I saw a post today that resonated with me. Of course, it was COVID 19 related, but conveyed a message in a way that seemed to put more perspective on the situation. It simply said, "We are all in the same boat, but we aren't all in the same storm." It got me thinking about the boat I am in, as well as what "storm" I find myself.
To most of us, this storm is a drizzle. An inconvenience. A mere speed bump. We are aware that there is a virus out there that would be, at worst, similar to the common cold. Others however, find themselves in a real rain maker. A flash flood producing storm that presents a clear danger. A storm that makes you turn on the TV and monitor the updates. Then there are those that find themselves in the path of the tornado. Barreling through our lives like a world altering funnel cloud causing us to wonder what life will be left when the skies clear. Nothing could be more true than the simple post, "We are all in the same boat, but..."
Without diving into the politics of COVID 19, and there are PLENTY of politics, those of you who know me know that I am a huge supporter of freedom. I definitely don't like being told what to do, and to this point, I have been able to practice social distancing of my own free will. It has not been easy. Its spring. Fishing is good. I miss my clients. I miss my life. I have been blessed with loyal clients, many of whom I get to fish with multiple times a year. Some have become close friends and a few are now part of the family. Not being able to fish with them has been painful. Even though we all know this disruption is temporary, it hurts none the less. Emotionally. Financially. Spiritually. It's not the boat I'm in that the problem...it's the storm. For me, its a drizzle, for other members of the house at BTC World Wide Headquarters though, it's definitely a flash flood warning. There are circumstances that clearly put my family in the "must use caution" group. And because of this, I just can't risk fishing with members outside of my house circle for the time being.
For now, we are following all the advice our doctors give at the expense of my business and my fishing "family." The only thing that makes it remotely OK is the simple fact that no storm lasts forever or as my mother always says, "this too, shall pass." Even with the truth that this is temporary staring me in the face, I have reached a point I find the most difficult. A point where if it wasn't for the flash flood, I'd be fishing in the drizzle. You see, some of my peers are slowly resuming operations. While in the same boat, they aren't in the same storm. It's time for them to resume a more normal life. As for me, it is difficult to hold my business back and I've worked too hard to watch it fall apart. But until the deafening warning siren of the flash flood ends, I'll simply have to hold fast.
To my clients, thank you for reaching out as many have. I am overwhelmed at your support. I eagerly await being able to share lifetime memories with you again soon. If you can't wait, I understand...fishing can be soul cleansing. For many of us, it is almost as essential as breathing. With that in mind, I'm excited to announce that I am booking trips under Boat Trash Charters with our affiliated captains on a limited basis. Give me a call and we will do all we can to get you out on the water! This is the same group of motley captains you are used to seeing at our dock, and trash talking with on the radio. I wouldn't hesitate to say they are the best group of guides on the gulf coast. Finally, rest assured that I am constantly evaluating the situation with my family and our doctors and the very moment I am able to, it will be full steam ahead for BTC.
Lastly, if you know you are going to book a trip this summer when the smoke clears, BTC is doing a limited run of gift cards. These cards will be for half day, 2 person trips that you can upgrade to whatever trip package you want when the calendar opens up (right now I'm hoping for early May if not sooner). Card holders will get the first chance at open calendar dates. Thank you all for your continued support.
This too shall pass,
Capt. Mike