Every now and then, life hands you a moment that stops you in your tracks and reminds you what truly matters.

A few weeks ago, late one afternoon, I was down in the cellar re-spooling one of my fishing reels when my wife called down that I had a phone call. Right in the middle of winding line, I asked who it was. She answered, “I think you’d better get this call.”

So I stopped what I was doing, picked up the phone, and said hello.

The voice on the other end introduced herself as Cheryl from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She asked if I was “The Bass Coach.” I told her yes. Then she asked if I was the fellow who operated the bass fishing school and bass charter service in the Lake Champlain region of upstate New York. Again, I told her yes.

By then, I was more than a little puzzled.

I remember wondering why someone from the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be calling me. I asked what I could do for her, and that is when she told me about a 17-year-old boy from Michigan named Jared, who had made a wish.

I had certainly heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation before, and I had even donated to it over the years, but I did not really understand all the ways the organization worked. I knew only that it helped young people facing terminal illness experience something special, something meaningful.

Then Cheryl told me what Jared had wished for.

Out of all the places in the world he could have chosen to visit, and out of all the people he might have wanted to meet, Jared’s wish was to meet me in person and have me personally teach him how to fish for bass.

For a few moments, I was speechless.

I sat there stunned, thinking to myself what an honor it was. Cheryl explained that Jared had been diagnosed with leukemia, and hearing that made the whole thing hit even harder. I never in my wildest dreams expected to receive an honor like that. The fact that this young man had chosen to spend his wish that way was humbling beyond words.

Once the Make-A-Wish Foundation and I found an opening on my calendar, we arranged for Jared and his father to attend my three-day on-the-water bass fishing school. Then I learned something even more remarkable. The foundation was not just sending Jared and his father. They were making it possible for Jared’s entire family to come to the Lake Champlain area during the time of the school.

The more I learned about the foundation, the more impressed I became.

All my life, I have tried to support worthwhile charities, but after working with this organization firsthand, I came away believing it is truly second to none. The people involved do not just talk about helping others. They do it, and they do it with heart.

While helping Cheryl with lodging suggestions, I recommended that a bed-and-breakfast would be ideal for Jared and his family. I thought a place with old-fashioned hometown hospitality would make their stay more comfortable, and she agreed. Arrangements were made for them to stay at the Crown Point Bed and Breakfast, just a minute from Lake Champlain and about ten minutes from Lake George, the two lakes where I teach. It also placed them within reach of places like Lake Placid, Burlington, Rutland, and Fort Ticonderoga, giving the family plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Adirondack region during their visit.

When the first day of school arrived, I picked up Jared and his father, Ron, at the bed-and-breakfast.

From the moment I met Jared, I had a good feeling about him. He was a tall, slim, good-looking young man with a fine personality and an easy smile. Over the course of those three days, as I spent time with Jared and his father, I found myself getting attached to both of them. We had a wonderful time together on the water, and catching several bass each day only added to it.

More important than the fish, though, was what we shared.

I was able to teach them how to use several different baits they had never fished before, and they quickly began catching bass on them. Jared and Ron learned that some lures tend to produce larger bass, while others are better for numbers. Jared had fished off and on with his grandfather while growing up, but now his father had the chance not only to learn bass fishing himself, but to share something meaningful with his son.

That was what made those days special.

During those three days, Jared and Ron learned more than just how to catch bass. They learned how to enjoy one another’s company in a way that only time on the water can sometimes bring out. They found something in common, something they could share, and it was a blessing to watch it happen.

As the final day approached, I began to feel a deep sadness. I knew there was a good chance I would never see Jared again.

In the short time I had known him, I had come to admire him deeply. He was an extraordinary 17-year-old with a positive attitude about nearly everything he talked about. I do not know how most of us would handle ourselves if faced with what Jared was facing. Some might fold inward. Some might drown in self-pity. Jared did not.

What I saw in him was strength.

I saw love. I saw courage. I saw the value of family and friendship in a way that left a mark on me.

I believe the Lord has His reasons for everything, though I confess this was one of those times when the heart struggles to understand. All I know is that if I could have traded places with Jared, I would have.

I want Jared and his father to know that they will always have a place in my heart, and that my prayers will always be with them.

And I want to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation once again for everything they did for Jared and his family. Organizations like this do more than grant wishes. They bring light into some very dark places, and they remind all of us that kindness still matters.

This one was more than a fishing trip.

It was a lesson in gratitude, family, courage, and grace, and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.