The best time of my life was watching two of my Grandchildren come up to me so excited about them going to fish a tournament. But, of course, they thought we were just fishing.
All I could hear was they wanted to catch a blue marlin and win. The funny thing is that we actually hung a Blue Marlin. But it broke the line because we used light tackle so they could handle it. Palmer was in the fighting chair before the line broke, saying Grand Dad get him in closer so I can get him, and I know I will win. They had never spent the night offshore and were extremely excited about that.
We went 100 miles out, and they got to see the oil rigs during the day. They both were so amazed. That night they got to see the rig light up. They both were so excited to experience this. We cut the underwater lights on, and small fish came up. They both had a net trying to catch the fish. While they thought we were just fishing, I just sat back, watched, and smiled, Thanking God for this time and for them being able to do and see things that most people don't get to do or see. They were so excited about sleeping on the boat offshore. They both said I couldn't do this without them. It meant so much to me that they helped in any way possible, including getting the bait (so cute). Then I told them we had to go to bed. They both woke me up at 5:00 am, ready to fish. We fished our way back toward Destin, and they didn't want to leave the oil rig because they said it was so pretty out there.
When we got where they could bottom fish, baby boy caught a 3-pound grouper, and baby girl caught a 6-pound snapper. She said we are going to win this thing, Granddad. Bowen got the first-place trophy, a big thing of lures, and a reel. Baby girl didn't win, but it wasn't her fault. (I'll blog about that another day) But at the Captain's meeting, all the kids got a ticket, and she won a bucket and a big fish towel. She was so happy. She put bait in her bucket, but she said Soda (one of our deck mates) had to wash it out when we got back because she was taking it home and said she would bring it back when we went fishing again.
I'm glad they both won something, and they loved the trip. Palmer informed me that I would have to bring them back every time I went. They both said it was the best time they had ever had. I hate that Donzee wasn't there, but it was their time; take him next time. This trip is something I will never forget, and I don't believe they will either. These two had the time of their life, and I did too. I can't wait until we do it again. Thank you, my Dear Lord, for this trip and everything you have done for my family (including Donna) and me. They both wanted to know why she wasn't there. I said she wasn't feeling well, but I promised them we would do it again, and Donna would be there.
It was just one of the most peaceful times of my life watching them want to help and how much they enjoyed being with me and fishing. In next year's tournament, I think they might win. But, it didn't really matter; it was my quality time with them. They thought we were just fishing.