Bob Behrle, looked over while unloading his truck at a C.A.S.T. for Kids event and saw three children and their mom. They reminded him of his own three kids, about the same age span with two boys and one girl. Unlike his family, the little girl Alexy had down syndrome. Bob thought, “It would be neat if I would get that family,” as he headed out towards the water.
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Bob’s wish came true. On a sunny day at Lake Guntersville, Alabama in 2015, Bob had the joy of taking Alexy, Jayden, Braxton and their mom on his boat. He made sure each child got to reel in a fish that day. After the award’s ceremony, Bob took them all to Walmart to buy the boys a fishing rod and reel just like Alexy had received as a participant at the event.
During the time spent fishing, Bob had learned the children had lost their Dad to cancer. As they said good-bye, he could tell the oldest really wanted to give him a hug to thank him but was too shy. Bob leaned down and asked if he could give Braxton a hug. A great day of fishing ended with the gentleness of a fatherly embrace.
A few months later, Bob invited the family over for an early Christmas celebration. They shared a meal, opened a few gifts Bob had bought for the children and shared the warmth and love of the season. “Life wasn’t easy for me growing up,” Bob recalls, so he opened his heart wide to help make life easier for someone else.
Bob couldn’t make it to the event in 2016 but he kept up with the family on Facebook until 2017 when he made sure he didn’t miss the event. It was a sweet reunion for all as they took to the water, fishing poles in hand on Lake Guntersville this year.
It’s boat captains like Bob who give the gift of time and kindness to touch lives at a C.A.S.T. for Kids event and beyond. The relationships formed while experiencing the thrill of catching a fish create a strong bond that carries from year to year. These recreational events connect people in communities as they make fun memories together that last a lifetime.
Wonderfully written!
Fantastic. Couldn’t agree more. Changing lives is what C.A.S.T. does best!!!
It’s our volunteers who help make the magic in the outdoors happen for these kids. We are so grateful!
Awesome guy. Love this event and look forward to serving each year.
Thank you James for serving at this C.A.S.T. for Kids event. It’s people like you who make all the difference.
This was an amazing story for a beautiful family. I have been part of CASt for 2 years now and it amazes me of the endless stories I read about. Big hearts. Amazing families and beautiful smiles. Looking forward to our upcoming event in Ardmore OK soon. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
We are so glad you’ve joined us in Ardmore, OK. These stories are fun to tell and are endless. It’s such a joy to watch people like Bob and you stop your everyday lives and take time to impact someone else’s. We extend a big heart-felt thanks to you and a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you Bob for being an inspiration to us all on what it means to love and to give back. In a world where we seem to focus on all the bad that’s going on, a ray of shining light like this gives us the motivation to do more!
Oh boy, I got something in my eye there while reading this. Bless you all.
It is an amazing story! We are so grateful for our boat captains who really extend their hearts to the child and family on his boat for the day. Thanks for taking time to read their story!