Retired Lawyer Al Hicks Publishes Book on Fishing with his Grand-daughter
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Al Hicks and grand-daughter Jess fish in The Magical Pond
Albert C. Hicks has written and published a delightful picture book about a grandfather-grandchild's bonding at a fishing pond near the Bay Valley Golf Course.
The unforgettable bonding that occurs at that pond is detailed over a nine year period, from the time Jess, one of the author's six grandchildren, is a three-year-old girl until she reaches age 12.
Magical days with fishing poles in their hands are recalled as the grandfather weaves the story in "The Magical Pond" in the context of relating his philosophy of life to the child.
Mr. Hicks is a retired lawyer who practiced with the firm of Smith & Brooker, P.C., in Bay City for 50 years.
Children will relate to Jess as she learns the fine points of luring the elusive fish and setting the hook when it strikes.
Author Hicks, 81, has written many poems and stories about and for his grandchildren but "The Magical Pond" is his favorite. "Filled with love and intimate affection, readers will find the beauty of grandfather-grandchild bonding in this book," writes a reviewer for the publisher, Xlibris, of Bloomington, Indiana.
Mr. Hicks writes: "When we went fishing in the magical pond, Jess was at the age when she was questioning whether or not Santa Claus brought all those presents on Christmas day. She also wondered if there really was an Easter bunny.
"I must confess that telling Jess she was going to a magical pond weighed on my conscience. I remember when I told her about the magical pond, her blue-green eyes sparkled. She had that look that kids give when they think they are going to share a great secret."
The pond was in fact, "magical," since water pouring from a creek through a drainage pipe would trap fish at certain times and almost guarantee a catch. Jess once even hooked a 19-inch bass she called "a granddaddy fish.
"I think Jess learned a lot from me that summer, but I can tell you that I learned so much from her. Being a slave to the clock and running my life on minutes and seconds has diminished now that I am retired. I find myself on walk alone now, taking my time to notice the little things along the way. I guess there is some truth about taking time to smell the roses. Jess was a good example for me. I keep her in my mind when we are not together, and our walks to the pond are always in my mind's eye."
Mr. Hicks was born in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, Aug. 13, 1928. He was graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and received a bachelor's degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, in 1950.
After spending the summer of 1950 biking through Europe, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a Special Service Officer. He earned a doctor of laws degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1958.
Information on the book is available by calling Xlibris at 888-795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.
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