Hidy Troops,

I canceled my reservation to Charlotte as I will not get to go. I have been diagnosed with a desease called COPD and as a result of it I have to be on oxygen about 20/22 hours a day. It is just too big of a hassle to fly now because of my need for oxygen and I might add extremely expensive.

I had planed to attend the show and help Andy Dear man his booth. I was really looking forward to meeting as many Rod Builders as possible and visiting and talking the talk. What a bummer.

By the way I still build fishing rods and go fishing, so it ain't all bad.

Later,
Gerald Mc

My sympathies, really sorry to hear of it.

Take care of yourself and build more rods ! Live life like no else is lookin ! ! !

David A. Fuller
Great Basin Fishing Rods

Keep on fishin' and buildin' rods, Gerald!! All the best to you!
Putter

Hey Gerald,
Don't give up, brother!! Just a minor set back. Make good use of the time you will find you have due to changes in your everyday life, keep your faith and you will not only prevail over the illness, but you'll be a better craftsman as well. I will be happy to take plenty of pictures for you and pick up anything you need from the show. Just drop me an email and I'll send you my phone numbers. I'll call you from the show to tell you of any surprises dropped on us!
Ray

Good Luck! and best to you and yours on these holidays!

Doug

Gerald sorry to hear this news. Keep well.

Myles
Brisbane, Australia

Hi old friend,
I am very sorry to hear about your condition. Just don't flame any of your wraps.

Cheers, Ellis

Gerald, My symapthies concerning your health. I hope you continue to stay strong to continue your passion and also to continue our lively discussions of the finer points of rod-building.
Patrick Vernacchio

Hang in there, Gerald. I guess that I'll just have to come to a Texas Get together to meet you!

Mike

Gerald,

Sorry to hear that. Y'all stay warm over there, it's cold in Houston.

Paul

Gerald,
Sorry to hear about your condition. I hope you are able to manage youself with that and be productive and continue fishing as long as possible. Take care of yourself.

Rich Garbowski

Sorry to hear about that. Like you say, your still building rods and going fishing --- Be well Need any thing from us just let us know

Mc,
Stay strong brother!! Keep on building those fine rods and if you need anything I'm just a call away.
Take care,
Noel

Gerald i hope you get better soon . Looking forward to getting together in Houston again if they will have another get together. Keep using that old Swampland rod you found.

Lance

Gerald
You have my best wishes and prayers.
Ken

Sorry to hear that Gerald.
All the best for the future.

Ted..

Gerald......
My old and dear friend, I am sorry to hear of your condition.....
Keep on fishin' and building those rods.....

MaryLou

Gerald,
My wife is a doctor and she said there are now backpack oxygen packs that not a lot of people know about. With one of those you wouldn't need to take a big tank on the plane with you, probably just put the backpack under the seat.

Good luck.