Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

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!

WHAT: ONE DAY FLY FISHING RETREAT

WHEN: July 21st Reunion Retreat - 8:00 am until 6:00 pm

WHERE: PERE MARQUETTE RIVER - Baldwin & Branch, MI

HOSTS: Reeling & Healing Midwest and The Pere Marquette River Lodge

DETAILS: Join Reeling & Healing Midwest, The Pere Marquette River Lodge and our good friends from Reel Recovery to celebrate a day of trout fishing on the beautiful waters of the Pere Marquette River. Individuals who have taken part in any fly fishing retreat programs for cancer survivors as a participant, volunteer or supporter are encouraged to attend. SPECIAL NOTE: This year, survivors are encouraged to bring their caregiver or personal supporter along to enjoy the day as well.

Our friends and certified river guides at The Pere Marquette River Lodge have arranged to provide river float trips and guiding expertise for the day. Those attending will have the opportunity to wade fish and/or enjoy a float down the river. A hearty continental breakfast, shore lunch, beverages and munchies will be served. Fishing equipment and waders will be available for use too.

COST: $40.00 for the day (includes breakfast, lunch, beverages, equipment, float trips and guides). Dinner is optional for an additional $15.00 and will be served at the lodge.

Click here to view a schedule of events for the day.

What to bring? You will need a fishing license. It may be purchased at the lodge. Click here for a suggested list of items to bring as well as more license info.

To register or for more information, phone 616-855-4017 or email info@ReelingandHealingMidwest.org.

Fish On!

THIRTY-EIGHT FISH AND COUNTING

Well, I believe if we had taken an exit poll, everyone would have voted to fish more in the spring time with the beautiful weather we enjoyed, to fish on the North Branch of the Au Sable (easy wading and little traffic) and to visit Arnie & Aggie again and again. Was that a wonderful weekend or what? I’m still feeling blessed.
Where do you begin when you think back to that May weekend? The beautiful, historical stretch of river, the wildlife that surrounded us, the four-wheeler tours through the woods, the camaraderie, the terrific fishing, the meals & snacks galore, the calm comfort and giving nature of our hosts Aggie and Arnie or the power struggle for a fishing vest or blue shirt or a fishing shirt (Carrie may have worn that vest to bed along with a smile on her face)?

Was it the quiet time you had in the river - sunshine on your face, gentle breeze and good casts? Or was it the potential wading snafu, remembering how to make a clinch knot, deciding which fly to use, seeing old faces and friends, or getting in touch with your creative side by whipping a bird’s nest into your leader? Did you take time out to laugh, “get out of your box” and meet someone new? Did you tell a story, reach out and listen to others, or take a quiet moment to be grateful? I think we did all that and then some.

A big THANK YOU to Aggie & Arnie for opening up their hearts and river home to us - especially knowing that Aggie was recovering from shoulder surgery. I can’t wait to see her this summer and give her a huge hug of thanks that doesn’t cause her any pain. The two of them, along with the “boys” were wonderful.

A special note of thanks to Ruthanne. Her assistance with organizing the retreat certainly ensured that the retreat ran smoothly. I’d like to reach out and thank other volunteers who traveled to Lovells to help us out - Bob & Kathy Carey, Amy Adams, and Sue & John Walters.

I’m still having flashbacks of all the food that made it’s way into the river house.
Thanks to everyone who stopped and picked up portions of our grocery list and to everyone else that brought along goodies, baked cookies, and special indulgements. Abiding by Arnie’s rule that everything we brought must make it’s way home, I did my best to leave a few “surprise” in your coolers or cars or coat pockets (yes, I’m the one that did it).

Oh, we can’t forget the potato flinging slingshot. I don’t know if you took a step back and observe how everyone became a wee bit competitive with those distance shots. But, there was some major determination occurring. The photos tell stories for sure. And what did work better? One potato or two? Can you believe we were able to shoot potatoes past that little island upstream?

Having mentioned photos, I received some from Aggie, Carole, Mary and Lori. Thank you ladies! A few are in this email note, some have been placed on the Gallery page of the website and I’ve uploaded a portion of them to a Flickr account so you can log-in and download your favorite or order prints. The link to the Flickr account is located at the end of this email.

Thank you for your participation, enthusiasm and courage to go somewhere new and learn more about fly fishing. Thank you all for your loving, giving spirits. You continue to inspire me to provide more retreat opportunities and enjoy all that life has to offer. It was an honor to share the river with you once more. I look forward to doing it again and again.

Here���s to renewed spirit and renewed hope.

FISH ON!

Cathy Sero

Special Notes: Check out photos on our website’s Gallery Page. Photos on Flickr for the May 2007 Retreat can be viewed here.

Over 20 past participants will attend the 2007 Spring Trout Reunion Retreat in Lovells, MI, this weekend. We will be fishing on the North Branch of the Au Sable River and lodging in a private river home of a special couple who supports Reeling & Healing Midwest and also at Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club.

