What matters: Community and family

As I get older, I think a bit more about legacy. What is really important? After much consideration, I want my family to know they were loved unconditionally and my community to be better because I was a part of it. This weekend, I experienced this legacy, and I am not even dead yet!

On Saturday, the 15th annual Danziger Cup, the Daniel Island Kids Fishing Tournament, was held at Smythe Park Lake. For 15 years, it has been my pleasure to take the tournament grand champion on an inshore fishing trip. This year, I also volunteered as a “rover” that walks around the lake and helps families to fish. As I walked around the lake, I was surprised by the number of people who thanked me for writing this article and supporting our community. I think my readership may soon exceed 10 people!

My children, Elliott and Maddie, have a tradition of taking me fishing for Father’s Day. On Sunday, the offshore forecast was calm. So, we decided to fish offshore for marlin and mahi. We were joined by Trent Gustafson, a great family friend and regular fishing companion.

Offshore conditions were as advertised: light wind and calm seas.

On the run to the fishing grounds, we witnessed a spectacular sunrise. It reminded me of how lucky I am. Time with my family and a really good friend. The beauty and bounty of the earth. A fish-finding and stock-trading dog. A thoughtful and very forgiving wife that lets me fish pretty much every day!

Fishing was a bit of a challenge. We lost a blue marlin and pulled the hooks on several mahi. Not our best fishing performance. But we were together, and that is why we fish. On the two-hour ride back to the dock, I reflected on the weekend. Community and family. These are things that matter.