Short note of thanks from JD

JD Alan · June 23, 2009, 07:39:16 AM

Because you friends from this Forum have been so supportive of me througth my recent stroke, I want to thank you one more time. I shot my first match since the stroke last Saturday (June 20th) and managed to shoot my first clean match. I finished pretty close to where I normally do, middle of the pack. Being able to shoot again was something I was a little concerned about, but everything worked out.

I'm laying out a pattern for set of holsters, and hope to have something to show before too long.

Thanks again for all your encouragement, I know that Ace will appreciate all of us supporting him, JD

Ned Buckshot · June 23, 2009, 07:52:02 AM

Glad to hear it JD, you're a lucky man. I havn't been able to pull the trigger since my stroke 8 years or so ago. Not that I have any disabilities but it seemed to take every ounce of confidance away.

You take care and keep on shootin'.

Ned

JD Alan · June 23, 2009, 09:09:53 AM

I sure do understand that one Ned. I'm having a difficult time being comfortable on the Harley since the stroke. My wife and I use to ride two up al over the place, but I would not be comfortable with her on the back now. It's not a lack of ability so much as a lack of confidence. It doesn't feel the same riding as it did before the stroke.

I know it hasn't been very long, so I won't make any rash decisions about riding yet. I've been riding on the street since 1967, so stopping would be a big change. I think I could give it up and be OK with the decision. It's not like I haven't been there and done that, and I don't have anything to prove to anyone.

I am amazed to find so many people who've had strokes. I'm sorry to hear about you not shooting because of it, but I understand it. JD

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · June 23, 2009, 09:57:41 AM

Hello Guys

Ned I didn't know you had a stroke also, glad you're still with us and things turned out OK for you, and JD, that goes for you too, we were all pulling for you and it looks like you're just about back to your old self, since my accident over four years ago, I have lost a certain amount of confidence and the things I want to do and like to do, but I have high hopes of over coming these doubts, and have over come some of these already, being good with a gun as I once was has become a real obstacle for me, I just need to do it and get it done, and I will.
So good luck to both of you, I think as we get older we all go through these things, some more than others, but we're Cowboys at heart and we will get through it.

Best Regards to Both of You

tEN wOLVES

Johnny McCrae · June 23, 2009, 10:33:14 AM

Howdy JD,

Congratulations on shooting a clean match and your solid finish. A clean match is a great accomplishment and a real positive sign that you are back in the saddle again. Your great attitude is an inspiration to all of us.

GunClick Rick · June 23, 2009, 11:52:19 AM

Boy that's another illness that needs to dissapear

I'm glad you and Ned are good to go again.I loved to ride my scooter that i had and my next one will be a trike.My mother inlaw had a stroke after heart surgery and had to learn to write left handed and such but she did it.She kept her brain fresh by doin crossword puzzles.That's scary stuff,just think i wouldn't have Ned Buckshot stuff :oYou guys just keep kickin butt.Here ya go have a laugh~~~My cousin emailed the other day askin what date my duaghters wedding was and i was playin with my Hop Sing hat at the time.
http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/gunclickrick/?action=view&current=HopSing005.flv

Irish Dave · June 23, 2009, 02:42:37 PM

Good news, indeed, JD. Very glad for you.
Best wishes, pardner.

Gun Butcher · June 23, 2009, 09:07:11 PM

JD, that is great news pard.
I suppose that everyone takes a hit to there confidence at some point in their life. The trick is to pick yourself up and get back on that horse. Whether it is an illness or something in our personal life it is amazing what we can come back from. The main ingredient seems to be attitude.
That is something I learned from you guys. That is why I can't keep away from this bunch.
I am really glad to hear you are doing so well.

Dalton Masterson · June 23, 2009, 09:31:38 PM

Now you guys that are feeling down, and you just cant seem to get it like you used to, listen up.

There is a guy here in town, mid 60s I would guess, that had a stroke a few years back. Prior to this, he ran a few cars in the local drags, and also took a car out to Bonneville for Speed Week.
Well the stroke didnt slow him down much. He still goes to Speed Week at Bonneville, running his 39 or 40 Ford sedan, and is the record holder in his class last I heard.
Now for the interesting part. His stroke took away the use of his right arm. His car has a standard transmission.
Which means that during his 150+mph runs, he lets go of the steering wheel, reaches across with his left hand, and shifts gears.
Use that little bit of inspiration to your advantage if you can.

Glad to see you gents are all back above water and gaining ground.
DM

Marshal Will Wingam · June 23, 2009, 10:53:22 PM

Congratulations, pard. Glad to hear you're doing so well.

Dr. Bob · June 25, 2009, 10:57:01 PM

JD,

Glad that you are continuing to do well!

RollingThunder · June 26, 2009, 03:44:34 PM

Last week I learned that a very good friend of mine for the past ten years was diagnosed with what is more than likely terminal brain cancer. She has a slim chance of remission, and is fighting it. Most of the people with this sort of cancer are dead within six months of diagnosis. She's probably one of the most up-beat people I know, when news like this gives her every right to feel beat-up instead. She's a cop, she's got a great singing voice, and she's an incredibly devoted mother to a 7-year-old daughter. And aside from the cancer, she hasn't changed one bit since being diagnosed. Not for the worse anyway. She's even more determined to live, fight, and survive. But not out of fear. Out of a renewal of spirit that comes from knowing no one is guaranteed anything, much less a long life.

Now, that puts perspective on things. JD, your confidence aside, I know you still feel very blessed to be able to preach the word, hold your loved ones, and sling lead down range. Riding will come. Same with you Ned. If you allow fear to take things away from you, you risk losing some very precious things. All that being said, though, it's an individual choice, and one that no one can make for anyone else. Until you've walked in their shoes, you or I don't even deserve to make a comment. But just remember, we all have a great goin' up day comin' to us, and some of us may even have less than six months, we never know. Which is exactly the point. When things like this happen, we should consider ourselves even more blessed, and little things like not feeling confident enough to shoot or ride a motorcycle shouldn't get us down.

I read a book recently titled "12 Choices ... That Lead To Your Success." And the first choice was the choice to not be a victim. Be smart about things, and live within your limits, but don't allow fear to make you a captive, and your life a forfeiture.