Mot de Rob Mullen

 Thank you all, I am overwhelmed. I was about to start this with saying that what I am feeling is beyond words, however, given that I’m now a “pro” writer J (Canadian Wildlife Magazine and Canoe & Kayak Magazine May/June), I should give it a go.

Québec artist, Patricia Pépin didn’t feel up to handling our expedition on the George River in ‘06 (she made our Lake Superior trip in ‘07). I was disappointed at the time. However, as happens every so often, what seemed a setback kicked my life up several notches. She recommended I look up Jean-Louis and he was game to go. You really get to know people on a long wilderness trip. I was already forming a high opinion of Jean-Louis as he bravely steered one of our canoes down the rapids of the George River despite his qualms and inexperience in “big water”, but when he surprised me with Tundra Flowers later on the trip (or was it he complained I hadn’t gotten him any?), I knew he was one of the finest humans I would ever know; heck of a painter too.

It seems Jean-Louis hangs with an equally quality crowd. Bonnie is doing well and will recover. The curative process is, however, extremely taxing even with the good prognosis and the generosity and concern of everyone who participated in Jean-Louis’ auction has buoyed our spirits enormously. OK, it really is beyond words.