Jenson Hooks

I was leaving my home today in the pursuit of finishing my errand list, and I had the privilege of
being witness to Southern Hooks at its finest.  As I drove past the spillway of the lake that I live on, I saw a heartwarming sight.  There were two little boys, probably about 7 or 8 years old sitting on the grass with cane poles.  These poles were rigged with simple bobbers.  I knew under the surface of the water there were weights and pan fish hooks.  I’ve done the same thing countless times as a boy and still do occasionally when my kids are fishing with me.  I drove slowly by entranced in the simple, pure sight.

As I turned on to the highway, my neighbor Mr. Jenson passed me.  Mr. Jenson lives two houses down from me.  He is retired and probably close to 70.  Mr. Jenson, or Ted to his neighbors, worked for the railroad his entire working life.  His wife, who we all call “Miss Lottie,” is responsible for making fig preserves that could be traded for bricks of gold.  She is known for bringing coconut cakes and a key lime pie to every eating event held in my immediate area and is considered a State treasure by her quilting club.

 In the traditional Southern mannerism Mr. Jenson raised his hand from the steering wheel with his fingers pointed upward.  Anyone who has grown up or spent time in the South knows this is a traditional expression of acknowledgement and a simple hello.  I responded in kind and thought nothing else about the event.

After all my errands were completed I made my way back home thinking that it would be a great
afternoon to slip out and wet a hook.  As I neared the spillway, I noticed a familiar truck parked on
the spillway.  I slowed thinking Mr. Jenson may have had truck problems and was in need of a ride. 
However, as I closed in on his truck I saw Mr. Jenson sitting in the grass with those same little boys and holding his own cane pole.  I parked and walked to the trio.  Mr. Jenson introduced me to his grandsons stating they had been dropped off at Paw Paw’s to go fishing.  I couldn’t help but smile.  Memories of my own Paw Paw and I drowning worms flooded my mind.  I shook the hands of the boys and wished them luck.

As I drove off with the Sun shining on the water and the image of the young boys and their Paw Paw
sitting firmly in my eyes I had but one thought… those boys and Mr. Jenson are Southern Hooks.

-JD