For My Favorite Fisherman,
Harold Brandon






My husband was an avid fisherman, and living in southern Louisiana he had plenty of great fishing spots to choose from. Of course, like any true fisherman, he would never reveal 
his favorite fishing spots
to anyone but his best fishing buddies! Many's the time he'd bring home an ice-chest full of the day's catch - I'm talking about 40-50 fish! Catfish, redfish, bass, trout, perch, 
crappie - you name it, he caught it! 


And he didn't just catch fish, he cooked them, too - and how he loved to cook! I couldn't begin to 
count how many fish fries we had over the years, for family,
 friends, our church groups, our Sunday School classes, his co-workers, basically anyone he met! Not just fish, either: he always made at least french fries and hushpuppies to go with them, 
 and usually fried shrimp as well. 
 No one ever left our table hungry, I guarantee!




 Harold's fried fish were the absolute BEST! That's not just family boasting, either; I know of several people who will not
 eat any other fish except Harold's. I've always said his stuffed flounder is the best you'll ever taste this side of heaven - better than anything you'd ever get in any restaurant!
In fact many people have asked him over the years why he didn't open his own restaurant. 



I'm sharing these poems because they are just perfect for Harold . I did not write them and cannot take any credit for them , as I found them on the internet. 
No author is listed for the first poem or last, only for the second.. They have been a comfort to me, reminding me that Harold is now fishing in heaven, and, as I 
told our youngest grandson, we all know how much Jesus liked hanging around with fishermen!









An Angler's Prayer


I pray that I may live to fish,
Until my dying day,
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord's great landing net
I'm peacefully asleep, 
That in His mercy I be judged
As good enough enough to keep.


(Author Unknown)





    

Gone Fishing



If anyone should ask for me,
Tell them heaven is where I'll be.
I have finished all my life's chores,
And now I fish on heaven's shores.


The view is grand, and the fishing's great,
 But I yearn for you, as I wait. 
I'll save a spot on the river's bend,
For all those I call family and friend.


But for now, sail out to sea,
And make a cast in memory
To all the good times that you had
With me, your friend, grandpa, and dad.


And if the fish no longer bite,
Or seem no longer worth the fight,
It's because it's me that you are missing,
Don't worry, be glad - I've only gone fishing!

(David Ritter)   





    
Peaceful Waters


Find rest now in peaceful waters, 
Where fish rise endlessly, 
Where lines are never tangled up, 
And all good souls swim free. 


The perfect catch awaits you there,
 In heaven’s crystal streams, 
Where patient anglers find at last 
The fishing of their dreams. 


Watch over us who fish below, 
Guide our lines with care, 
Until we meet beside still waters, 
In perfect fishing there.