The Severed Cortex

This was actually supposed to be a pretty big day for us. Our facilitator at BBBS asked if we would be interested in talking to a reporter for the Alton Telegraph about our experience with BBBS. The Telegraph was preparing a series of articles on programs available to Alton youth. Both Robert and I were excited about it. I was excited in order to share the positive experience I've had. Robert just wanted to get his picture in the newspaper.

Robert's mom came up with a great idea that would allow the reporter some time with Robert, Nancy, and I. Plus, she'd also have the opportunity to spend some time with just Robert and I if she wanted. The plan was to have the reporter meet us at our house, which couldn't have been easier since she lives in Glen Carbon. We would spend some time making some sandwiches together and then Robert and I would head out (with our sandwiches) to go fishing. An hour before I was to go pick up Robert she called and canceled. Robert and I were both disappointed.

But, we went ahead with the plan. On the way to get Robert, I picked up some bait (waxworms/nightcrawlers/crickets) at Bluff City Tackle in Alton. The Bluff City Tackle in Edwardsville has retarded hours. What self respecting bait shop opens at 9 am and then only stays open until 3?. Little did I know that Robert was freaked out about crickets. So much so that I thought he was going to jump out of the truck while we were moving. But, we made it to the house with him still in the truck. We made our sandwiches and packed some Cheetos, apples, cookies, and drinks.

There are several friends of mine that live within walking distance of our house. Walking distance, that is, if it weren't 100+ degrees outside. I say friends when I should really say friends of my good friend Jay Watz. Jay's wife went to college with a lot of these guys here in Edwardsville and I've gotten to know them through various golf outings, poker games, and fishing trips. One of them is Todd McClew who happens to have a sweet bachelor pad on nearby Dunlap Lake. While Dunlap Lake is literally a 1/4 mile away, Todd lives on the far side so it would be a healthy walk. I called Todd earlier in the week and asked him if it would be OK if I brought Robert over to fish off the bank. Todd, who has been telling me to come over there and fish for years, told me to come on over since Sunday was his off day.
We showed up at his house around 3:30 and it was unbearably hot. There was a little bit of shade to stand in but even that was pretty out of control. Todd fished with us for a little but he wound up swimming in the lake. Robert gave up on fishing and instead practiced skipping rocks. I think I caught one little bluegill, but I missed about a dozen more. We munched on Cheetos and apples and tried to stay hydrated.

Around 6:00 we called it quits. Too hot. Todd managed to bring up a giant mussel shell while he was swimming. While we were putting up the gear he cleaned up the shell and inscribed on the inside: 'Robert and Drew Dunlap Lake 8/07'. He also drew a little fish. I thought it was awesome. Thanks a ton Todd. You made a ten year old's day because he kept looking at it all the way home.