Today is my middle son's birthday, Matt is now 35. Matt is in a fight for his life with cancer. A,few months ago my wife Patsy and I took all our kids and grandkids to Broken Bow to say in a beautiful cabin. It was a memory maker with all 16 of us chomping at the bit to have some fun. 14 went on a trail ride and Matt who never fishes went with me and a guide to the river to fish. I really wanted to spend this time with him on the river. I thought he would enjoy the scenery and I would catch a few trout. Boy was I in for a surprise. While I focused on getting reacquainted with my fly rod my son went downriver with the guide. It didn't take long to get fish on and when I looked up to yell at my son to come see dad's fish I saw Matt laying down a beautiful cast. I just stood there spell bound watching him work the fly rod like he had been doing it all his life. It was something I will never forget.

Yesterday I went to Bass Pro in search of a special present for Matt's birthday. It didn't take long to figure out what I wanted to get him. I bought him a fly rod. I think I bought it more for myself than for him. The gift of a fly rod is my way of hanging on to my son. Here is the thing about a fly rod. A fly rod is a tool to catch fish, for my son,who is an incredible drummer it is a set of drum sticks to lay down his own beat or a wand or a brush to paint his own picture. For me fishing with a fly rod is just different from any other type of fishing. I guess I consider it more Artsy Dartsy! But I am always amazed to see some crazy fly fisherman bring a big saltwater beast to heel, that is the power of fly fishing for me.

One of my goals this year is to drag my son along to hammer down on some hybrids and stripers with a fly rod. Matt if you read this post I would say "Whip it son, whip it real good!", and I don't mean the fishing.

Well written, heart-felt words are hard to beat.

Thank you Blue for sharing !! The pictures were amazing that you had sent out on that memorable Broken Bow stay

We will put matt and his fly rod to use here terry when we go out and will keep Matt in our prayers.

Happy birthday, Matt T! Matt's a fighter! He got a great Dad too
God bless Matt.

Thanks Chris. We are looking forward to our trip with you in April. Thanks Whip, I have you to thank for that trip. I remember pictures from one of you annual visits to Broken Bow. That inspired me to take my crew there.

Thanks for sharing Blue Tuna. I've been an avid fly fisher for over 20 years and I love to share the sport with others. Your story has really touched my heart and I hope to have the opportunity to spend time with you and Matt, perhaps chasing some Hybrids and Whites on the fly or just casting practice. I'll add Matt to my prayer list for now and if you're out on the lake and see me, please come by and let's talk fly fishing! I always have a few fly rods on board, (even though I may be fishing conventional at the time) and plenty of flies. There is an organization called "Reel Recovery" that is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer. see their website at www.reelrecovery.org Thanks again for sharing! Call me any time, I am happy to help always.

Bryan, thanks for the link to the reel recovery site. We will look for you on Hubbard. I have the 22 ' Sea Fox with the hard t top! I look forward to hooking up with you. I know some very nice places to fish on Hubbard with the hybrids start feeding earning mornings.

Being a parent is tough, hard, inspiring, and rewarding all at one time. Terry, I have watched your posts about Matt and his health struggles. Here is praying Matt and your family are blessed and happy.

Terry and I are neighbors and have become more than fishing buddies. We've become great friends. Terry is a very accomplished man and has lived the life that would take three men to live. He was a Pastor for 25-years, is a PHD and an accomplished businessman. He is a true renaissance man.

I posted this to Terry's Facebook page regarding this same post about Matt etc...

Beautiful Terry. As you are already aware I am, and have been, praying for Matt every morning. He will beat this thing. One of the big reasons is God. Another big reason is you. The depth and reach of the love of your family is boundless. By that I mean you set no boundaries. Like the song said. "These are the good old days." They are good because you all have one another. Your gift is more than a gift. More than just a fly rod. It is a God guide. You rented a rod and a guide at the river. But God is your daily guide. It's obvious by the story that God is truly your guide...

Blue- My prayers go out to your son and his fight. I think one of cancers biggest enemies is a positive attitude. And a fly rod in hand is a wonderful thing. For deep fish pitching hardware is hard to beat but if they are near the top - Look out! I usually carry mine on board more in the spring when fish are hungry, easy and top water. Hybrid and whites are fools for a 4 inch clouser. Tight lines and good luck all around.

I look forward to meeting you and Matt! I know I have seen your boat on Hubbard many times from a distance. I read Fishboy Frank's message in this post and it sounds like he has quite a mentor in you! I have often noticed, some of the best teachers are fishermen!

Thank you so much for sharing Terry. Prayers to your son and family.

Thanks guys, especially for the prayers. My fishing brothers are my immediate support group. I am reminded of the first year the Lord worked on gathering his team together, he said "Let's go fishing." It's good to belong to a community of "fishermen"!

Gods Blessing to your son,your family and you.Prayers lifted!