An absent BB'er checks in, bring curb chain and thank Sister Louise and Sister Heidi

[Cactuskate]

Well it seems having just read Heidi's "family" thread and Louise mentioning the missing BB'ers, I will now share what I have been going through. Haven't known how to break it.

I really haven't been posting much since November. DeeDee(Dublin) picked up on it around Christmas. I was diagnosed with stomach cancer the first of November. I had surgery the latter of November. It turned out to NOT be a surgical situation. I have been going to the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale once a month for chemo therapy. Going Feb 11 for the third go round. Chemo has NOT been awful, few side effects, did lose the hair last week though.

So much for the bad news. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Here is the good news. I really feel very good. I get winded, but I am in no pain and not on any pain medication. I am working about 3 days a week as I feel like it. But the best part is I AM STILL RIDING. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My horse is the most wonderful guy. After standing around for weeks at a time, and I yank him out, tack him up and away we go. Of course both of us can't trot more than two 20 meter circles in a row without getting winded, so it works out great. The best part is when I am up on Bud, I am not sick. It is the best therapy of all.

I am on oxygen when I do anything that is exerting (so far housework is not on my list). /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif So I made them give me the really small portable tanks and rigged a backpack so I could ride with it. We have our priorities after all. After Bud got used to the entire racket from the zipper pulls and the fabric going swish swish, he was fine with it. I am engineering some sort of cantle bag now for my dressage saddle for the canister. I tried it on my western saddle like a bedroll and it worked great. I just can't get that hulky saddle on my 17 hand horse by myself. (see attached pictures from last Sunday)

My husband is a saint. He has been there every minute for me. Even took delivery on my special ordered Trail-et horse trailer in December. We have only used it once, but it is the greatest. I am looking forward to many more trips in it!

So gang that is where I have been. I thank God for every day I have that is pain free and I am up and at'em.

And if I may be just a tad philosophical, I might add; kiddos don't take a day for granted. The prognosis is not real good but I am only 51, and by God I am not done yet. I have many more people to terrorize, don'tcha know. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

And to LordHelpus(Pam) I would love to hear from you again. I will try to find your email. Small world huh?

Hugs to all of you, Kath
My email is on my profile if anyone is interested in mailing.

"The older I get, the better I used to be, but who the heck cares!"

[Cactuskate]

Well it seems having just read Heidi's "family" thread and Louise mentioning the missing BB'ers, I will now share what I have been going through. Haven't known how to break it.

I really haven't been posting much since November. DeeDee(Dublin) picked up on it around Christmas. I was diagnosed with stomach cancer the first of November. I had surgery the latter of November. It turned out to NOT be a surgical situation. I have been going to the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale once a month for chemo therapy. Going Feb 11 for the third go round. Chemo has NOT been awful, few side effects, did lose the hair last week though.

So much for the bad news. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Here is the good news. I really feel very good. I get winded, but I am in no pain and not on any pain medication. I am working about 3 days a week as I feel like it. But the best part is I AM STILL RIDING. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My horse is the most wonderful guy. After standing around for weeks at a time, and I yank him out, tack him up and away we go. Of course both of us can't trot more than two 20 meter circles in a row without getting winded, so it works out great. The best part is when I am up on Bud, I am not sick. It is the best therapy of all.

I am on oxygen when I do anything that is exerting (so far housework is not on my list). /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif So I made them give me the really small portable tanks and rigged a backpack so I could ride with it. We have our priorities after all. After Bud got used to the entire racket from the zipper pulls and the fabric going swish swish, he was fine with it. I am engineering some sort of cantle bag now for my dressage saddle for the canister. I tried it on my western saddle like a bedroll and it worked great. I just can't get that hulky saddle on my 17 hand horse by myself. (see attached pictures from last Sunday)

My husband is a saint. He has been there every minute for me. Even took delivery on my special ordered Trail-et horse trailer in December. We have only used it once, but it is the greatest. I am looking forward to many more trips in it!

So gang that is where I have been. I thank God for every day I have that is pain free and I am up and at'em.

And if I may be just a tad philosophical, I might add; kiddos don't take a day for granted. The prognosis is not real good but I am only 51, and by God I am not done yet. I have many more people to terrorize, don'tcha know. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

And to LordHelpus(Pam) I would love to hear from you again. I will try to find your email. Small world huh?

