Like any job, sometimes things get lost in the hustle an bustle and you can’t see the forest for the trees…even when running a fishing business. But, every now and then, life sends little reminders that open your eyes.
LIFE’S POST-IT NOTES
Originally Published the Week of January 17, 2013 in Western Outdoor News
STORIES
At a recent fishing and hunting expo we were in our booth “meeting and greeting” the public and talking about fishing in La Paz with our fleet.
Two of our long-time clients, Rick and Harvey walked up to talk about their upcoming trip. They quietly mentioned that Larry, one of the regulars in the fishing group had suddenly passed away the previous month.
“He was already not feeling quite right and had a biopsy just before the trip to La Paz. The doctors told him he probably shouldn’t go on the trip,” said Rick.
“We didn’t know anything about it,” said Harvey. “But in hindsight we think he must’ve known something was really bad and decided to make the trip anyway. Boy, he sure had fun and enjoyed himself fishing with you guys.”
“Sadly, it was his last trip,” reflected Rick. “None of us knew…”
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At another public appearance, I was approached by 3 gentleman. One was obviously, much older than the others. He was walking slightly bent, but had a firm handshake and a ready smile! He also had a small oxygen tank attached. His name was Paul.
“I’m 98 years old!” he proudly announced to me with a grin. “Do you know why I still love to fish at 98 years old?”
“Why? we said in unison.
“For the Hal-i-but!” he laughed aloud tickled to have caught us in his playfulness.
“Wanna see my big fish?” he said opening his wallet.
“Sure,” I said warily. Half-thinking here-we-go. This is gonna be a long-winded fish story.
Paul proceeds to pull out a photo of a big 125 -pound yellowfin tuna being held up by a struggling fisherman.
“Caught that in La Paz when I was ONLY 89-years old!” he beamed. I could have sworn he pushed out his chest when he said that obviously pleased at the attention of the small crowd that had gathered.
One of his friends leaned over to me and whispered, “That’s the only photo he carries in his wallet. He’s a war vet. He’s been all over the world. No photos of wife. Or kids. Or grandkids. Or travel. Only that tuna photo. And he’ll show it off anytime he gets a chance. “
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Son, Ron, did a knuckle-bump with me as he hoisted himself into our shuttle van to take he and dad back to the airport. Big smiles. “Great time!” said Ron. “What a blast. Best fishing ever!”
I helped toss in some of the smaller luggage in to the back.
Bob, the dad, grasped my hand in his big paw. A two-handed handshake. “Can’t tell ya how much this trip meant. Thanks again.”
He handed me a note as the van pulled away from the hotel and I watched it nose out of the driveway and out onto the highway.
I opened the note handwritten on some of the hotel stationery.
“Jonathan…just wanted to tell you and your wife, what a great time we had. I never did mention to you how important this trip was for me. My son, Ron, is actually in the military and has just been notified he’s headed to Iraq. You and your staff made this a trip to remember and hold onto. Thanks for everything. Bob”
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I had been guiding that day and sharing a panga with Greg and Annie, a young couple from Washington. We had a fun day. Got some fish. Saw whales and dolphin. Lots of laughs and “Kodak moments” all the way around.
It was fun to watch these two. They shined. They really enjoyed each other’s company. It was obvious that Annie was the apple of Greg’s eye. It was just fun to be around them.
Towards the end of the day, another dorado came aboard.
“This is the last one!” laughed Greg. “No more! We’ve got our limits and it’s getting late. Let me just get the hook out’ve this fish.”
As I watched from the stern, Greg reached into the fish’s mouth with his pliers. Annie wasn’t paying much attention.
“What’s this?” I heard Greg say with a laugh.
Removing his hand from the fish, he produced…a ring…a tiny shiny gold ring !
Annie and I both looked on. Astonished yet not quite sure what Greg had found. The little diamond gleamed in the sun.
Greg took a knee to the deck in front of Annie as the sun started to set behind him. He held out the ring.
“Annie…I love you. Would you like to live happily ever after?”
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I’m often told that I’m “living the dream” down here working in Baja. But often times, it’s a job like any job, no matter how much I love it.
Especially when the season is in full swing. It can be a blur of customers and friends. Sunshine and fish. Luggage and equipment. One day sometimes seems like the 10 others before it. Frantic at times. Boring and routine at others. Stressful and mundane and then panic and tension in a wink.
But, every now and then, an unexpected bit of reality smacks you in the head and heart. There are amazing moments of clarity when someone says or does something and I realize how truly blessed to be able to do what we do.
We are witness to the special moments in the lives of our customers and friends. Every day.
It’s the biggest fish. It’s the great laughs. It’s the family times. It’s the first time. It’s the only time.
It’s the last time.
Sometimes life drops these little reality checks on those of us who get to do jobs like this. And it reminds us that we truly are privileged and honored to be asked to spend this time with you “livin’ the dream.”
That’s our story…
Jonathan
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Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter-international.com. They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com or drop by the restaurant to say hi!
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Jonathan Roldan’s
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“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”
That's My Story 