I recently had the opportunity to start a “Fishing Club” with some gentleman in the area who were all looking to get out and fish but were struggling to make it happen for themselves. Some reasons that were mentioned were; “I don’t have anyone to go with.” “I don’t know where to go or how to get there.” “I have a hard time leaving my apartment.” “I’m lonely and depressed and can’t seem to get out and do anything.” As I was introduced to these men they all had one thing in common. The fishing pole and tackle box sitting in the corner of a room or in the garage. How heartbreaking it was to think that something as simple as “going fishing” could not be accomplished because of the reasons given. A co-worker and I started the group with 3 men. That first day 2 of the 3 men thanked us over and over again for inviting them along. The other man also thanked us for getting him out of the house as he originally cancelled on us that morning. The second week 2 more men joined the group. Both had not met anyone else in the group. They were a bit quiet at first but as the morning went on they began to joke around and loosen up. They started asking each other questions such as “what kind of music do you like?” “What else do you do for fun?” We talked about what other things they would like to do besides get together to fish. By the end of the day both were making sure that we were picking them up the following week. Week 3 an older gentleman joined the group also. I picked him up first and forewarned him that I was picking up 2 younger guys that had unique personalities and a sense of humor. I was a little concerned that he may feel out of place because of the age difference. All the other guys were in there 20’s and early 30’s and he was in his 60’s. My co-worker picked up the original 3 members. One who now has volunteered to lead the group and teach his skills to the others. He really came out of his shell and is helping with putting on bait or tangled lines. Our plan was to meet at Nepco Lake. The older gentleman and I continued on to pick up the other 2 guys. They all introduced themselves to each other and were extremely polite. As we were heading to the lake I asked if they minded stopping at the gas station with me. I wanted to grab some donuts for the group. When we pulled in they all jumped out of the car excitedly. We all went in and each one shopped for what they wanted and got in line. They paid for their purchases and we headed back to the car. I couldn’t get over how happy they were just to go into the gas station! I kept thinking to myself “wow, the things I take for granted!” Just to be able to stop at Kwik Trip whenever I want and get myself a cup of coffee or a sandwich. As we drove down to the lake the younger two began to joke around and were getting kind of loud. I looked over at the older gentleman to see if how he was handling the two in the back seat. He gave me the biggest smile I had ever seen. He said “ Yep, a couple of characters.”He was enjoying them! How awesome! We got down to lake. The other 5 had spent time together already and were now comfortable around each other. We handed out donuts and set up our poles. We introduced the older gentlemen to the rest of the group and they started asking him about himself. We ate the donuts and picked out where we wanted to fish. He talked with everyone and then moved his chair and fishing pole towards the water to set up. He kept saying over and over again “It is so nice to be out here by the water. It doesn’t even matter if I catch anything. Boy have I missed days like this!” By this time my eyes were getting misty just thinking about how long he had sat in his apartment not getting out to do anything. The group joked around with each other and laughed. I asked them what else they might want to do. One asked if we could get together more then one day a week. The others chimed in saying they would really like that and they shared some information about their schedules. The older gentleman started rattling off all kinds of ideas. He said “How about we go to the YMCA sometime? I would like to shoot some hoops.” The other agreed. “Yes! Let’s do it.” Then he said “Hell, I might even put on a bathing suit again and go swimming!” He had all kinds of suggestions. “How about we go to some garage sales? I used to go every Friday for hours when I had my truck. How about we go to Marshfield Fair this fall? How about we just take a walk sometime? Or go get some ice-cream? Or play horseshoes? Have a cook-out? I’m up for just about anything!” I sat back and listened to them all making plans together. It didn’t matter how old or young they were or what their past was. All these men wanted was to be out doing things and now they had people to do it with. When we packed up and got in the car they all repeatedly asked “You’re picking me up next week right? You guys are coming next week right?” As we neared one of the houses the older gentleman spotted a garage sale. He pointed at the sign and I slowed down. “Wanna go?” I asked him. There again was that huge smile. “Hell ya!” he said. We pulled over and everyone jumped out of the car before I even got my seatbelt off. He rubbed his hands together and said “Let’s go find some treasures!” Boy he was excited! He left with a carpet shampooer and couldn’t have been happier. We all agreed to meet again the next Friday and I said I would see about getting another day scheduled during the week. They all thanked me for inviting them. As I drove back to work I really felt that today I made a difference. Today was a good day.