Hugs to all of you, Kath
My email is on my profile if anyone is interested in mailing.

"The older I get, the better I used to be, but who the heck cares!"

[Snidgie5]

I'm sorry to hear all you have been going through. I hope you continue to do well! Your attitude is amazing, and that is what will help you most through this tough time. That and the horses. They really are amazing. Best wishes to you in your continued therapy. Keep that positive outlook!

[wtywmn4]

Oh Cactus, I am so very sorry... /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif We have those proverbial curbs, jingling and jangling for you. And prayers too!

{{{{{{{{{{GIANT HUG}}}}}}}}}

We're all very glad to see your post. So, don't stop come here when you can. Glad your wonderful horse is there. It truly is amazing how they know and sense whats going on in our lives...

[Heidi]

Firstly, I must explain that we were inspired by many 'prior' Kates when we named our daughter - Kate Hepburn, Kate Millett, Kate Morgan (one of my woman's studies profs in university); and I'm going to add you to the list. Kate is a damned fine name for a damned fine strong woman. I hope my daughter lives up to her namesake(s).

I am thankful (!!!) that you are now okay. And now that I know what kept you away, I'm feeling rather verklempt.

One of my best friends suffered through breast cancer a couple of years ago -- and within months of radiation therapy the girl was back on her horse jumping a modified GP course. We horsewomen are made of different stuff, eh?

Kudos to you darling Cactuskate (and to PamM) for grasping the joy that you know -- and thoroughly revelling in it. You serve as an inspiration to us all.

BTW, I love Bud. He's a chestnut - my favourite kinda horse! BTW, I read in his eyes a desire to take a road trip to visit his half sister Heidi in Canada... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by Heidi on Feb. 06, 2002 at 12:00 AM.]

[This message was edited by Heidi on Feb. 06, 2002 at 12:00 AM.]

[Bumpkin]

I will jangle and Pray for you this evening.
Dublin was worried about you and mentioned it to me this morning.
Please keep in touch.

Hugs from a fellow Northwesterner /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Have You Hugged Your Trainer Today?"

[Portia]

Oh CactusKate.... You're doing so wonderfully, it seems! God be with you and yours and continue to give you strength and love. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Your on-line friends and family are here for you, too, don't forget that.

[weeble]

Cactus, I am so sorry for what you have been going through but am inspired by your strength (also Pam's). Isn't wonderful that our horses know when we really need them and they come through. My thoughts will be with you in the coming days.

[Louise]

Oh Kate - I'm so sorry to hear about what you have been going through. I can only echo what the others have said - you are a strong woman, and it sounds like you are getting through this just with all the courage and flair that we have seen you display on this BB.

You and Bud just keep right on going! Thank goodness for you wonderful husband and the support he is giving you.

Curb chains rattling and heartfelt prayers going up.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

---------------------------
"We ride and never worry about the fall.
I guess that's just the cowboy in us all."
Tim McGraw

[Wicky]

My best wishes to you. Keep riding - it's amazing what strength doing something you love, can give you. Do not give up! There are some interesting new cancer drugs coming down the pike.

You are so lucky to have your horse and a great husband during these trying times. You have all of us, too!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Everythingbutwings]

Between ReginaPony, LordHelpus and you, we have been quite concerned! Perhaps it was the huge sound of curb chains jangling (Spunky and I even found a double bridle with a chain lip strap last Saturday to jangle!)

[JB]

Oh my goodness! I did notice you weren't here, but I figured you were zipping around here and yonder with your new Trail-et! Wow, you are an awesomely strong person to be dealing with things the way you are. {{{{big hugs}}} to you, and God speed on your recovery!

[msj]

thrilled to hear you are coping well. Love your O2 tank backpack idea. Keep up the good spirits and may you have a complete and uneventful recovery.

As for loosing your hair with the chemo, just remember:

God only made a few perfect heads. The rest he put hair on.


{{{{{{{{{{HUGS, HUGS, HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}

Curb chains jangling very loudly. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

msj

[FairWeather]

Stay strong...we're all pulling for you. Thanks for letting us know /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Always,
FairWeather
"Just call me mint jelly cuz i'm on the lamb!--Grandpa
http://www.fairweather-farm.com

[jacksmom]

love the rocket pack!

some people dance in the rain, others just get wet. you gotta love a good dance /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

-jacksmom

[LaurieB]

Cactuskate, I love that picture! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

What an inspiration you are to us all.

