Grandpa, Are You Still There?

Grasping my tackle box I was off down the shore, my nose  recognizing I was all ready there. I could smell the cool, green moss growing along the waters edge. I kicked my shoes off across the rocks and sticks. I was excited and most of all I was right where I had been so many times before - Grandpa’s favorite fishin’ hole.

He had taken me here since I was just two years of age. We always stopped along our drive to pick up a fresh batch of worms tucked away in a Styrofoam cup and lid. And of course I always had to open it up and get my first pick of the fattest, juiciest worm I could find to fish with.

Today was different though. I no longer had Grandpa with me and I was hoping that he still would accompany me in spirit.

Thinking my luck today would be rewarded by a tiny white marshmallow dipped in garlic, I prepared it. My line was cast out into the still calm waters. Now it was time to just wait. And wait I did. Thirty minutes must have passed and thinking I should check the line I reeled in.

Nothing.   Notta.   Zilch.

A thought entered into my mind as if to really hear the words, “Granddaughter, have I not taught you the secrets and art of fishing? Place that worm exactly as I have shown you and swing hard with that arm and your line will land in the middle of luck.”

 The worm seemed to be extra wiggly today. He wanted safety from my hook. Nope. Not today. I was determined to catch a fish this day just for Grandpa. I managed and did just as I had heard. Plunging my line I felt satisfied. Then with such quiet tenderness I whispered “Grandpa, are you still there?”

Counting in my head 1- 2 -3.

Wham! My pole bent straight down for the water. Yelling out loud, Fish on! Reeling, pulling, tugging we must have fought for ten full minutes but finally he was so close. Snatching my net I plunged my feet into the water so I could get nearer, then I plucked him up and he was captured. We had met our luck he was caught.

Grabbing his slimy body I poked my finger through the gills and unhooked the prettiest, largest rainbow trout I had ever seen. A smile stole across my face and heart, then whispering up towards the heavens. I said, “Thank you, Grandpa, for still being here. I love and miss you.”

By Taundra Shelton March 21, 2011