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Seth didn’t mean it. Accidents happen, right? A a good, Christian father I was supposed to realize that immediately. My head was telling me to let it go and give him a big hug so I wouldn’t wound his little ego. I was supposed to say, “It’s just stuff, son. We can always replace it.” 

…but I didn’t. “YOU DID WHAT?” I screamed. He cowared under my voice. Tears began streaming down his face, “I’m sorry, dad! It was an accident. I didn’t know your fishing pole was there.”

So it was true. I stared at my fishing pole mangled in three pieces. This was no oridinary pole. It was a Pflueger GX-7 – a $60 birthday purchase! I couldn’t believe it. The anger was boiling over, but I tried to keep it down. I was talking to myself, “chill out, Matt.”

We had just gotten back from fishing and in the excitement of Sean catching the big fish I forgot to take my pole out. Someone had taken the pole out and laid it next to the hatchback. Apperantly Seth went to close the trunk and my pole was a tragic casualty. I was so angry I stomped into the house like a little kid pouting.

I sat at my desk, “Seth!” I called. He walked over with his shoulders slumped. “Look, bro. I know it was an accident.” I gave him a hug and mumbled something about it just being stuff. The truth is I was still mad about it.

Yesterday we went fishing again. As I was getting the fishing stuff ready for the trip, Seth was helping me put the hooks on the swivel for Sean’s pole. I could feel him staring at me. I knew what he was thinking. He confessed that he felt really guilty about breaking my fishing pole and he was worried I wouldn’t have one.

I have great kids! For now, I am using my old Zebco 202 – it will still catch the big one!