1 thing, but its a big deal

always treasure the time you have with your friends and others, you never know when they (or yourself) will be taken from each other

taken from another forum, but fishing related


keith, remember, take a kid fishing, or someone else you love


this was posted by mobowhuntr (in the offseason forum)


its only normal and appropriate that we remember those that were close to us that we've lost. I had some concern with posting this that it may be looked upon as innappropriate, but after much thought and counsel I think it's a good idea. I am going to TRY to keep this short, but I have sooooo much to say, it could take pages and pages.

If you want to, please don't be afraid to post photos and stories ofyour own. If you don't want to, that's ok too. Here's my story.

Three weeks ago today, while fishing with my best friend Darrell, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away right there on the spot. This photo was taken in that exact place, almost 1 year ago to the day. Darrell was nearly 30 years my senior and I viewed him as a second father. I met Darrell at work nearly 4 years ago. He and I hit it off right away. We both have a love for the outdoors, and before long we were somewhere catching crappie. His sense of humor had me in tears so often I can't even imagine. We always made bird calls and such at work, and the people we work with often told us it sounded like Wild Kingdom back there. We also did a lot of bow hunting together and took many trips hunting and camping somewhere. He shot a Champion bow, and I can't even begin to tell you how much trouble we gave each other about our choices in equipment. I razzed him continually about Champion being such a great bow that they went out of business. He always just laughed and said "If you shoot as good as I do, you could kill something even with that piece of S#$% Hoyt bow of yours!!!"

Darrell was a mentor to me in many ways. He tought me so much about deer hunting, fishing and gardening, I can only hope to remember half of it. I was out starting my garden today, and could hear him in the background......."Hey, I've already got onions and potatoes up.......little late aren't ya?!!" I just smile. Darrell was the kind of guy that showed affection by teasing. The more he picked on you the more he liked you. Man, he sure did like me a lot I suppose!

I am an EMT so for a few days I really felt responsible for his death, well, let me say for not saving him. But I have come to terms with this, KNOWING I did everything that could have been done, and I did it right. That's helped me alot. I've had thoughts of fishing since then, and I know he would want me too, but I just can't bring myself to do it just yet. It's an absolutely gorgeous day here today, and there is nothing I would rather be doing than sharing a pond bank with Darrell. I look at the trees beginning to green, dogwoods coming into bloom and can't help but think how much he would love to be doing the same. I've lost my best friend and teacher, and to be honest........I have NO idea what to do now. I miss him more than I can even express here. Pardon me.....I am bawling my eyes out as I type this.....I'll be back in a minute....

OK, sorry. I want to leave with this. This is an excerpt from a poem his wife sent to me laminated with his obituary on the opposite side.

".........Just forget if you can that I ever frowned, and remember only the smile. Remember some good that I've done, Forget that I ever had a heartache And remember I've had loads of fun.............Then forget to grieve for my going and I would not have you sad for one more day. But in summer just gather some flowers and remember the place where I lay.........Stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best....."

Oh my God do I miss him. Darrell my friend, I will never ever forget you. Thank you so much for being my friend!!!

It amazes me that friends can be made in this capacity. I have never laid eyes on any of you, nor spoke verbally to very many, but it's true. Friends are friends and it just don't matter how we come to be. Thank you all very much. I'm gonna go drink some beer and try to dry my eyes.