Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

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

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe

…I would fly fish.

…I would be treated like a queen.

…I would make new friends.

…I would be able to share my story.

…I would be accepted for who I am, right here, right now.

…I would overcome so much doubt.

…I would laugh so much.

…I would find healing through nature’s beauty.

…I would have so much fun and experience joy.

Thank you for guiding me to renew my spirit and hope. I will forever keep the retreat adventure close to my heart and find on-going great strength from my experience in the river.

FISH ON!

-A Very Grateful Participant

I really enjoyed the fly fishing retreat. Thanks for EVERYTHING that was done to make it such a beautiful, healing experience. I will carry the memories with me forever.

-Mary M.

What an opportunity R&H Midwest was to be with ourselves, and in Mother Nature, with an incredible group of loving people. It was a place where my heart could “come out”, a place to get involved and discover. Thank you for a well-planned, fun, interesting, and very rewarding retreat! -Nancy S.

Thank you for continuing to inspire me to work hard for my education. I have decided to work toward an oncology position as a career. These women need the best of care and I intend to give it to them!

-Sue W.

There were so many people who gave so much of themselves for us at the retreat. I felt indulgent! What a great group! I finished radiation on the Friday prior to the retreat and then ventured to Grayling on Sunday, where I immediately felt like I was let loose from a cage. Everyone had such control of me for so many months. I finally felt free! What a way to start a new beginning, a new cancer-free life. To start it on the river was spectacular! Thanks again for all you do to make these retreats possible for so many people. God bless you always.

-Beccy M.

What an awesome time at the retreat. I am still floating on cloud nine! Thank you so much for everything. It is the best!

- Linda W.

It dawned on me why I was attracted to Reeling & Healing Midwest and not other similar organizations. It is about HOPE, the future and having fun. I feel great volunteering and helping R&HM ��� and always look forward to the next time I���m going to be there.

- Wally B.

I had a GREAT time learning a little about fly fishing, a number of things about other survivors and also some things about myself. It was a smashing success and I look forward to my photos. My very best wishes to all of the incredible volunteers who are so devoted to Reeling & Healing Midwest.

- Renee M.

Thank you for the opportunity to experience a retreat. The memories will be taken with me for the rest of my life. It was such a powerful time. I could never have dreamed I would have left with so much. I will be forever blessed because of my time in the river and the women I met.

- Rebecca T.