It's not just a boat. . .

K

Knotty C

New member
It's been a long time since I've gotten on the site so I've been catching up for a while now. Some of you know that Don and I missed the Bellingham gathering in July so that we could take my cousin, David, fishing before he had surgery. Unfortunately, despite all the best care the doctors could give, he lost his battle with cancer on October 15 at the age of 48. Before he died, Don and I promised him that we would take his wife, Emily, and son, Jarret, out to our favorite fishing spot on Eastern Bank in the Straight of Juan de Fuca and spread his ashes. We'll do that whenever Emily is ready, probably in the spring or summer. Losing David was a huge shock to our entire family and it is bittersweet to know that our boat brought me closer to my cousin in the past two years and provided us with memories we wouldn't have had otherwise. It will continue to be our way of remaining close to him each time we go up to the San Juans. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

Dee
 
Dee -

Janet and I met you at the dinner at Jantzen Beach last March. We also attended the gathering at Cathlamet in April, but unfortunately you guys weren't able to attend. Sorry about your loss, but your comments about the memories you were able to create are heartwarming . . .

Janet's dad died a few years ago, and we were privileged to be in the room with him at the time. It seems strange to use the word 'privilege' to describe such an event, but that's what it felt like at the time, and still does now. Death is a part of life, and is just as important and profound as marriages, births, etc.
Before he died, Don and I promised him that we would take his wife, Emily, and son, Jarret, out to our favorite fishing spot on Eastern Bank in the Straight of Juan de Fuca and spread his ashes. . . . it is bittersweet to know that our boat brought me closer to my cousin in the past two years and provided us with memories we wouldn't have had otherwise. It will continue to be our way of remaining close to him each time we go up to the San Juans.
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What greater compliment than to have your cousin trust you with this final request?
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.
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Au contraire! Thanks for sharing with us.

Look forward to touching bases again soon . . Take care!

Ed Gallaher
 
that is a touching story, thanks for sharing that.....it's odd, but these stupid little boats are much more than just boats.
 
Dee...WOW...very touching and glad to hear it helped bring family together for memories. Very sorry for your loss.

John & Amy
Tigard, OR
 
Thank you all for your kind words. I knew that if anyone would understand how our boats affect our lives, you would.

Ed, we understand completely what you are saying about the privilege. We were with David when he died and it is truly an intimate experience. I will be eternally grateful that we bought our boat when we did because it was the reason we made so many trips up to Whidbey Island where David lived. During the hours and days after David's death I heard person after person saying, "if only I had. . ." and I realized that we were very lucky to have such recent, happy memories.

David enjoyed our boat so much. His passion was fishing, but he had had to sell his boat a few years back and had missed getting out on the water. He told us that our trips helped him learn how to relax again.

This experience has really made me realize that we need to take opportunities when we can so now we take my Dad fishing every chance we get. I guess I kind of feel like we have been blessed with the boat and we need to now share that blessing with others.
 
And Dee, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That's hugely sad news that your David had died at such an unfairly early age of 48. I'm so sorry he's gone so soon.

Your promise was powerful. Everyone involved will feel it forever.
 
Dee... thanks so much for the heartfelt message regarding the loss of your cousin. You know Ken was correct when he indicated these "stupid" little boats are more than just boats, however, I want to add one more thing to that statement.

It's the people that own and operate those little boats that gives each the "little boat personality". The Brats site is one of the most tight knit groups that I have come across in a mighty long time. My hat goes off to all those who routinely participate in the site and a special thanks to Tyboo Mike.

Again...Dee we all are truly sorry for the loss of your cousin and will hold you and your family up in prayer.
Butch
 
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