Between the Lines

The opportunity to take time out of our busy lives and give back to such a genuine and dedicated nonprofit as Casting for Recovery is, for us, the very core of meaningful human interaction and humbling experiences each person should share in. Being only my fourth time volunteering to assist as a CFR “River-helper”, while Joel has crested over 2 decades, each year after the event I find I need a bit of quiet space to process the myriad of emotions that flood the heart in spending time with people who have, and who are enduring so much personal challenge in their lives due to cancer.

 

The Annual CFR Retreat at Big K Ranch in Southern Oregon happens each spring~ and it’s a date to be reserved indefinitely on our calendars. The adage “you give & you get” rings true in more ways than one when we see the abundance of blessings that multiply in and throughout the friendships renewed and cultivated because of the generosity of Big K Ranch, helping to create the most memorable retreats for Breast Cancer Survivors.

 

Joel and I opted to make the drive down Saturday afternoon, and every year we are taken aback at the rural beauty found here at the Big K in Elkton, Oregon. From the moment you drive onto the long, dirt road that rolls and winds across the vast landscape, just like the mighty Umpqua River adjacent, you’ll feel a presence of peace come over you. As cattle range freely across this vast and lush landscape and the warm-hued sunset reflects in the clouds above the river, I whisper a prayer of desire to encourage and support each person we encounter gently.

 

We slowed the car with anticipation, as last year, in the same spot, we saw Momma Black Bear and her cub scampering up the hillside. There was no bear sighting this year. Anxious to meet the new ladies the following day and remembering fondly stored memories from retreats past, we are greeted with warm words as we make our way to the sprawling main lodge. As we pull up the drive to park, the emerald green landscape floods the eyes; Elk grazing in surrounding fields, cows and calves living their best lives and wild Turkeys meander along the valley pastures, a massive rainbow fills the sky, and we can’t help but exhale the stresses of another bustling week. Truly, this is a place to unwind, take pause to relax, even for a little while.

 

CFR Participants usually have a roommate, and they share individual cabins. Group education time and meals allow for additional learning opportunities and unique friendships to be forged. When river-helpers arrive to volunteer bright and early Sunday morning, we all group together, introduce or re-introduce ourselves, and get a chance to connect with one another before meeting our paired CFR angler for the day. We are reminded and encouraged by the staff that as much as possible, “to allow the participants to do the hands-on details of the day, as to foster their confidence and understanding of what they have been learning over the weekend.” We are there to support in any way possible. Today we are River-helpers, not guides.

 

All morning long, lots of smiles and friendly chatter are exchanged, and we enjoy a sprawling buffet breakfast together after meeting our lady anglers. The excitement that fills the air is one of my favorite parts of this experience; looking around and seeing everyone smiling, laughing, sharing pictures of their loved ones or animals, fast forwarding the “get to know you” experience. For on this weekend, energy sucking treatments, aftermath complications surrounding f-ing cancer are not the subject matter at hand nor the main concern; we are all just together, happy to be here in the present moment, looking forward to getting into waders and lining up fly rods with the plan to wet a line for the very first time.

 

After getting dressed and rigged up, we all head down to the freshly stocked pond, hoping to catch a fish. And while we remind our participants midway through the afternoon that the term is “fishing” and not always “catching”, the ladies discover the tranquility and Zen- like qualities of casting a fly line over quiet waters is not something that can be described nor taught in a classroom; this connection to Nature and all her healing powers is what fly fishing is all about. Exuberant squeals erupt from those whose fly tricks a trout or bass, and others jump in with cheers to celebrate what they, too, hope to feel on the line. After fishing, we head back to the lodge for a tasty taco lunch and graduation ceremony, which are always the best part of the weekend!

 

CFR Retreats, especially those in Southern Oregon, are extra special. The Big K Ranch has been its only location, and yes, we are partial to the phenomenal individuals who tirelessly give of their time and energies to host a multi-day, fly-fishing-centered event for the participants who are able to share in this all-inclusive, custom-tailored event. From conscientious housekeeping and kitchen staff who tend to all the little details and needs, to each of us who come to support the incredible leadership team of CFR who teach and train the ladies prior to their on the water time, the truth is that EVERY person who is a part of this weekend walks away with a heart overwhelmed with appreciation, gratitude and restored HOPE.

 

Thank you to CFR, for your shining example of the “ripple effect”, of what love can do when we all team together. Unwavering commitment to strengthen community linked with compassion, Casting for Recovery, throughout the country, absolutely sets the gold standard for this connection to be made. Please let us know if we can help direct you or a loved one with either volunteering or signing up to be a participant in an upcoming CFR retreat. I hope we’ll get to see you there & hear in person how Casting for Recovery has impacted your life for the better.