Running with The Pink Horses: "Chemo No Mo"

Friend is a word...

that I don't throw around

Though it's used and abused, I still like the sound.

I save it for people who've done right by me

And I know I can count on if ever need be.

Some of my friends drive big limousines

Own ranches and banks and visit with queens.

And some of my friends are up to their neck

In overdue notes and can't write a check.

They're singers or ropers or writers of prose

And others, God bless them can't blow their own nose!

I guess bein' friends don't have nothin' to do

With talent or money or knowin' who's who.

It's a comf'terbul feelin' when you don't have to care

'Bout choosin' your words or bein' quite fair

"Cause friends'll just listen and let go on by

Those words you don't mean and not bat an eye.

It makes a friend happy to see your success.

They're proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest

And that ain't so easy, all of the time

Sometimes I go crazy and seem to go blind!

Yer friends just might have to take you on home

Or remind you sometime that you're not alone.

or ever so gently pull you back to the ground

When you think you can fly with no one around.

A hug or a shake, which ever seems right

Is the high point of givin', I'll tell ya tonight,

All worldly riches and tributes of men

Can't hold a candle to the worth of a friend.

-Baxter Black

"Chemo No Mo" was a sign the nurses put up at the cancer center last Monday celebrating Amanda, my strong beautiful wife finishing 16 rounds of Chemo. It was an unforgettable day in our life. This has been a six month journey so far and this is our first major milestone.

I put the poem above cause I don't know how to thank all the people that have been supporting us. From doctors and nurses to family and friends. Old rodeo buddys or friends from high school that have shown so much care. Amanda's old theater friends and friends from work, and people we have just met. Our horse clients who see us go through this experience every day and understand when we are pressured for time or if we are a little stressed out.

I can't express how much your little comments, texts, emails and cards mean to us. I can't tell you how many times we are a little down and your words lift us up. I don't want to ramble on about this, but the poem by Mr. Baxter Black couldn't say it better. Thank you.

Back to business. We had an opportunity to go to an event last Wednesday night called "Careity Rocks." This is the charity who helps cancer patients and the event was benefiting Cooks Children's Hospital. Sonny Burgess, a staple in the Texas country music scene has built a recording studio for the children there at the hospital and helps them write music and bring it to fruition where they record their own music. If you ever wanted to support a country singer and download his music, this guy's heart is the real deal.

So, check him out and this wonderful program that Careity is doing. We got to watch the kids sing and visit with some new and old friends. It was a special night for us and a reminder that what we are going through isn't even close to what others battle through. These kids really gave us a new strength and we were honored to be a part of it. Thank you Careity for all that you do!

So now we are through with the chemo, next step surgery! Amanda will be having her double mastectomy October 7th. I am so nervous. Amanda is excited to move forward. We have family and friends coming to help and Amanda's Mom- Grandma "Gogi" a crew of one to help us through.

Thank you again all of you for your support and we will keep you updated.

Last day of chemo- September 15, 2014