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it's the moment when he reached out for me that i will never forget. the hug wasn't very long- it could have been passed off as merely "saying hello" or letting someone know you're there. but this was probably one of the most important moments of my life.

there i was witnessing the most unbelievable light show, as the lightening zig-zagged and criss-crossed throughout the sky to the east and to north of us. dinner was cooking and it all could have been explained as rather domestic- considering this is six men in an isolated lake on a camp that is sophisticated only within the realm of desolate living conditions.

yet there it was. exposed and raw and real. my dad had shared with me, perhaps the most important place in his world. he had included me in his club, bought me a membership into a group that he holds more important to him than God or money. it is all so cliche, but it was real. and i loved it. and i loved him.

there will forever for me be that wonderful contrast between the rugged machoness and inflated testosterone of the fly-in fishing trip with the tender, sentimental and human love that this place represents in my relationship with my dad. it was out of place (sort of but not really when you consider how many friendships were solidified here) and it was slightly unexpected, however, i will never forget bob lake, fishing with my dad or that hug. it's a good day to be alive...