What would you do on your last day? (nice sort-of fishing video)

Josh

Josh

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"The Last Day" by Josh Hardwick and Britton Hardcastle

As we all get older, I think it's natural to start thinking about what the last chunk of our lives will look like. Depending on how far you are from the date on your driving license, that might be the back half of your career, a second career, retirement, or even what your last day will be.

I thought this was a pretty neat video of guide and casting instructor Dayle Mazzarella and how he approached it all. Worth a watch.

 
Greg Armstrong said:
Great video and message, Josh.

Some of us become a Caretaker of others, some will become the “caretakee”. You just never know.

Live as best you can while you’re still able to.
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And hope you or they have a chance to say good bye at the end, allying any later regrets.
I have already told my wife, when I die, let our dog see my body, she will understand then I didn’t abandon her.
 
if blessed with last days and not taken suddenly, will spend that time giving thanks for the love shared and all those special moments that in the end defined the journey we experienced. The memories of those special moments, those wonderful times we created and shared, are the only thing we can take with us as we cross over.
 
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The things he said about teaching were pretty spot on, at least for me. As I get older I think about the people I trained or taught or who taught me. Obviously, parents are there. But so are some mentors, advisors, classroom teachers, close friends etc- i.e. people I learned from and grew with. They are always among the constants of who I think about. As in who I think about fondly. There's a platonic intimacy to that relationship that is super sustaining, and like Krusty alludes to above, it's a bond that doesn't end.

And like the guide in the documentary said, not much about material stuff matters when it comes to health in decline!

Curiosity though, man, what a fantastic currency!

I married a teacher, my son is training to become one, and I ended up- sorta by default- teaching students in non-classroom settings. In some ways teaching is like reading a river or a beach or a lake. Or finding the best and safest line in a rapid. You adapt and change and modify. And you let go at the end and hope they can navigate it on their own. Or better yet teach someone else to do the same. You hope they can see the opportunity that becomes theirs for the taking.... The intimacy bargain, again, platonic, is something along the lines of some of your curiosity becomes theirs and vice versa.
 
Wadin' Boot said:
The things he said about teaching were pretty spot on, at least for me. As I get older I think about the people I trained or taught or who taught me. Obviously, parents are there. But so are some mentors, advisors, classroom teachers, close friends etc- i.e. people I learned from and grew with. They are always among the constants of who I think about. As in who I think about fondly. There's a platonic intimacy to that relationship that is super sustaining, and like Krusty alludes to above, it's a bond that doesn't end.

And like the guide in the documentary said, not much about material stuff matters when it comes to health in decline!

Curiosity though, man, what a fantastic currency!

I married a teacher, my son is training to become one, and I ended up- sorta by default- teaching students in non-classroom settings. In some ways teaching is like reading a river or a beach or a lake. Or finding the best and safest line in a rapid. You adapt and change and modify. And you let go at the end and hope they can navigate it on their own. Or better yet teach someone else to do the same. You hope they can see the opportunity that becomes theirs for the taking.... The intimacy bargain, again, platonic, is something along the lines of some of your curiosity becomes theirs and vice versa.
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Well said, again, from the resident wordsmith. This touches home with me as I was just diagnosed with cancer in my tonsil and lymph node. While I’m going to be getting the best care possible (UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center) there’s the distinct possibility that my time may be limited, certainly will be missing the upcoming fall/winter steelhead season which is my zen. I have been blessed to have parents who loved and nurtured me and friends and family who I know will be there when needed. I’ve always been a voracious reader and last few years I’ve been cataloging quotes related to end of life questions and thoughts.
This is one I’d like to share:

There is a certain kind of love that’s forever. It’s not marked by a marital vow, or social custom, or gender identity, or the age of the parties involved. It’s a love that doesn’t even need to be declared. It’s presence in your life is as factual as the sun rising in the morning. You do not argue in it’s defense or try to explain it to others. The other party moves into your heart and remains with you the rest of your days. The bond is never broken, any more than you can separate yourself from your body or soul.
I know that none of us shall ever die, life is a song, eternal in nature, and the smell and secrets of creation lie in the tumble of the river on its journey to the sea, and in every wave that crashes on the shore and every drop of moisture that rises from the sea and falls on the earth as rain or snow, to repeat the cycle and nourish the earth.
I know the gifts of Heaven and Earth will always remain where they always have been, at our fingertips and in the shimmer we see in the eyes of those we love.

from “The Jealous Kind” by James Lee Burke
 
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, Robert. Prayers . . .
 
Good video Josh. Best wishes Robert and any and all dealing with something.
One day at a time for me.
 
"Every person lives two lives..the second life begins when they realize that they only have one life." I was "lucky enough" to have learned this lesson at a young age.
 
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"My biggest worry is that when I'm dead and gone, my wife will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it." —Koos Brandt

You know, he just had to be a Wrestling coach!

Robert, I just had a brush with the big C but labs proved benign. Hope your "team" brings you back in good health. Know that this team is rooting for your full recovery.
 
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