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Jim's Story

This story is about Jim and his father going on a fishing trip where they catch the elusive Black Marlin. Though the bond of their relationship had been frayed, their fishing adventure forged an understanding that would leave Jim changed forever.

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This memory is really a story of my passion, my parents' passion, perseverance, and it's a journey that was marked by the seas' rhythms and my family's bonds. So let me start with the day began with the very first blush of dawn. My dad and I drove quietly to Orapau Harbor in Kona, Hawaii. Now our relationship had seen calmer seas. My father is a stern man, principal.

He has spent his life in public service. His hands, callused and firm, were a testament to his life. Our relationship at one time was anchored in mutual respect and love. Yet, beneath the surface of our strange exchanges, the undercurrent of that bond remained, but I was waiting for the winds of change. We took two different paths, and my dad was not happy with.

The sun rose, painted the sky with beautiful streaks of gold and pink, and we set out on what was to be our final fishing trip together. The goal was noble to catch the elusive black vine, a creature as mysterious as the depths from which it came, which I always thought was always fascinating. As we approached the dock charter boat, the sea was generous. It was offering a calmness that belied the excitement in both of us as we boarded the boat, I explained to my father that Kai and I both believed in releasing their first catch back into the water. And like many Hawaiians, I believe in making an offering to the lady of the sea, the queen of the sea before starting their fishing journey.

Deep sea fishing in the ocean in general gives me some. It's a place where the world's my world's worries are washed away. They're not there. And this morning, Kai's boat cut through the water, morning mist, like a knife through soap. That's always felt like that.

As we left the harbor, I removed my tiny, Chinese silver dollar out of my pocket and threw it as hard as possible into the frothy weight, thrilling the boat. The coin splashed, and I felt that the ancient volcanoes that washed over the islands smile down on me. It was really a very warm feeling. The sleek and sturdy boat raced to where we patrol the pond water and left a mesmerizing trail of ripples and foam. I had carefully selected the perfect clear lure for the day's sketch.

So, both rides through the water, my heart raced with excitement knowing that fire air could make us move at any moment. Every second felt like an eternity, but my dad and I stayed focused and determined, ready for the ultimate challenge of catching this black marlin. The wait is a meditative experience. And for me, engulfed by the vastness of the sea and the sky, the rhythmic sound of the waves and the gentle plumb of the boat's engine, the time seemed to stand still. My focus shrinks to the line always, and it was disappearing beneath the depths.

Waiting for strength is a lesson in patience. A reminder of our place in this natural world and a testament to the thrill of the unknown. It's a moment that every angler cherishes, a story to be told, and a memory that lingers long after the lines are real dead. The rod bent, the line tightened, and the one still air suddenly filled with the scream of the real stride. Battle began a test of will, skill, and endurance.

The fish fought hard. He made a dozen underwater runs at about 80 miles per hour. Dad and I danced with the marlin, a ballet of the man in nature. The struggle was fierce, and the marlin was a worthy opponent. Its strength matched only by its beauty and then as a moment seemed suspended in time, we caught it when it jumped less than 20 yards behind the boat.

Its scales shimmered like a thousand lifetimes, and it was huge, well over 15 feet long. Ty stood on the flying bridge screaming the instructions on how to play and land the fish. I looked at my dad's eyes. I saw pride, love, and a touch of sadness. Look was not for the catch, but for the connection.

The moment when man and nature meet and sound understanding. Look into your eyes. We release the marlin to the depths and watch it disappear and with a sense of fulfillment that will warm my heart for years.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

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