Every year, many wonderful items and trips are auctioned off at our memorial golf tournament. The proceeds are used to help needy individuals and families.
Several years ago, the Marks family purchased a fishing trip on beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake which borders Nebraska and South Dakota. When the time came to leave for some serious fishing and fun, Dave Marks, his son Anthony and I met Dr. Mike Schilmoeller, the sponsor of this package, in Omaha and headed north. I was not concerned about the rainy and windy conditions because we prayed for a holy, safe and successful trip with good weather.
After stopping for some delicious fast food we purchased the needed provisions including steak (in case our fishing proved unsuccessful). After unpacking we soon found ourselves in our cabins in bed. I continued to pray because the wind and rain continued. As it turned out, the wind blew and the rain fell all night. I tried to stay confident as I fell in and out of sleep.
Morning came fast and after Mass and a delicious breakfast, we drove to the lake to meet Scott Madison, our guide. I was elated that the wind and rain stopped. Mike and I decided to fish off one of the piers that juts out onto the lake as Dave and Anthony headed on the lake in Scott’s boat.
After throwing my line into the lake and setting it on the pier without securing it, Mike said, “Aren’t you worried that a big fish could pull your line in?” “Nah,” I replied, “That’s not going to happen.” Seconds later we saw my rod and reel fly off the pier and into the lake like a rocket. As I grabbed the guard rail I saw my line disappear like a torpedo in the water. I remember yelling “Did you see that fish pull my line into the lake?!?!”
After this humiliation I was reduced to using my Popeil Pocket Fisherman (“As seen on TV”). After casting it into the deep, a fishing boat came to the rescue and asked, “We heard a fish pulled your line into the lake, can we help?” “How did you hear that?” I asked, forgetting that sound travels well on water, especially if you are yelling....
I quickly reeled in my Popeil Pocket Fisherman because their boat was heading for it. While reeling it in, to my surprise, I snagged the line that was pulled in by the fish. Not only did we get the rod back, but also the fish that pulled it into the lake. In addition, I hauled another nice one in with the pocket fisherman. No more humiliation.
Mike quickly pointed out that what we went through is like fishing for men: “Never give up on anybody even if you think their soul is lost. God’s graces can find a way to get them back.”
In the end Mike and I caught three nice ones, which were added to Dave and Anthony’s 13. It was turf and surf with S’mores over a nice campfire. Soon it was morning and the trip back home. We did not care it was raining again for God gave us a beautiful day and reminded us that He never gives up on us. We have access to His graces to the end. I would like to thank the Markses for purchasing this trip which helped us assist those in need.
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