The women attending are cancer survivors and range in age from 32 to 70 years old. Some have fished once, others have been attending retreats for over six years. No matter their experience level, they are young at heart and come together knowing they’ll have a wonderful time.

The weather forecast for the weekend is partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 40 degrees in the morning up to the high 60’s and 70’s by mid-day. Excellent conditions for a variety of hatches - assorted caddis, small stone flies and lookout - BWO and Hendricksons should be popping too.

We’ll be armed with plenty of flies thanks to the many tyers and fly fishers who donated over 100 dozen to us for use this season.

The grocery list is completed, equipment is ready to be christened in the river for the first time this year and the enthusiasm of the women who will be attending is going each day.

Follow our retreat experience over the next few days as we blog riverside at our retreat location.

Fish On!

WHAT A DAY IT WAS! The doors opened and attendees poured into the expo ready to check out all the booths, seminars and guest speakers.

We had a great bunch of volunteers to help throughout the day - John R., Deborah H., Bonnie G., Peggy S., Wally B., Dave M., Jay S., Amy A., Carolyn R., Sharon G., Bob & Kathy K., Rose P., Renee M., Becky B., Kate D-M., Mary R., Lydia S., Jean H-L., Jackie H., Cynthia R., and Becca S.

Our booth was non-stop busy. Highlights include:

-Kids scavenger hunt game with prizes
-Tiffany Fly Fishing Key Chain Raffle
-Michigan TU Fly Fishing School Raffle
-T-shirts for ladies!
-Chair Massage
-Our fish jewelry
-Fly donation creel (overflowing by the end of the day!)

No one will forget the fish necklaces that everyone walking the show floor were wearing. Red, gold, blue, green and purple fish were adorning over 1,200 fishermen today. Thanks to our roving volunteers for spreading the news about Reeling & Healing Midwest and sharing the necklaces.

Then there were the bubbles. A luau themed booth needed the bubbles and we had ‘em, thanks to Jay S. Our video montage had Jimmy Buffet tunes to listen to while you watched the photos of our 2006 retreats come to life before you eyes.

At 2:30 pm, our own Cathy Sero gave a presentation at the casting pond called, “Practice Makes Perfect”. She discussed the reasons to practice (be a better fisherman for starters) and how to set goals and use targets to enhance your practice sessions. She referenced a book written by Jim C. Chapralis, a well-known pioneer in the fly fishing travel industry, a top-notch fisherman, caster and advocate for stream and water preservation. The book is called, “Master Your Casting”.

The show was rocking until closing time. Many interested attendees stopped by to learn about our 2007 programs, as well as what we accomplished in 2006. We had several individuals sign up to participate and volunteers as well.

With nine retreats last year, 178 participants and 224 volunteers and guides assisting, we did a lot in 2006. Read more about it at http://www.reelingandhealing.org - look for the 2006 Recap.

Many of the vendors as well as show attendees stopped by to treat themselves to a chair massage by our good friend, Laura W. She graciously donated a portion of her massage monies to Reeling & Healing Midwest to help sponsor 2007 participants. Everyone enjoyed Laura - her hands worked magic on quite a few tired shoulders.

After the show the volunteers who were hungry headed off to Buddy’s Pizza and enjoy some libations, appetizers and of course, pizza. We then headed back to the headquarters hotel for a visit to the MFFC Hospitality Suite. It was just getting into the swing of things about 9:00 pm.

More to come and photos too.

Fish On!

What a great year it was!From our visits to fly fishing shows to spread the word about our retreat programs, to presentations at local hospitals, cancer centers and support groups, then on to the retreats along the river banks of some wonderful trout waters, we had fun - all year long.

We’re grateful for the enduring and giving support of our awesome volunteers and to the vendors, guides, shops and enthusiastic communities that lent a helping hand, donations, and their time to make our retreat programs the best for the women cancer survivors who attend.

Here’s to the many friendships made along the river banks, the genuine support in our battles, the joys of high-fiving another year of a clean-slate of health, the knowledge that you’re not alone, the ability to step out into a new activity and setting - testing your faith and trust in others again, the thrill of watching a fish rise to your fly, the infectious laughter that heals, the authenticity of others, and the renewal of spirit that leads to the renewal of hope.

Who would have thought we’d have so much to cherish.

Here are some fun retreats stats to enjoy:

• 178 Participants
• 224 Volunteers
• 201 Trout caught and released
• 299 Trout long distance released
• 381 Flies lost (that we know about…)
• 122 Bags of ice used
• 2,497 Waters, sodas and juice
• 27 Fish kissed
• 4 Fisheries biologists - one that was an expert “wader”
• 41 New Trout Unlimited memberships
• 94 Makeovers and Healing Touch Sessions
• 18 Au Sable River body surfers
• 964,800+ Casts made
• 226,576+ Hugs shared
• 566,440+ Smiles brightening the world
• 150 Julie Gates’ Waldorf salads consumed
• Countless and Priceless - All the memories and laughter

And everyday, we’re remembering to Fish On!