It comes in threes.

As far back as I can recall, all of life's greatest challenges have come in groups of three, stacked one right after the other in rapid succession. The present is no exception to the rule, and they seem to increase in severity as I age. The only difference between the days of my youth and now is the manner in which I cope with these obstacles. Nevertheless, it certainly seems that my existence in this world is a never-ending trial by fire, and a test of my will.


1) A cherished and invaluable member of my family has seen more pain and trips to the hospital than any one person should ever be forced to endure, and it kills me and many others each and every time he hits the ICU. The amount in which he has enriched my life cannot be put into words.


2) Day before yesterday I learned the fates have once again dealt me the hand of Fatherhood.


3) Yesterday, I lost my job.


Some turn to a named God for guidance. I run to the rivers, the pines, and a fly rod to give me the answers that I seek. Natures creations are the very definition of God to me as I understand it....a thing that you can sense, touch, see, and feel. A thing that brings calm serenity to my mind and soul.

This is God.

The cup is always half full, because the fish come in threes as well.

Thanks for looking.

Union

I had the honor of attending the wedding of an incredible friend of mine. A man of impeccable character, who enriches the lives of every person he comes in contact with...he just has that kind of personality about him. George is one of the biggest guys I know, and his heart is bigger than his body. I met him around five and a half years ago, sharing a river side by side in the heat of summer chasing American Shad by conventional means, we must have caught fifty that day. He is now one of the greatest Fly Anglers I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with.


Thank you for being a good friend to me George, I value you as a person and a friend and I am so proud of your achievements. Congratulations my brother...may all of your days with Mer be the happiest days of your enormous life.

Pathways

Throughout the course of our very short lives, we as humans make decisions which create a ripple effect throughout the whole of humanity. Lifestyle choices are made by our youth based upon the actions of adults for whom they look up to, or take instruction from.

Exposure to the awesome power of nature seldom creates a gang member and can prevent or rehabilitate an addict. An excursion to the Sierras takes a youth away from the filthy streets and the trouble that comes with them. It shows that there are much greater things to behold than "pop culture" and materialism. And most importantly, develops a deep respect and passion for life and living as it was meant to be.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to expose my flesh and blood to what I can only hope is an experience that he will keep with him for the rest of his life. My greatest wish is that he will repay me with the honor of showing his offspring what I have taught him some day.

To say that I found joy this weekend would be a gross understatement. My son caught his first Golden Trout ever,  my incredible girlfriend hiked her tail off without complaint or stutter,  I stared at Gods country another day above ground, and we caught more fish on the fly than I can count. The majestic Sierras have busted wide open to expose a wonderful bounty of life.

Through my eyes, I simply do not believe that things can be more perfect than that.

Strong work son, I am so proud.