Not just fishin'

For the past 11 years, my family has spent every 4th of July (with the exception of one) in Cape Charles, Virginia. At a old farm house across from a potato field. In the middle of no where.

What is there to do up there? I'm sure you're wondering. The answer: not much. And it's one of my favorite things. We get away from the hustle and the bustle of the world for a little while. We play card games, filling the kitchen with laughter. We watch movies together, go for walks, do word searches.

And we fish.

Now, for me...it was always more of a time to relax on the boat, tan, and read. I remember reading book after book as a preteen and teenager, while everyone else reeled in fish after fish. I also remember times that I would have rather been any where else but there. On that hot boat, surrounded by fish. Now, I love it. The simplicity. The sun. The water. The music coming through the speakers as we celebrate big fish, and I coo over little fish. The time with those I love most. It's like nothing else.

Although I may only go once or twice a year, and it took me a while to warm up to the place, I have so many good memories there. (Listen to this song).
Laying in bed with my brother laughing at an old man snoring like a train in the other room.
Making anklets, watching The Notebook, flushing Stanley, Custis Tomb, and an attempted drive to Maryland with two of my best friends.
Many card games...and re-learning how to play each one every year.
Laughing until we cried as we tried to figure out what flavor each freeze pop was.
Red noses, sun burnt shoulders, and cold showers.
Cooking supper alongside my mom.
Big Brother on the fuzzy television.
Fireworks and funnel cakes and sparklers...
Lunch with Derrick and Mom in Cape Charles.

But what I remember most about the bay is my Papa. It was his place. His home away from home. And he loved to fish. He was the captain. And he loved sharing his passion with us. I only wish I would have loved it more. I remember fishing with him (or watching him fish as I read), playing many card games with him - an easy smile resting on his lips, watching tv with him. My favorite memory about the bay? My Papa.

I don't know if there is fishing in heaven...but I like to believe he's up there reeling 'em in. And, whether or not he's sitting on a boat with a rod in his hand - I hope that maybe God lets him see all of the memories and fun that we're having, sharing his passion. It would make him smile.

 Check out this awesome video of our last trip by Derrick :)