We went to Sweetwater this passed weekend to see Papa Jim as well as all the other kinfolk but mainly Papa Jim. He hasn't been doing well lately and has been in the hospital quite a bit. I hadn't seen him in a while and needed to go so we went. It was funny to me how you could see through all the pain he's in and that quick witted sense of humor was still ready to pounce. He looked tired and I am sure with all the company was having to muster a lot of strength just to see us all. It was good to see him. It brought back a lot of memories for me growing up. At the Welding Shop growing up in Sweetwater I would have to work for him sweeping and then in the afternoon would get to go with him for a coffee break. I was probably 10 or 12 at the time so I would try to earn a Dr. Pepper or Hot Chocolate if I wanted it to be more like coffee. I remember one day I didn't want to sweep. I just wanted the reward. He explained to me that if you don't work you don't get the rewards. It seems a simple lesson and it didn't necessarily hit home immediately but it's a lesson that I try to live by now and have for some time. All of us have our lazy moments but if you're gonna be lazy, don't expect to be rewarded for it. I have a few 20 somethings that could use a lesson in sweeping.
Papa Jim asked how I was and I told him I was doing good. Told him about my work towards opening a deli and he responded with a comment only one of my granddads could have said. He said, " You need some sun. You should go fishing." My legacy preceded me. Its like he could stare right through me a tell me what I needed. I had plans to go on Monday but Emily and I talked about it and when we got home Sunday afternoon, we took a family trip to the lake. We caught several bass. It was getting close to time to go a Zeke said, " Dad try this one (handing me a minnow). Catch a big one." About two minutes later we caught the largest small mouth I have ever caught. Below are a few of those pictures from Sunday and a few more from Monday and coming soon a short video of Zeke trying to cast my surf rod.
