I know that I am delinquent on my
hunting and fishing reports, but I must pause to pay a little tribute
My Mom introduced me to fishing and
is as much responsible for instilling my love for this fantastic pastime for
myself and my children as anyone or anything. Her gentle, intelligent spirit
was often so much on display on those many occasions that we enjoyed relaxed
conversation about things that really mattered and cast our lines in the quiet
beauty of a day on the water.
Mom finally got spooled today after
a somewhat brutal battle with pancreatitis. Hers was a life that was otherwise
a model of active good health and service to her community; the Ocean Institute
of Dana Point; St. Edward's Church, and all of the children and grandchildren
to whom she demonstrated such love and virtue. She made innumerable friends and
always welcomed strangers and loved ones alike with consistent acts of
kindness.
Time is the stream that we all go
fishing in and Diane had 80 good years - or, as my wife Wendy put it - 80 years
of being good. She went out surrounded by her family and we have little doubt
that she knew how much all would miss her good company and her constant example
of true Christianity. We will always remember sharing nature and the many
opportunities to experience the particular joy that made fishing with Mom such a
perpetual series of occasions for hope, as well as serenity - it is the lure of
that which is elusive, yet attainable. She is resting now on calm waters and
watching over us.
These are the Days.
