Reeling & Healing Midwest - September 19 Retreat Follow-Up

Post Retreat Note

What a way to end the season!

As I reflect on this retreat, I’m filled with joy. I take home so much within my heart each time I have the opportunity to be with you on the river. It’s not just that the river refreshes my heart and spirit, but your friendships, hugs, laughter and smiles do too.

What a wonderful weekend! Even the ladybug infestation in the wee hours of the night didn’t dampen the laughter or playfulness encountered. And each time I see the scar on my leg I can’t help but see Bonnie sprinting across the rainy, windy Meijer’s parking lot after a run-a-way grocery cart. I truly laugh everyday.

The weather was perfect with sunshine and gentle breezes. The fall colors were glorious – the hues of gold, red and orange just popped out with the blue sky behind them.

The river home – worked great for our group. Extra space at the Red Moose fit in just right too. And the view – phenomenal day or night.

Then we have the river. From the easy access, to the runs filled with fish, Bob Smith’s place was a perfect location for a group our size. All that river, all those fish, and new ways to learn how to fish for trout, steelhead and salmon. Plus, everyone was within a short walking distance of each other.

We have fish pictures to share. Photos of big fish! Sue happily hooked into a couple thanks to her river buddy Scott. And due to their quick-thinking and then quick-talking, Lori & Linda C. landed six large fish. As an instructor, I’m awarding them an A+ for creative fishing techniques.

Special kudos: To our equipment battalion of Dave and Wally, to our guides Bill, Fred, Wally, Dave, Amy, and Jay, and to the house crew of Pat, Kathy T., Ruthanne and Bonnie. Thanks to Linda W. for making calls ahead of time and coordinating special needs for the retreat too.

Thank you to everyone who brought delectable goodies to munch or drink or the much needed condiments that may not have been used (bbq sauce). The troops were happier because of you.

SEND NOTES: I encourage you to reach out and keep in touch with each other. One never knows when you’ll be together again on the river, but that shouldn’t hold you back from sending a note, email or making a phone call to just say, “Hello.” Also, I encourage you to send a note of thanks to Bob Smith and Pat Mullen to say “thanks” for letting us use their river property and river home respectively (contact list with everyone’s info has been mailed to you).

(continued below)


Post Retreat Note What a way to end the season! As I reflect on this retreat, I’m filled with joy. I take home so much within my heart each time I have the opportunity to be with you on the river. It’s not just that the river refreshes my heart and spirit, but your friendships, hugs, laughter and smiles do too. What a wonderful weekend! Even the ladybug infestation in the wee hours of the night didn’t dampen the laughter or playfulness encountered. And each time I see the scar on my leg I can’t help but see Bonnie sprinting across the rainy, windy Meijer’s parking lot after a run-a-way grocery cart. I truly laugh everyday. The weather was perfect with sunshine and gentle breezes. The fall colors were glorious – the hues of gold, red and orange just popped out with the blue sky behind them. The river home – worked great for our group. Extra space at the Red Moose fit in just right too. And the view – phenomenal day or night. Then we have the river. From the easy access, to the runs filled with fish, Bob Smith’s place was a perfect location for a group our size. All that river, all those fish, and new ways to learn how to fish for trout, steelhead and salmon. Plus, everyone was within a short walking distance of each other. We have fish pictures to share. Photos of big fish! Sue happily hooked into a couple thanks to her river buddy Scott. And due to their quick-thinking and then quick-talking, Lori & Linda C. landed six large fish. As an instructor, I’m awarding them an A+ for creative fishing techniques. Special kudos: To our equipment battalion of Dave and Wally, to our guides Bill, Fred, Wally, Dave, Amy, and Jay, and to the house crew of Pat, Kathy T., Ruthanne and Bonnie. Thanks to Linda W. for making calls ahead of time and coordinating special needs for the retreat too. Thank you to everyone who brought delectable goodies to munch or drink or the much needed condiments that may not have been used (bbq sauce). The troops were happier because of you. SEND NOTES: I encourage you to reach out and keep in touch with each other. One never knows when you’ll be together again on the river, but that shouldn’t hold you back from sending a note, email or making a phone call to just say, “Hello.” Also, I encourage you to send a note of thanks to Bob Smith and Pat Mullen to say “thanks” for letting us use their river property and river home respectively (contact list with everyone’s info has been mailed to you). (continued below)

PHOTOS: As you can see, a few of the photos from our time together have been incorporated into this note. You will find a few more on our website’s GALLERY. Just look for your retreat date and click on the corresponding photo album. In addition to the website’s GALLERY, we have posted 100+ photos from this retreat on the Flickr website. Use this link to access those photos. You can surf through them, and choose to download or order any that you like. Please feel free to submit any digital photos you would like to include via mail or e-mail. If you have traditional photos that you would like us to copy/print and distribute or have placed on the website, just mail them to our address below. We’ll scan them and return them. ROD OUTFIT: A fly fishing manufacturer has given the “thumbs up” to us for a special purchase of a fly fishing outfit rod. Read more about it here. WADERS: A number of participants and volunteers were interested in owning waders. A major wader manufacturer is extending a 40% discount off of the retail cost of any of their wading products. Learn more about it here. ON-LINE STORE: Yes, it’s now open. Visit our website and check out the merchandise at shop.reelingandhealing.org. All proceeds help fund our New Participant Retreat Programs. FUTURE RETREATS & EVENTS: We’ll keep you in the loop about future outings, retreats, volunteer opportunities, and more via mail or email. Currently, we’re kicking off 2008 with our Annual Winter Retreat, January 11-13th at Crystal Mountain Resort. Here’s to renewed spirit and renewed hope. FISH ON! Cathy Sero MORE ABOUT: Reeling & Healing Midwest, also known as Reeling & Healing of the Midwest, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that champions fly-fishing retreat programs for women diagnosed with or surviving cancer. It is 100% donor-supported with a 100% volunteer staff. Visit www.ReelingAndHealingMidwest.org or www.IFishOn.org
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