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I’m home recuperating from a torn hamstring and am actually rather enjoying myself. At the rodeo in Deadwood, South Dakota, I partially tore my hamstring and tried to pamper it for a couple of weeks thinking I could get by. I didn’t realize how serious it was and at Sikeston, Missouri, my body was in a compromising position due to my weak hamstring, and I did it in. The next morning Dr. Tandy scheduled a MRI and sure enough I had torn the muscle almost completely away from the tendon. Surgery cannot repair this injury and it will take five weeks for the muscle to heal and reattach to the tendon.
The other day I was thinking about the old saying, “ When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” For the most part cowboys are very independent and have a hard time being made to do anything. Personally, I’ve always had a tough time with people telling me what to do, no matter how open and coachable I’ve tried to be. So when I’m given lemons, I’m thinking I don’t really want lemonade. I’m thinking I’ll just turn my lemons into lemon meringue pie.
So, I’m home with my family in August – that’s never happened before. I feel great and am riding my bike and working out. I’m roping with a breakaway, I just can’t get off. This year I’ve been traveling with my three nephews, Tuff, Cliff and Stetson. They called me the other day from the road and I told them I wasn’t sure they could afford me because I’m doing such a good job keeping the horses tuned up. I’m really enjoying myself and taking advantage of this time at home.
The most common question asked of anyone who rodeo’s is, “How was your Fourth?” My answer this year was, “Great!” The next question is usually, “How much did you win?” I didn’t win a dime over the Fourth, but it’s probably the best I’ve had as far as enjoying myself.
I’ve always felt and said that you don’t have to be a champion or win consistently to be happy and successful. Now that things aren’t going my way, I’m not changing my philosophy on that. I’ve enjoyed this year more than any other and yet it’s been one of my least productive as far as winning. When I’m allowed to come back, I’ll still have ten days left in the season with a shot some key rodeos and Tour Finales.
I’m making the most of the situation and enjoying my lemon meringue pie. The two judges that concern me the most are three and five years old. They don’t know the difference between a gold buckle and not making the finals. But their watchful eyes would see any poor attitude or behavior on my part – and that’s just not acceptable.
If you have any questions, or something you want me to write about you can email me at strant@aol.com. Till next time, God Bless, and I’ll see you down the line.
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