Was pondering a few things this afternoon when I awoke from one of my "Naps". It is interesting how a couple of years ago my Daughter and Wife got me a fly rod for my birthday because I talked so much about fly fishing as a kid. My daughter became my fishing partner and my wife or support system.
Then I found this group of very "Crazy", ( in an admirable way), folks called the VFB group. They helped us get back into fly tying, prayed for us when we went through trials, talked trout to carp, salt to remote Canadian and UK streams. Shared patterns, ideas, hopes and dreams and most of all friendship. We have swapped flies, stories, tackle and even learned how it all started thanks to Don O. Discussed cooking, peppers, gardens, pets and family. Shared tough times, cried with each other, rejoiced when prayers were answered and bragged about the "One that got away". Each day is like family reunion with the group. Nothing is impossible, the answers are out there and everyone is willing to share a solution, kind word or long forgotten material that is needed for a "Classic" forgotten fly. We have been educated, laughed with, giggled at and cried for. No one has demanded payment or recognition for their contributions. Most send what they can to the provider, ( Thanks again Byard), and occasionally we stray off course. But we are steered back with gentle "Helmsmanship" rather than sharp commands. What it all boils down to is I found an extended family, some of which I will never meet. It would be nice if some day, we as a group, could meet on a secludes stream, share the water and the lunch and just enjoy the friendship that has grown through time. Alas, that will probably come some day far down the road, and not here on earth, but the thought and dream is there. Thank you my friends, for brightening my days, giving me hope, and offering me the opportunity to share just a bit of what I have learned. I am proud to call you my "Friends", may your lines always be tight, your creels full and may you always have the "Perfect fly" for the hatch. Just pondering, Jimi
