Paternity

Saturday I watched an amazing Dad and his amazing son tackle fishing. The Dad, in his quiet gentle way, slowly taught his son about casting. The boy dove right in to casting, glorying in learning how to teach the bait about waterskiing. The Dad, time and time again, showed the son about being quiet and letting the bait sit and letting the fish have a nibble before taking the bait. Each time the boy cast the bait, the cast went further out into the river. Soon he was almost reaching the far bank. Again and again the bait was in for its wild ride. Again and again the Dad explained about letting the bait rest. Eventually the message was absorbed and, lo and behold, a fish was pulled up out of the river. That was when I learned that the Father had introduced the son to barbless hooks. (Kudos Dad). Each time the fish was returned to the river. (Kudos again).
All the while the Angel of Arlington sat watching her boys. We would move only when the boy reared back to cast again. We would hide behind a tree as eyeballs don't make good bait.
I feel blessed to even know them. The come to my place, endure my never varying menu, and leave amid a profusion of hugs and handshakes. They are quiet, which suits my demeanor, gentle, and beautiful. There should someday be a plaque or statue dedicated to this wonderful family. No whining, no gossip, no strident complaining. Just two quiet, gentle, polite, intelligent people raising a quiet, gentle, polite, intelligent boy in their own admirable manner.
One suggestion loved ones, get another fishing rod. There was just a hint of yearning in Dad's eyes each time his son cast out into the river. Also get some latex gloves. They are necessary when taking the fish off of the hook so as to not remove the mucas on the fish's skin.