[MGR]

You are truly an inspiration and a great teacher on how to live life!!!

May this illness be a minor bump in your road and may you recovery be speedy and as said before uneventful!!

CK you are a trooper and I know you will beat this!!!

Maria

[Canter]

Cactuskate your story brought tears to my eyes. Your bravery and determination to get well and put this behind you is truly inspiring. Who needs hair anyways? You can shower and get to the barn that much faster this way.

Thanks for sharing your photo with us. Bud looks like a great guy. Virtual hug to you my girl. Stay strong. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[DMK]

Cactuskate,

That was a beautiful letter from an obviously strong, beautiful person. I have to say that you really touched me and almost as importantly, you gave me a strong kick in the pants to tell me NOT to take any day for granted. In the big scheme of things, I shouldn't have needed it, but I did. Many thanks, and may I have your courage and wit (I already have a Trail-et /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ).

Not only will I jingle a curb chain, but I will also wave around my authentic voodoo good luck charm. And I think canter and msj may be on to something about the hair! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

*** Speak yer mind... But ride a fast horse... ***

[AAJumper]

Cactuskate, I am so so so sorry to hear that. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Curb chain jingling for you and a cancer-free future.

visit www.victorianfarms.com (http://www.victorianfarms.com)

[SGray]

my best to you

[marianne]

Flat with caliche dirt, Aluminum fencing and desert mountains in the background. But we love the desert. That is some getup there on your back. Your horse is such a saint to help you get better.

[merlot]

Best of luck, Cactuskate. Not taking things for granted is SO important. Within the past six months, not one but BOTH of my parents were diagnosed with different cancers (is there something in the air in NY or what????). Amazingly enough, they are both doing well now. It certainly makes you look at things differently! Anyway, they both had the same great attitude as you and I have no doubt that you'll pull through just fine!

Keep us updated and I really hope you're feeling fine again soon. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Duffy]

Wow, Cactuskate. Thank you for sharing your strength, attitude, grace and warmth. Hopefully, we can give back to you a small piece of what you've shared with us. Big {{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}} to you, your wonderful husband, and saintly Bud.

My sister, who had brain cancer, had THE cutest hats imaginable! She had one wig, which she rarely wore. She was an incredible human being and I miss her dreadfully.

My father and stepmother have both had mastectomies and they are both doing very well. My stepmother's was quite recently, so she'll be starting chemo here shortly.

I HATE HATE HATE cancer. But, I have to say, that the people who I've known well who have had it have been so incredibly strong. Thank you for adding to their inspiration and for that "kick in the pants" re living today to the fullest.

Take care and keep up updated as you can.

[elizabeth]

Cactuskate, thank you for sharing with us. You are REMARKABLE. Unbelievable.

May I have half the courage in my thankfully healthy life that you are showing in your currently challenging life! You are WONDERFUL! I will add you to my "to pray for" list.

[rockstarr]

Cactuskate,

I am new to the BB this year, but I want to say that I hope you keep kicking butt! You are an inspiration! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

- Sarah

[This message was edited by rockstarr on Feb. 06, 2002 at 04:09 PM.]

[goobs]

Cactus: we don't "know" each other but I read your post and you are one strong woman! Horses are the best therapy for whatever ails you. Your horse is gorgeous and he looks like he is proud to take care of you.

Keep a strong positive outlook, things will get better. I admire your strength and determination to "make it work" and to soak up every second of life. Your will to not give up will take you very very far. Believe me, it will. You are blessed to have a good husband too. All in all you have what most people can only dream of!\

God bless and keep us posted on your rides, etc!

[Tin]

you are my hero, I'm inspired by your strength /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

It is truly great to hear from you, keep up the great attitude and keep doing what you love!

<Post tie-back Surgery: 23 days until he can neigh and be turned out>

[dublin]

So so sorry to hear your news, but so proud of the way you are dealing with it! You and Bud look great together in your picture.

As bumpkin said, I had been thinking of you, and will email you privately later today.

Take care, my friend. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Dementia 13]

Cactuskate, I am sending good thoughts your way.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"What lamp has destiny to guide her little children stumbling in the dark?"

