It sucks getting old, Especially when it affects something that has been such a big part of you for most of your life.
Many years ago I suffered a broken neck, Fractured two disc’s in my spine and tore my brain stem in a pretty hellasious horse & cattle wreck.
But like the tough old piece of dirt that I am I came back from being a veg, to riding the range again.
The fractures in my spine never healed, …Over the years scar tissue and arthritis have taken a toll.
The Doc. Told me two years ago No More workin on horse back! …
Well, As of now I realize she’s right.
Next week I’ll spend three days helping the 26 Bar move a heard down from the high country.
It will be the last drive for this old cowpoke.
I know I’m gonna hurt big time, And I know My body just can’t do it any more.
It’s hard to admit that this point has come, Even harder yet is seeing this part of my life come to a close.
I was a Marine, I was a Cowboy … In my soul I am still both.
I’ll miss the open sky, The sound of leather, The smell of horse and cattle And the nights by the fire.
I’ll still build their saddles and gun gear, But I’ll ride the range no more.
To all those old Marines of my youth … Semper Fi !
To all my compadre’s over the years … Via Condios’ From a Ghost Rider.
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Semper Fi brother. Enjoy your last ride and never forget where you've been and what you've done.
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We have to evolve just to keep going Jeff.
Be thankful for the things you did that many of us can only dream about.
And don't forget to count your blessings every day :-)
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:-) :-)
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I can't get up on a horse.
I thank God every day that I can get on my feet.
When one door closes, another one opens, my brother.
Enjoy the ride. :-)
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Life is like a book consisting on of chapters.
When one chapter ends, another new one begins.
Memories are just that.
Look back only to smile.
Look for today and tomorrow to laugh.
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Semper Fi brother.

I know a little of how you're feeling. Good times are still ahead. :-)
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Be thankful and not sad for all you have experienced so far in life. Dave said it best. Prayers sent for comfort my friend.

Here if you need us.
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We can't be young for our whole lives or we would all die young.

You have a strong spirit. Time to give it something else to do. I'm right behind you.
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Sounds like you did it right stitch. good for you :-)
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This is the most telling part of the post. Bodies go through some changes that don't allow them to continue, but the spirit is strong. :-)
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For you my friend

Drifting Cowboy

There’s a shack along the road
The old cowboy calls it home
There’s not much to do but watch the trucks roll by
So he sits and drinks his tea
Rocking to some memory
Just a drifting cowboy taking one last ride

His dreams are like the ghost
Of the only life he knows
His silver spurs jingle and shine
Once he was young and hell on wheels
Now can you picture how he feels
Still riding broncos somewhere back in time

Those prairie winds still blow
Like they did so long ago
Ah but the tumbleweeds don’t roll quite the same
They old line riders ask
When will the buffalo come back
And will the drifting cowboys ever drift again

He rides into the town
As the sun is going down
He ties his trusty pony to the rail
Some trail boss and his crew
They stand him one or two
But tonight we’ll find him out there on the trail

Drifting cowboy
Taking one last ride
Just a speck out on the prairie
And a little spark of glory in my eyes
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You Just Can't See Him From The Road

Cowboy, you kept that dream alive for future generations. Be proud. :-)
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One more for you Cowboys where always my Heroes


When I was young I used to trade
My comic books and home made guns
And little cowboys on the run
Were killers just like me
We'd hang those dirty outlaws high
With rawhide ropes of binder twine
Red Ryder was a friend of mine
A hero just for me

I remember when we stole a can
Of tobacco from the hired hand
And seein as how we were workin men
We'd smoke till we were green
And we could spit and we could fight
And we believed each others lies
Ridin fast and ridin high
For all the world to see

Whatever happened to my heroes
They don't make em like they did in fourty four
But they were there when I needed them
I wish they'd all come back again
cuz I don't have no heroes anymore

They travel thru my memory
Those riders and their legacy
I know they all remembered me
They called me by my name
Then like a ghost from yesterday
My heroes thunder on their way
Back into a lonely grave
For all eternity
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It sucks having to stop something you love to do, but I'm happy we still get to enjoy your company here!
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Vaya con Dios, compadre! A lifetime of memories is not too shabby! Just think of all the things you have done. And the rest of the world hasn't had a chance to do what you have accomplished. How many of us dreamt of being a cowboy when we were kids? Or played soldiers in the backyard?

You have lived it brother! And that ain't half bad! Tell Bucky O'Neil I said hey the next time you are in Prescott!

Yippee Kaiyeah!
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You will Always be a Cowboy.

Just as much as you will Always be a Marine.
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"Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky
And live like you ain't afraid to die
And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride"

Good on ya Brother, Nothing can take away your memories! Remember them vividly and relive them often.
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wow this rough for me to even read. i am so sorry that this is your last ride. let it be the biggest and the greatest. blessing to you.:-)
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Enjoy your last ride, brother. You can always look back upon them, and like others have said, you may not be able to ride anymore....but will always be a cowboy.
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