Despite the numerous brushes with my own demise, last year wasn't so bad for me. By the time I had fought out of the initial malaise and pain of my initial cancer (and having skirted death three times) I managed to get out in the Hudson and catch some good smallmouth and had my best year in awhile. 5 over 20" is a good year for me. Travel restrictions were annoying, as the ponds and lakes I usually fish in Vermont for trout were out of bounds . I eventually did a number of day trips to the coast and fished legal federal lands to get by the parking restrictions up and down the coast. Some of the best trips ever. By June, my favorite beach and camping was open with many restriction in place, so we actually got to enjoy a four day trip. I was fortunate to have had a long term , high end house renovation that I worked on for very understanding and supportive customers.
Overall, I took from this year some important facts. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for my wife and the fortitude and love that she used to sit in snowbanks reading a book while I fished the SR carried over into the care I needed to stay around. The fact that my best friend who commands the Vt. National Guard, shut down a joint live firing exercise with the Canadians to rush to the hospital when I first was diagnosed, or on numerous days this year, three guys who can kick azz and take names told me they loved me. I was speechless at many points this year. I've never seen myself as a good person, I just did what I thought was expected or right. Little did I know that I managed to effect people around me in positive ways and earned a deep respect from them. Going forward it has given me greater resolve to return the gifts given me. I give monthly to charities for kids, but it has become too little. Sometime soon, I may change careers, or find a way to volunteer with disabled kids. I'm not sure how long I'll get to be around, but It's worth the effort to do as much as I can while it's possible.
Here's to a better year for all, with dreams realized, freedom capitalized on, and healing and happiness for those that have been held back or driven down. Catch the big ones, but realize the joy of just being on the water, folks.