Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

Thank you so much for the opportunity to come to a retreat. I had a weekend away from every day life, a beautiful place to stay at, wonderful food, new friendships, volunteers, and of course learning how to fly fish!  Thank you for all that you do.  Fish On!  Darci – Participant from Traverse City, MI

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

So many thanks for the opportunity to attend a Reeling & Healing retreat.  it was a truly renewing experience and I enjoyed every aspect of it.  it was so great to see a very diverse group of women come together and in just a short time, share and laugh and cry together.  I learned so much, not just about fly fishing in those few days.  i was truly humbled by the kindness and generosity of so many.  all the volunteers who come to help were so pleasant and helpful and did indulge me in a way that I’m not used to receiving.  It felt good and was great for me to be able to relax.  Thanks so much for all you do to make these retreats possible.  may you be blessed with ALL the energy you need and be able to find time to rest and restore yourself.  My most sincere thanks, Rose Dugale

It’s called “Reeling and Healing”, a retreat for women whose lives have been touched by cancer, but you’d never know it.  Cancer is certainly not on the agenda here – knot tying, casting a fly rod, identifying trout, walking in a pristine stream in waders with your own personal guide, fly fishing for trout – that’s what this retreat is all about.  What does trout fishing have to do with healing?  EVERYTHING.

It was our first day on the Au Sable.  I was on shore, still in my waders, taking a break and doing some photography.  As I watched pairs of fishermen in this incredibly scenic setting, I was struck by an emotion so powerful I was moved to tears.  Try as I might, I could not put a name to it – still can’t.  Perhaps one day it will come to me – perhaps not.  I think it’s way beyond descriptors I know.  I do know that the first time I entered my room I walked straight through the other door.  Before me was the river.  The first thought that came to my mind was “This IS the peace of God which passes all understanding”.

So, you take a group of women and an equal number of fly fishermen, team up, and start fishing.  The healing – well, that just sort of happens.  Two people in the stream, on fly fishing rod, a few instructions and the novice, guided by the experienced, is joyously engaged in the art of fly fishing.  Up and down the stream – pairs of people, both of them giving and receiving, and the healing begins.  Sitting on shore you can see it, you are moved by it – the privilege of observing healing occurring right before your eyes.  How cool is that?

We’re raving about the retreat and will encourage others to go.  The volunteers sure did amaze us with their willingness to bear our faults and mishaps and still say, “you’re doing a great job”.  Thanks to all of you and the Au Sable staff for the precious time we were able to spend.  It was beautiful and we hope to see you all again.  Fish on!  Shirlee B

I would like to thank you for the best experience of my life and all the women I met, but the best was my time on the river.  Being on the river made me realize I can make it through this fight with cancer.  These memories will last me a lifetime.  You are all the best.  Love, Pat K.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories you have given me.  I was overwhelmed and will always be and will keep the Au Sable feeling forever.  Thanks, Judy S – Illinois

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

What a wonderful time I had on my retreat. I’m thrilled I was able to attend with my sister.  I have so many happy memories.  All of you who helped out did a fantastic job.  You made it so interesting and enjoyable.  THANK YOU SO MUCH  Fish On!  Joanne, Pompano Beach, FL

Because of RHM I have new friendships outside my comfort zone.  Also, I have learned to become one with the river.  Not to count the number of fish caught, but to think like a trout and present a fly that might be somewhat natural for the liking of one finicky trout.  Aside from fishing, I think about all the wonderful memories we share on and off the water.  Can’t wait to get together again!  Life is short,  but I’m thankful for the powers that be that brought RHM into my life.  Fish On Always!  Love ya, Linda

For weeks now I wanted to drop you a note but could not put into words what the retreat meant to me.  So here they are…Nature, Love, Laughter (lots of it), Awkwardness at first…Water, Fishing firsts, Bread, Life, Wally, Volunteers, Guides, Caring, Stories, Roomies, Sharing, Meds, Future, Knots, Hard Work, Food, Tired, Brookies, Joy…and Fish On!  Love, Joan

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

Thank you for such a nice gathering of fishing people and most helpful guides.  Although I only felt a couple nibbles and didn’t hook one trout, it doesn’t matter to me.  What a wonderful way to cast one’s troubles and worries aside, to totally relax and take in our beautiful state and its rivers.  Thanks for all you do!  Wishing you the best with all future retreats.  I’ll be at another Reunion Retreat for sure.  Fish On!  Carol C, Big Rapids, MI