[AMom]

Adding my prayers to the list Cactuskate!

[Pocket Pony]

You are so brave and strong, and Bud is so fabulous for taking care of you. I know that more than anything in my world, Mickey is my inspiration and my joy, and I see that your husband and Bud are your passions, too. Horses are amzaing creatures (as are husbands sometimes), and you are very lucky to have them taking care of you.

Lots of curb jingling for you - I think you look great in the saddle with your rocket pack on, but I will jingle my curb so that you can heal and do without it!

"It's amazing how there's no time to do it right the first time but always time to do it over again."

[Chef Jade]

I am so sorry! But I am glad to hear you are in good spirits and Bud is helping you through. I noticed you were strangely absent but thought maybe we were just boring you too much, here! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

You will be glad to hear that Grace won 3 classes at an "A" show last week! They love her!

Please keep us updated and let us know what we can do for you!

Hugs and Kisses,
Rory

[suecoo]

To Cactuskate, LordHelpUs and ReginaPony, you each are an inspiration to me. I will pray for each of your recovered health. My God bless you and know that you are in my prayers.

{{{{{{{{{A Huge Texas Hug}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Get Well Soon!

Member Of The Texas Clique & BEQS

[HeyYouNags]

Fantastic picture! You and Bud look lovely, even with the rocket gear.

[Coreene]

I'm so sorry. I'm so so very sorry that this would happen. You are just one of the nicest people I've met in years, and I have so valued our friendship. You go girl, you kick this in the ass!

If love and prayers can make a person well, you will be sparkling very soon. We love you and we are all sending you every possible good wish.

Please give an extra special kiss to Bud as well. Bud sending good wishes to Chino helped Bullet, who is now much much better. Willem has, in that same vein, turned his nose up at cancer for you (photo attached).

hang in there, and let me know if you need anything. Like if you need help over a weekend or whatever. I'll be on the next plane.

[Nirvana]

I am awed and inspired by your amazing strength, and I wish you all the best. Your positive outlook and determination to make every day count is so impressive- we should all borrow that page from your book. I'm so glad you have a great husband and a wonderful horse to be with you through this tough time....like the rest of our BB family, I send you tons of {{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and my curb chain is jangling for you, Pam, and everyone else out there who needs it!

_______________________________
* One must think when looking at a horse that it hears music inside its head
* check out my diary! http://carpediem4gp.diaryland.com
* PNW Clique: Fuzzy Horses, Frizzy Humans!

[dbtoo]

Your courage is amazing and if guts mean anything you'll emerge unscathed on the other side of this fight.

I don't have a curb chain but I'm sending out the very strongest get well vibes that I can.

[monstrpony]

Handsome woman, beautiful horse, wonderful engineering on the rocket pack! You are an inspiration to us all.

Running out to buy a curb chain, will jingle everything else in the mean time.

[JustaLurker]

Cactuskate, I too send my best wishes. You, along with Lord Helpus and ReginaPony, have demonstrated great strength in the face of adversity.

Give your supportive husband and Bud a smile and a nice pat for being so helpful to you. Who'd believe Bud would just settle into the new equipment being lifted onto his back? It's amazing how you figured out a new and innovative way to cart the oxygen around while riding.

{{{{{{{{{Lots of Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Cheers, Maggi

[hunterested]

So sorry to hear of your experience. I must say that you truly are an inspiration to all of us and your courage, innovation and determination are to be commended.

It is obvious that you obtained professional help in an orderly fashion and this is something we may all need to be reminded of from time to time.
I was wondering how your stomach problem presented itself? I do not mean to pry into personal business (please forgive me if it appears that way) but by learning more about your early detection, it may help save someone else who may have vague symptoms. I thank you for your revelation and feel the more we learn from friends like you, the better equipped we are to seek help and survive important treatment in a positive manner.

I pray for a bright future for you with no recurring cancer. You are a very brave soul and your experience is a wake up call to many others in terms of listening to our bodies. May all your hard work bring you positive energy and long life.

Thank you for your inspiration and may your best rides ever occur in days to come.

[Linny]

I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles CactusKate but happy that you are feeling well. My prayers are with you.

