Last week I had the privilege of attending an invitational event for people involved with Project Healing Waters. PHW is an organization that utilizes fly tying and fly fishing as part of veterans physical and psychological rehabilitation.
I got into PHW about 18 months ago . This was right after my father died. My father an ex-pow captured at the Battle of the Bulge was the one who introduced me to fishing. An event that began my lifelong passion in the church of the great outdoors. More than just a sport or a pass time, fishing has always been a spiritual experience for me. It's a time when I become centered, grounded and a witness to the mysteries of creation. When I heard of PHW soon after his passing, I knew that I must share the gift he gave me with other men who served their country.
My time with six vets last weekend was truely an inspiration that confirmed my inner prompting 18 months earlier. These brave men forged the waters of the South Houlston River despite having a leg amputated below the knee, one arm,an artificial leg, and finally a glass eye. If you listened to them speak you would not hear a hint of their physical disabilities, only a regular stream of laughter and expressions of gratitude for thier lives.
They taught me alot about the possibilities inherent in a positive attitude. I pray that as my body and mind age and challenge me, I will recall their attitudes and continue to live my life in a passionate manner.
1 comment:
i'm sure that you taught them just as much as they taught and continue to teach you. they are lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate guide as they find their way through their pain.
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