Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

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

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

Just want to send a great big “Thank You” for the wonderful weekend.  I needed it so much.  It was amazing.  The team of volunteers should be commended for a job well done.  I will share this sweet treasure of these retreats with the survivors I meet and do my best to encourage them to attend.  May your work continued to be blessed.  With loads of gratitude and love, Marsha

Dear Reeling & Healing Midwest,

Thank you for encouraging me to attend a New Participant Retreat in 2010. I had a blast and will be your fishing buddy for years to come!  Fish On!  Aileen L.

My thanks are slow in coming, but its never too late to say “THANK YOU”!. Your organization is wonderful. I met such wonderful people at the retreat. It was also two of the most carefree days I’ve ever had. Keep up the awesome work. Thank you and Fish On! Kim – Participant 2009

So many thanks for the opportunity to attend a Reeling & Healing Midwest retreat in July 2009. It was a truly renewing expierience and I enjoy 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 & laugh & cry & hug together.Â

I learned so much – not just about fly fishing. I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of so many. All the volunteers who come were so pleasant and helpful and did indulge me in a way that I’m not used to. It felt good and was great for me to be able to relax.Â

Thanks so much for all you do to make these retreats possible. May you be blessed with all the energy you need to continue on. Most sincere thanks and Fish On! Rose – Participant 2009

This was truly a very positive retreat experience. I not only learned many things about fly fishing, but also about taking time to rejuvenate myself! I enjoyed all the volunteers and the wonderful fishers AND their kind and caring ways. I felt indulged and it felt good. I enjoyed the area, the river and all the beauty there. It was a very healing experience. Many thanks to all.

SurvivorCare
The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission is to empower and inspire those affected by cancer. In addition to their grassroots efforts, the LAF also offers professional support services to people affected by cancer, their loved ones and friends though their LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare program. The following are examples of where they provide help:

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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 was not sure what to expect at the retreat, but my limited expectations were blown out of the water. Not only did I get to learn the sport of fly fishing – which I always wanted to try – but I discovered things about myself that I will take with me always as this experience has changed my outlook. I am hopeful that I have made some lasting friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. Thank you all for this experience – it was wonderful and made such an impact on all of us. – 2008 Participant