{{{{{{{{{cyberhugs}}}}}}}}}

BEQS clique
Resident racing historian
The early bird may get the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.

[JRG]

I pale beside you due to your wonderness, your strength, your bravery. We are all the better because of it.

You are an insperation.

[WHOA!]

Cactuskate--

Thank you so much for your extraordinary letter. In the past several years many of my close friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer. While it's tempting to be angry and depressed, these people have taught me so much with their willingness to share their amazing strength with the people around them. I'm grateful and humbled to be in contact with people like you, with your marvelous strength and generosity of spirit.

Bug WHitey and I will be thinking of you /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[hitchinmygetalong]

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship." (Louisa May Alcott)

I will pray for smooth sailing ahead for you and yours.

[Dee]

You are truly strength personified! Thanks for the reminder for all of us to live every second of every day. Here's a big hug to you, your husband, and Bud. I think attitude is one of the most important healing powers, so you've definitely got that going for you! You'll win this one.

I know you'll draw even more strength from all the prayers and positive thoughts all these posters are sending your way. Add mine to them. You keep on shining.

[Cactuskate]

But I am not surprised, as we are a great bunch of cyber-friends and family. You too are an inspiration. There are too many fine statements to acknowledge all of them.

As has been said by others, attitude is so much a part of healing, or just dealing with the hand you have been dealt. From the moment my wonderful Gastroenterologist gave me the news, my focus was "Well what the hell do we do now?" He was straight forward, gave the good case, bad case choices. I first stated I was not going to be "the crusade for cancer" and they were not going to make a "human toaster" out of me. Felt better saying it at least.

But then I thought about an old joke, about the man that was caught in the flood. An SUV came by to offer him help when the water was at his porch, but he said, "No, God will take care of me." Then he was on the second floor and a row boat came by to rescue him. "No, God will take care of me." He is now on the roof and a helicopter hovers to help him, "No, God will take care of me." When he drowns and is at the pearly gates he asks God, "I thought you would take care of me?" God replied, "I sent you an SUV, a rowboat and a helicopter. What more could I do?"

So I realized I must take advantage of all the medical resources out there to give myself every chance to beat this awful disease. Any energy I want to spend on good things, not what if it hadn�t happened, or why me? There is no answer to that question and it is a waste of my time. If my days are numbered as I said before, I am thankful for EVERY single one that I am able to be up and around and enjoy some of my passions in life. We are all born dying....at least I have a clue, I could have been in an accident and it all could have gone away instantly.

And I am sure you will all enjoy this tale. I am in the doctor�s office; he has just explained the depth of my disease and recommended immediate surgery. I am sitting cross-legged on the exam table. Mind you this Doctor is a mild mannered man of Middle Eastern descent. He is wonderful. I suddenly burst out with, "God D##N it. I just ordered a $15,000.00 horse trailer and I will be hanged if I am not going to haul my horse around in it. I haven�t even taken delivery on it yet." Well isn�t it interesting the "important" things that come to mind at interesting times? His response was, "Well it is important to have a positive outlook." And as they say the rest is history.

It was asked the particulars of my symptoms. I certainly would be glad to share and will email if you would like. This might not be the "forum" for all of that. I also have been doing a broadcast email progress report to my friends now and then, saves telling the same story over and over and over....if you want on the list just email me and I will put you on the list.

One last thing, with the grace of the Mayo Clinic, I can�t say enough praise for them, do not fear chemo therapy. The medical technology and chemistry is amazing today. They prepare to counter side effects to minimize the discomfort. I can honestly say from both chemo treatments and the last one was 3 days in a row of 2 � hour infusions, I have only felt like I had a bad case of flu and took meds for the nausea and haven�t lost the cookies yet.

Love to you all and we will be keeping in touch!

"The older I get, the better I used to be, but who the heck cares!"

[Merry]

You are an inspirational, brave woman! God bless you, and if it's any help, I'm thinking of you and how admirably you are confronting this. You go, girl! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

...I'm looking into my crystal ball and I see many trips with you and the horses in your new trailer.

"You just keep thinkin', Butch. That's what you're good at." -- The Sundance Kid

[Lisamarie8]

and you deserve to hear it a million more. Your strength and bravery are outstanding, remarkable, and to be commended.

Best wishes and good thoughts for your speedy recovery /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

--Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.

