Thursday, March 22, 2012

Caught - January 17, 1936. Released - March 22, 2012

I am both sad and relieved to say that our father, Edward Francis Cantow, went to his FAVORITE trout stream in Heaven this morning. Though we will all miss him terribly it was past time for his ravaged body and soul to find true Peace. He was an AMAZING hematologist/oncologist who started the first hospice in the Portsmouth, VA area. He was a WONDERFUL husband, our mom was the love of his life. They are now together again. He was THE BEST FATHER anyone could possibly have. Together with our mom they raised us to ALWAYS live life to the fullest; to find THE BEST in every day, even the darkest; to CELEBRATE life;
to APPRECIATE nature; to LOVE people. Those are the MOST PRECIOUS gifts we could ever be given. So, if you imbibe, there's a fly (trout) fisherman's tradition of toasting with bourbon in a tin cup. Raise a cup in honor of our dad, of your dad, to special people and to trout season. We love you dad!!! :D

"I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; ...because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there;•••."
-from Testament of a Fisher- man, by Robert Traver (John D. Voelker).

6 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great tribute, may your grief be followed with peace as your wonderful father is home now and surrounded by love.

Janet Vanderhoof said...

I see the wonderful spirit of your great parents in you. You are very fortunate to have parents that you so admire and have so much love towards. May there be peace and love for you and your family.

elisa said...

So sorry to hear this. But so glad to hear that he's with the love of his life again. Hugs to you.

Bobby said...

My dear Christine, words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your wonderful family. Even though I know he is in a better place and reunited with your mom, my world is a little less because he is gone.
The only tin cup I could find was an old 1 quart measuring cup, so I poured a shot, walked across the street, stood in the stream, and toasted your dad.
I miss you all

Flotsam said...

I am so sorry to hear this sad news, Christine. When I have a bereavement, once thing that was said has always stuck in my mind; their work here is done and they can now move on. It sounds bland but actually 'work' is a good way of describing a loved ones struggle through illness and it is a good thing to have rest; and a mixed belssing for the remaining family to come to terms with.

I too, will think of you and your father tonight here in England and raise a glass to him and all the other fishermen, nature lovers and good fathers who have treasured and enjoyed this world.

Julia said...

Oh Christine, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your dad. Sending big hugs and peace your way. We went fishing over Spring Break, and I see how you could really like it a lot (as long as someone ELSE is around to bait my hook - ha!) That picture of him holding a baby in one hand and a fish in the other is priceless. Thinking of you so much.