Cowboy Up!

Cowboy Up,

Years ago when my boys were little we would let them go to my mom and dad’s place in Alabama for a week of summer vacation.   My boys and their cousins would all hang out at Pa and Granny’s house for a week of rough and tumble fun.   They would spend the summer days chasing cows, learning how to shoot a bow and arrow, pop a whip, climb a tree, swing across a ditch on a vine, catch a fish, ride horses and swim.

My dad would supervise the outside activities while my mom would whip up a lunch big enough to feed an army only to have 4 stinky voracious hellions scarf it all up and go to the pantry looking for more.

Those kids are grown adults now.  Some with kids of their own.  Whenever we can get everyone together they always tell stories about those days.  The memories they made, the time shared with Granny and Pa.  “Do you remember that time when Pa …”
They remember and relive the moment of some of the best days of their life.   Days spent with Granny and Pa.

Inevitably someone will tell a tale about some accident or minor altercation that resulted in a scraped knee or some hurt feelings. Somebody pushed somebody down or was being mean.

They would always run to Pa telling him about the offense or pain. Pa would always restore order and tell the little one with the boo boo or hurt feelings to “Cowboy Up”.

“Cowboy Up”.  It’s an old Professional Bull Riders phrase.  When a bull rider got slam dunked my a 2 ton bull he had to jump up and shake it off.  Rub a little dirt on it, then get back up and ride again.   Cowboy Up.  Be tough.  No whining around here.  

My dad passed away 10 years ago but he left a legacy of memories, wisdom and life lessons.  

A few years ago those same kids created a memorial to Pa on a boulder on the banks of Lake Martin.    That memorial (the attached picture) captures one of the life lessons Pa instilled in us all.  Cowboy Up.

I started my chemo treatment this past week.   This week has been different.   I’ve been anxious. I’ve gone from never being sick to feeling like crap for a few days and thankfully now I’m feeling pretty well again.

My father also went through chemo treatment before he passed.  I have felt his spirit, telling me “You’ve  got this.  Everything is going to be OK. Just rub a little dirt on it.”

        “Cowboy Up”

                        “Pa”

Happy Father’s Day my friends. ❤️