[ErinB]

Cactuskate- I don't know you, but I wish I did! Can I join your fan club too? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

~Erin B #1
Step One: Boot up brain.

[dublin]

bumping this back up for anyone who may not have seen it previously

[Janet]

Keep on keeping on.

[beameup]

your grace and strength in dealing with this is awesome. let me add my prayers for your complete and swift recovery.

[Seven]

but Wow! CacktusKate you are a *true* inspiration! It seems that phrase is often overused but it is certainly applicable in this case.

I thrilled to see that you are still enjoying your horse. That must be one of the greatest blessings -- for both of you. I wish you many more happy, smiling riding days!!

=^+^=

/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I just haven't been the same since that house fell on my sister. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Cactuskate]

Heading to Phoenix today for my Mon, Tues, Wed stint at Mayo.

It was too dang windy yesterday to go out and ride. My allergies have been driving me nuts, so I figured I didn't need to be breathing half the Arizona desert!!! But I did get my cantle bag for my dressage saddle made for my oxygen, maybe next week? We'll see.

Later dudes!

"The older I get, the better I used to be, but who the heck cares!"

[Kryswyn]

I'm sending you a cyber infusion of strength, courage and faith. All the pieces for healing are in place; commit yourself to healing and it will happen. We are ALL sending energy your way and MY! isn't that curbchain jangling getting LOUD!. Goddess bless you, your husband and Bud.

~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo"

[FairWeather]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Always,
FairWeather
"Just call me mint jelly cuz i'm on the lamb!--Grandpa
http://www.fairweather-farm.com

[mvoght]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FairWeather:
/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Always,
FairWeather
"Just call me mint jelly cuz i'm on the lamb!--Grandpa
http://www.fairweather-farm.com<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Since not everyone reads all threads...

This was bumped because CactusKate passed away this past weekend. There is another thread on this.

[Goodyfourshoes!]

edit

[N2Jumpers]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif So sad

Forgive me all, but I'm giving this a bump. I guess I just want to see her name at the top of the page...

(sigh)

[Coreene]

She will always be in our hearts. I think we need to bump this regularly and read Kathy's posts as a reminder to how courageous the human spirit can be.

[horsesrlife65]

So sorry to hear about that!!

My mom is also going through chemo, so we feel for ya.

Keep your chin up,
horsesrlife65

[Linny]

I am so very sad to hear this news.

My deepest sympathies to CactusKate's family and friends. I saw my brother in law battle this awful disease and know it's ravages.

Resident racing historian
May the horse be with you -Harvey Pack May you be with the horse - My last trainer

[Reginapony]

My heart has an empty spot...... /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

*Endurance Rider Wannabee!*

[JRG]

Although I had never met her in person, but did enjoy talking with her through this bb.

Having had many family members pass due to cancer, my heart goes out to her family and friends for time to pass quickly and the memory of her to always burn bright.

[EquiMom]

Words may fail
To express the heart
The feelings deep
Just expressed in part

Words fall short
Of what could be said
Of her grace and wit
and the life she led

How fine a gift
She bequeathed to all
As she rode erect
And refused to fall

She let us see
What it means to "be"
Claiming every day
As a victory

No words suffice
That can best relate
What she gives us, still--
Ride on, Cactuskate..!

[Duffy]

Wow, EquiMom! I hope we can use your poem in our tribute in the COTH, if given permission from her husband! That was absolutely wonderful!

Reginapony - I've been thinking about you and have been wondering how you've been doing.

[wombat]

I've been thinking about you as well! I hope all is OK!

[Portia]

Duffy, the first thing I did yesterday after reading the news was a search to make sure Reginapony had been posting recently. When I saw several from her on the eventing board, I knew things were OK on that front. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

(We need a "smiling through the tears" emoticon.)

[Portia]

Equimom, what a wonderful poem and tribute!

[Tin]

bump, I think we need to keep this near the top of the list for a while. I've lost count on how many time's I've reread this thread over and over /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif



"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then give up. No use being a damned fool about it" -W.C. Fields

[EquiMom]

Duffy...of course I will, most humbly, lend my words to Kate's tribute. If they are deemed to be apropos by her husband, please do so.

[lilblackhorse]

what a lovely poem equimom-thank you for sharing.

The gene pool could use a little chlorine.