Remember your lost friends!

[g-man]

Remember your lost friends.

I grew up down south and started fishing for trout when I was a young boy. I'd go to Bishop California every year in may for over 20 years with my Father, his friends, and kids. Through all the years fishing the Owens river me, and my dads friends son became great friends. We made a pact years ago to come to Bishop every year forever even when our fathers past away. I lost my good friend Danny about 4 years ago, he died of an overdose. He was always a good kid, then got mixed up with the wrong people. It cost him his life. I have had lots of friends die around me cause of the things that I was into when I was younger, but this one really stuck! I have not been to Bishop in three years for other reasons. (tourney fishing, or just could not make the time) I broke the pact we made as kids, and never thought twice about it till today. Unexpectedly his father called me yesterday, and said he was in town, and wanted to give me something. I have not seen him in 3 years so I was glad he called, and was gonna meet with him today at work. He showed up today, and i asked him what he wanted to give me. He gave me Danny's fishing gear, we talked for over and hour, and he left to go back down south. I remember all the years I would make fun of Danny's fishing gear cause it was cheaper then mine, but he always caught fish with it. I feel honored to now have that same fishing gear i use to make fun of all those years. When his father left I went through some of the tackle, and would remember him using it. I damn near broke down at work, and had to stop looking at it till I get home. I came in my office, and just started typing instead. Sometimes you need ta be reminded of the ones you lost so you can enjoy the memories again.



Danny,

I don't know if you can hear me brother, but I'm going back to Bishop in May, and I'm not bringing my expensive gear with me. I'm bringing yours, and I'm gonna WHACk 'em wiith it! I miss ya Bro....

[DeltaDan]

BrothA G-

If you would wish to truck-pool on down with all the camping equipment ever needed to stay two-four days .. and make a trip on further south.. Feel free to let me know.



Jason ~~ Long Live Your Bro Danny, his Family, and Your memories of him !!

[Todd Dunlap]

Mi Casa,Su Casa No camping gear needed,just a taste for some big smallies!Just a hour from Jason's old hood too.Like BrothA Dan wrote:Long Live Your Bro Danny, his Family, and Your memories of him !!

[mcsanders]

good readin' dude. puts it in perspective

[kb]

G-man shed a tear, crack a smile, laugh at the old times and be proud that you meant enough to his dad that he thought of you when it was time to pass his tackle along.

Remember the meaning of pals!

kb

[BassManDan]

There are few things more important in this world than life long friends. Thanks for keeping peoples feet on the ground!

[Mike]

Peace!

[MIKE TREMONT]

Thanks G

[Brian]

I have a old best friend from high school. I keep waiting for that POS to kick the bucket so I can go piss on his grave.............

Nice post though Gman

[tunaman]

Thanks for sharing Jason - very touching story... I'm sure Danny is smiling down on you for relating this and that you now have his gear to use in his honor!

Roger

[g-man]

I have a old best friend from high school. I keep waiting for that POS to kick the bucket so I can go piss on his grave.............

Nice post though Gman

I'd bury you, and I'd honor it! I roll one way LL. I took a blast from the past.

Damn it felt good....

[bahlzar]

sorry to hear g-man......peace

[Guy Kelley]

My friend G-Man,

You and I have had similar trials and tribulations along the way in our short life's. Some we learn from in sadness and some in joy !

As we experience life's treasures we go on with the memories of dear friends past that will live on with in us like red hot sparks seared into our soul. For those we have had the fortune blessing of being touched by there lives, we are able to experience the joy of living and the wisdom of time.

I too was able too experience the Owens Valley and it's many lakes and streams fishing with a friend named Dan. We spent many a day enjoying each others friendship in the bitter cold of winter and the searing heat of summer with out a care or thought of our future except to enjoy the here and now.

It has been over 25 years since Dan passed and i miss him like it was yesterday. To say we were as close as brothers would not be close enough. Often we would just look and smile with a nod to convey our thoughts to each other !

When he passed it was like part of me died too and in some ways that is true.

But to have the treasure of those memories and experiences i would not trade for anything. It is part of who I am today and as a result it has made me a better person for it.

Be strong Jason for it and smile through your tears when you hook that trout for your friend. As you release the fish back to God look up and don't be too surprised if you see your friend laughing at you in his eternal youth standing on the bank.

I still hear my friends voice and see his smile in many things that i do today. for that i am grateful.

Guy

[DanIsaac]

you wack em' good Gman. Thank you for sharing.

Dan