From the ground up

My dad picked me up late yesterday evening for some night fishing, something he and I have never done together. To be honest, my dad and I never do anything together. Our relationship up to this point has been, to summarize, non-existent. Sure, we've seen each other at family holidays and other gatherings, but  as far as what I want our relationship to be, it has never even scratched the surface.

My dad is a hard man, but he's kinda softened a little over the past couple years. The very fact that he invited me to go out fishing with him is a true indication of that. For me, this evening wsn't about reeling in a truckload of catfish, it was all about taking the first step in erecting a relationship that for 30 years, had never gotten off the ground.

I think it went well. We talked, laughed, knocked down a couple of cold beers, and even got excited about a snake in the water just off the dock we casted from. Like I said, it wasn't about the catch, because if it had been, it would've been a very unsuccessful night. Together, the two of us pulled in just a pair of catfish during five hours of fishing. (Note: My channel cat was almost 3 pounds, twice the size of his.)

But even though the livewell was virtually empty, I left with a full heart, for I knew that my dad and I had taken a huge step in building our relationship - from the ground up. We're already planning another trip just  like that one for the very near future. Before you know it, I might actually know my father, and he might finally get to know me. It may have taken 30 years, but I'm okay with that.