Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

Check out the article by Patricia Montemurri in August 10, 2008 The Detroit Free Press. Our own Carmen, Lauren, Tanya, Ermora, Kelley and Mark are quoted.  Here’s the link:  http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808100355

I’ll admit, I was intimidated. The idea of spending three days introducing 15 women to the sport of fly fishing was a little much. In addition these women were from different backgrounds, different ages, in different degrees of health and in different stages of a shared disease. And finally, and the piece-de-resistance, I would be one of the only males. What’s a guy to do?

During the preceding weeks, and all the way up until the first participant arrived, I was running scenario after scenario through my head. What do i do in case this happens, or this, or, god forbid, that?! I have taught dozens and dozens of people how to fly fish, often times in groups, but this was a whole new ballgame. As I said, I was intimidated.

So, how did it turn out you may be wondering? In short, it was a very special experience. The biggest part of it was not the fishing. It was being there. Yes, the fishing was fun and the chance to pass along knowledge and experiences to potential new devotees of a sport I love was enjoyable enough alone. The chance to spend some time on a lovely piece of trout water was also great. It all pales in comparison to the people. Those same people whom I spent hours and hours worrying about. How is that for irony?

Of course I did my share of carrying things from here to there, getting water, keeping track of equipment and other sorts of things. All the volunteers did. Those types of tasks are rewarding on their own. But it was being in the water with the participants - that’s where real special things happened. Women who normally have difficulty walking, relishing the river pushing against their legs. Or women who would cast their fly and actually see a trout rise - only to forget to set the hook because they turned to share a smile that a trout was “out there.” I watched their faces light up as the river worked its magic.

Out of the river, listening to them laugh and cry while talking with others, was…educational. Even I blushed a few times overhearing a few things (you know who you are).

I have done as much thinking about that time and those women since as before. Now I run things that happened over and over in my mind and it brings a smile. I am just as anxious as before. Anxious to do it again.

-DGM, Volunteer & River Guide

The Drake Magazine hosted their Second Annual Video Awards at the 2007 Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver. Focus of the videos? On fly fishing of course. The short clips run the gamut of storytelling - from a father and daughter guide team fishing together in their home waters of Alaska, to fun times in the sun with tarpon and permit. They evoke a few chuckles, appeal to your soft side and may have you chopping at the bit to go after new fish in a new location. Worth checking out. Click here.

One of the video production teams, AEG Media was a finalist. Their present goal is to be the leader in bringing new fly fishing adventure to the big screen. They will be rolling out their 2008 Fly Fishing Film Tour soon at a theater near you. With regards to the film they’ve stated, “If you fly fish you are going to be blown away, if you don’t fly fish you are going to be inspired.” Check out their site for more info.

A great new article has been published talking about Reeling & Healing Midwest and how it helps survivors on their healing journey. Our own Ruthanne T. is quoted.
Read the full article here.

A great article about Reeling & Healing Midwest recently appeared in the July / August 2007 issue of Michigan Trout Magazine published by Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited. You can download a PDF of the article here.

Our third men���s retreat went off without
a hitch at Gates Lodge July. There were participants and volunteers from all over the State of Michigan. We were blessed with some wonderful weather and many trout were caught as well.Once again, Coy & Tim from Reel Recovery travel from Colorado to facilitate the retreat. And ���Spoon��� was there with his digital camera capturing EVERY moment possible to document the retreat for the survivors who had traveled up to Grayling to enjoy some time on the famed Au Sable.

From entomology, heron watching and telling kayakers that they were three miles from the landing to making new friends, learning to cast a fly rod and sharing joy and pains of our journeys, it was a memorable time for all. Even the Bread Hole was amazing.

It was my third year of assisting at the retreat. And though the program remains the same, the retreat, because of the men who attend, is always different.

This year was very different for me due to the fact that my father had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. At my request, my father had taken time off from his busy work scheduled and volunteered at the 2005 & 2006 men’s retreats as a River Buddy/Guide. This year he called me to ask if he could volunteer again on the river. His mission: to not only help others, but share his new diagnosis, compare notes from a different perspective and to give/receive support from a different level than he had ever anticipated.

Needless-to-say, the process of watching my father share with the participants and volunteers was heartwarming. I am thankful to all who reached out to support him, offered their good words, wisdom and prayers. And for their hugs as well.

Of all my treasured memories from my time at the retreat, I am thankful for the laughter shared with “Bob with One O” on the river dock on our final day. Though we hardly fished, we laughed and told stories that had our sides aching. Doing that together, surrounded by nature and sunshine, hearing the echoes of the laughter - nothing but joy. It felt grand to have the weight of the unknown lifted from shoulders and hearts.

And to my dear roommate, Nurse Navin…I commend you on your stellar perfection Loops, Double-Surgeon Knots and Nail Knots. Our leaders rocked!

In closing, I extend the Reel Recovery blessing to all…

BE WELL, FISH ON!

CLICK TO VIEW ARTICLE

Thanks to Nursing Spectrum Magazine and Catherine Spader for writing a great article. Many thanks to Kathryn Navin and Amy Adams for being interviewed and telling their stories.

Every time someone passes along their experiences and stories about Reeling & Healing Midwest, we get stronger. It helps expose new people to the great work our community provides for Survivors and their support networks.

Fish On!