphere for family and friends to get together. Whether it is a backyard barbecue overlooking the water, indulging in your favorite water sports, or just an evening cruise along the shoreline watching the sun set, the atmosphere is intoxicating.
For me, nothing beats teaching your grandkids the art of fishing. It’s undeniably an acquired taste that begins in childhood. Like Jeff’s profession, I’m the producer, director, and even choreographer for the day. My grandkids refer to me as “Papa” or “Old Man and the Sea,” or, as it were, the lake, in this case.
There are many important lessons and virtues to be learned from the art of fishing. Mack’s Lure of Wenatchee, Washington, has been making fishing tackle for nearly sixty years. In 2024, their online blog listed several reasons why you should teach children fishing, and I’ve taken the liberty to add a few of my own.
Fishing offers opportunities for family bonding and quality time. Families are important. Fishing teaches patience and persistence. Lake Cypress Springs provides a setting for communing with nature. Fishing teaches life skills, such as problem-solving. Fishing creates memorable opportunities, while catching a fish builds confidence and self-esteem. Fishing fosters respect for wildlife and passes on a time-honored tradition.
Because of the enthusiasm I’ve always displayed for the art of fishing, my grandkids, who are now in high school and college, still share that enthusiasm when the opportunity presents itself to “Go Fishing with Papa” with the hope of hooking the BIG ONE!
Hope is a good thing. In the lobby of our local Franklin County Rural Health Clinic, there is a plaque on the wall with a famous quote from Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle that reads, “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.
I have hope.
When the sun sets on my soul across the horizon of Lake Cypress Springs, I hope my grandkids continue the art of fishing. I hope they teach their kids the lessons and virtues of fishing. I hope they say the same things about their Papa as Jeff said about his dad, Lloyd.
I hope.
Blessings,
m2
