The River is my Church

[MJL]

...But OFC was the best medicine I could ask for

 

It’s been a month since my last fishing report. As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health issues and trucking through them the best I could - Obviously with the support of family, friends, OFC, CAG and the nurses that poked and prodded me at the hospital on a regular basis...It didn’t help that they pointed and giggled though .

 

I’m still going through various tests to see if the cancer spread to other areas (some of which sucked considering I hate needles). I nearly puked during my CT scan on Friday...I thought I was having hot-flashes when they injected the dye!

 

Over the last couple of weeks, you’ve wished me well, chatted with me to get my mind off things (mostly fishing related in Tuesday night chats) and kept my spirits up...Many of whom I have never met before, may never meet in person, or knew of prior, sent me PM’s of hope and support (a couple of whom dealt with TC) and for that I can’t thank you enough

 

The day after my surgery, good friends Victor and Anthony (Frozen Fire) and his girlfriend, Christine brought over a couple books on ice fishing/photography to read and DVDs for me to watch while I was mostly immobilized. It’s hard to ask for better friends. My friend’s dad also sent me an old school steelheading book from his library

 

 

Spiel also mailed me some amazing reading materials such as the ones below – some of which might be considered collectable dating back to 1978. I always was, and probably always will be a fishing nerd. For me I was blown away by Chris’ incredible generosity – It’s not the first time either

 

 

I’ve been healing up nicely since the surgery. 4.5 days after the surgery, I slowly limped into a job interview with my portfolio, a dry erase marker and a telescopic pointing stick. I managed to score a new job that should pay enough for a new spey rod and a steelhead trip to BC...Maybe only one way though . I gotta thank Hammercarp for his support with that

 

There’s not much I can say or do to fully thank OFC and its members for the help you’ve given me during this time. I’ll let you guys know how it goes and hopefully if I don’t need additional treatments/procedures, I can hook up with the members I promised I’d fish with before year end. OFC is simply an amazing community

 

Mike

 

And Yes, my dad and I finally spoiled ourselves by ordering a couple new custom centrepins due to arrive in March. As always, I had to get mine in black

[irishfield]

Good to see your spirits are still HIGH Mike !! Keep the faith and you will prevail !

[solopaddler]

Fantastic! Very glad to see you're rebounding.

 

 

So what reels did you end up ordering?

[Twocoda]

Amen !!! Give yourself a pat on the back too Mike...with out knowing it ...you will be an inspiration to anyone else that has to endure what you have unfortunately have had to..

 

Cheers to ya !

[discophish]

Fishing has the power to heal. It's the love and passion that we put into this sport which makes it therapeutic to all of us here. Fishing is a strong bond between staying positive, and the struggles we have in life. It's just that important, and very evident in this community, and in our own personal lives. I am happy to hear that you have it working well for you. Never let go of whats keeping you going Mike. Good for you.

[ctranter]

Mike, I'm sure you know this already, but nothing is more therapteutic than a healthy dose of chrome. Anytime you are willing, I am ready to get schooled by you. When ice hits, it might be a different story. My girlfriend and I (who I routinely share my OFC life with) are extremely happy to hear your positive results. Maybe when the ice gets safer I can do some of the schooling . Take care bud

[hammercarp]

It is very good to see your words Mike. I let the guys know at CAG that you were out menacing the steelhead.

[splashhopper]

MJL: YOU made my morning.

 

"meditating with the fish" is heaven on earth brother.

[wallacio]

I'm glad to hear you are on the mend Mike. I hope to see you "at Church" sometime soon!

[lew]

You've got a fantastic attitude towards all this stuff Mike and you're positive thinking is gonna take you all the way thru it.

 

Your an inspiration to alot of folks !!

Edited December 9, 2010 by lew

[NAW]

I'm glad everything went good for you. Good luck on your future tests eh! If you made if though this ordeal, you'l be able to concur anything in life. Your a stong man

[Gregoire]

Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. Congrats on the new job.

[Rod Caster]

Your kindness to people is coming back to you like a boomerang.

 

Stay positive!

 

 

 

[Spiel]

I nearly puked during my CT scan on Friday...I thought I was having hot-flashes when they injected the dye!

 

 

I believe that's not unusual Mike, I had exactly the same sensation/reaction when done to me (twice), nasty!

 

You'll be fine, we've still have a yet undetermined date to get together and fish.

 

In the mean time, chin up and happy reading.

[brickNblock]

MJL,

You sound great and your news and attitude awesome, an inspiration to many I think-Keep it up Bud!.

[baitrummer]

[asdve23rveavwa]

Definitely not a pleasant thing to be going through. Good to hear that your spirits are high, looking forward to future fishing reports soon, Mike!!!!

[torco]

Great to hear you are in good spirits. I look forward to reading more of your reports in the near future. Also congrats on the new job.

[capt bruce]

Too many gaint carp and silvery steels left for you to catch . Your strength and positive attude is an inspiration for us all . Take care and you will be back in your church in no time .

[Beans]

Terrific report Mike...nice to hear you are up and about...

 

Hopefully we will all get together here again...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SRT8 smoker craft]

Good to here your doing better

[Smarty Pantz]

Great to see you are doing good! Stay positive & I'm wishin' you all the best in the future Keep up the positive attitude

[tibbs]

Great to hear your doing better!!!

 

I look forward to reading your next fishing report!

[wolfville]

Take care my friend. I just realized we went to two tournaments together this year but haven't fished together at all. We'll do a lot of those in the years to come. Get ready.

[bushart]

Glad to hear your on the mend.

 

Keep the faith Brother