Fish Fry

“Annette go help your Aunts set the table and then you can call everyone to supper.” 

I went to the pantry, got all our best everyday dishes (only three of them matched). When the table was set and the fish was ready, I went to the front porch.  Grandpa was rocking in his favorite chair, my uncles were laughing with Larry.             

“Today was a good fishing day, caught a lotta of shiners today Pa,” my Uncle Andrew continued, “the motor was purring like a kitten, we could have gone to the breakwaters today.”             

“No thanks,” Uncle Tony said. “That was far out enough for me. I don’t like to go out too far in the water,” 

 They began to recall an all too familiar story. 

“Remember when Uncle Nick saved your life Tony?” my Uncle Chicky asked. 

“How could I forget that one?” Uncle Tony said. “I was only ten years-old. That was when Pa used to take fisherman out to the break water”   

Grandpa silently nodded as he deeply inhaled his cigarette. 

“I guess the water got rough and a boat came by and swamped us. Before I knew it, I was in the water and so were Pa and Uncle Nick.” 

Larry’s eyes widened. His father shook his head, smirked and continued. 

“Pa and Uncle Nick were able to climb back into the boat.” 

He pantomimed a climbing motion with his hands. 

“Pa then realized that I was still in the water and began to yell.” 

He cupped his hands over his mouth and imitated his father. “Il mio dio che sta annegandosi!”(My God he is drowning!)   

“Thank God for Uncle Nick. He dove right in after me. When he came to the surface of the water, I was clinging to his shoulders. That’s why I don’t go out too far anymore. Never cared for the water too much after that.” 

His brothers Chicky and Andrew listened attentively as did his son Larry. My grandfather rocked slowly and finished his cigarette, not saying a word.