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writegirl@altavista.com
Dear Aunt Barbara,
I just had to write to tell you about the boys “latest”! The enclosed clipping is from the Green Bay Regional News! Yes! The boys caught that northern pike on their own.
Last weekend the Burlington Park District held their first annual Fishboree. Primarily it was to clear out a large pond they had overstocked. I signed up the boys because I don’t want them to get too soft and suburban. Some boy-type things seemed like a good idea. Plus they could win prizes and even trophies. They need a happy experience right now.
We arrived at 7 a.m. (I am still working nights at The Shore Club since Bret left so this wasn’t an easy feat!)
There we were with our folding lawn chairs, cooler of food and drinks, and some very basic fishing equipment. The sun started bright and early and I kept slathering their little bodies with sunscreen so they wouldn’t become little fried fisherboys.
Within the first hour Matt got a big bite, but that one jumped the hook. Then...strike! Tommy snagged one. We all knew it was huge. The pole was bending and Tommy fell onto the ground. He was being dragged into the pond as his little butt scuffed along the grass. Matt grabbed the pole to help him and both ended up knee-deep in the water. I had to snatch both of them up in my arms so they didn’t end up drowning themselves trying to catch a fish! All three of us reeled and reeled while sitting in the water! Everyone was watching us. We had him!
The boys were squealing and the onlookers were applauding. The pike had taken the hook very deeply. We immediately took the fish over to the judges and they placed it on the scale...a 14 pounder!
When all was done and the whistle blew, the boys, my boys! won! They each have a fishing trophy and received $25.00 gift certificates from Chuckie Cheese. It was so wonderful. Their little faces were as bright as a new copper penny.
One other little boy used a stick, fishing line, and a hook to catch 254 fish! he won for Most Fish. They were all little spawn...1 inchers!
Our escapade was wonderful. It reminded me of the time dad took Jack and I fishing. We were 5 and 7. I was using Jack’s brand new birthday pole and I snagged a carp. He was pulling me in the lagoon, I was screaming, and dad came running. Just like the boys, I couldn’t let go. I lost the fish and snapped Jack’s new pole in half. I don’t think he has ever given me a pass for that one.
I do wish that Bret had been there with us. I miss his big laugh, so loud and deep. My sadness must still show. It has only been two months and I still ache. You know the day before he left I had dyed my hair bright red. He said it turned him on and scared him at the same time. I wonder if that is why he is gone. What do you think? Did I make a huge mistake?
Say “hi” to Uncle Wes. You two are so lucky...almost 30 years now, isn’t it?
The boys and I will see you at the reunion in June. I can’t wait to see everyone. Family seems more important than ever to me now.
Lovingly,
Christine, Matt, and Tommy