A fitting tribute...

Kolt, Kyle, Brock, Dustin

Every June Heber City is host to the Utah State High School Rodeo Finals. Heber is a beautiful valley. The arena is a picturesque setting, surrounded by stunning snow capped mountains. Dad has always been a great supporter of rodeo and agricultural related events, especially youth programs. He is normally in attendance at the finals to support the contestants and to present the steer wrestling event champion saddle that Smith and Edwards has sponsored for years.

Carla

A few weeks prior to the finals I received a phone call from Carla Wilmoth, manager of Reams Western Wear in Heber. She explained to me that for the last few years Reams has auctioned off a George Strait signed “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” cancer awareness guitar and donated the funds to someone within the rodeo community fighting cancer. The financial strain of cancer treatment is staggering.

Carla informed me the committee wanted Dad to be the recipient of this year’s auction. She said one of the committee members expressed Dad probably wouldn’t accept the money for himself but that they would still like to honor him.

We knew that Dad would want Primary Children’s Hospital to be the benefactor of the funds generated from the auction so Carla contacted Dad’s friend, Sharon Goodrich at Primary’s and made the necessary arrangements to make the donation happen. Carla wanted to keep the tribute a surprise for Dad.

Kolt, Julee, Kwincee, Trey, Kyle, Kwade, Dad, Carla

The committee wanted the family to be a part of the tribute too. Dustin, Brock, Kyle and Kolt were on horseback and rode into the arena. Carla made a cancer awareness flag for Brock to carry. Dad was picked up in a beautiful blue Dodge truck and brought into the arena. Julee and the younger grand kids rode in the back of the truck and Mikka, Ari, Mom, Cousin Michelle and myself were on video and picture duty. 

Bringing Dad in

I got goose bumps as they entered the arena. Dad removed his cowboy hat and held it out the window of the truck as they slowly drove around the entire arena. The announcer, and close friend of Dads, Brent Kelly read a brief bio I had written about Dad. Dad got out of the truck and the crowd stood and expressed their appreciation and support with a standing ovation. Dad was surprised, overwhelmed, and humbled. What an awesome tribute to an amazing man!

I can’t adequately express in words the overwhelming feelings that were present. As they began the auction I couldn’t help but take in the moment and realize what a truly inspirational moment it was. The crowd was very giving of their support and generosity. Between the guitar and flag the auction generated $5400 dollars for Primary Children’s Hospital. I am neglectful in that I did not hear the ladies name that purchased the guitar. I do know that she too had a grandchild that received care at Primary’s…thank you, for your kind donation.

Carla made sure that Dad was well taken care throughout the night. He had received a chemo treatment the week before so he was not feeling his best and his levals were low. Carla made arrangements for him to go from his car to the truck. He did get to see and talk with a few of his old rodeo friends. He was very grateful for that. I think sometimes he doesn’t realize just how big Papa Jim’s Army is…he has a lot of caring people thinking of him! 

Thank you Carla and her associates at Ream’s for creating such a wonderful tribute to Dad and letting him know how much he is appreciated. We are all very grateful for your thoughtfulness and time. It was a special moment for Dad and us as a family. There were very few dry eyes after it was all said and done.

We are fortunate to be involved in an industry that is supportive of each another. Dad mentioned that he would love to have Carla join the Smith and Edwards team…he’s always thinking! If nothing else, we can count ourselves lucky for knowing her!

  Papa Jim's Army - Tate, Brock, Kwade, Ari, Trey, Kwincee, Kolt

Trying to get a good picture of seven kids under the age of six is impossible!

Ari & Mikka (Craig wasn't able to be there)

Brock & Dustin 

The chaotic Kosoff's - Kwade, Kwincee, Kolt

Dustin, Dad, Kyle

Love these two - Mom and Dad

I will always be my Daddy's girl - Misti & Dad

The miracle of modern medicine...

Lately I’ve been thinking about the brilliance of modern medicine and how lucky we are to live in a time where doctors know so much about cancers and how to treat them. 

I read somewhere that in terms of progression in radiation treatments for lymphoma, a long time ago is 2 years. If they can make such advancement in two years, there is a lot of hope for what the future brings. 

Last week Dad went to The Huntsman for another PET scan. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read the text my mom sent, “PET scan looked good. Dr. was pleased, said dad is responding well to treatments. Many of the “hot spots” are gone. He will receive a few more treatments and then another scan then we will go from there.”

I hadn’t realized how stressed I was about the results until I read those words and a wave of relief enveloped me. And then, what I can only described as elated happiness. Take that cancer…you picked the wrong man to mess with. 

I was at work, sitting in front of my computer. I wanted to scream out the great news, grab the first person I saw and give them a big bear hug, and have a good old elated cry. It was then that I realized I hadn’t ever really allowed myself to cry about his diagnosis. I had choose to be proactive…educate myself, and do what I could to help him beat this. No use wasting time being sad.   

After reading the text, and letting it all sink in, I walked out told Kelly, Jason, and dads close friend Boyd the good news. Then I calmly returned to dad’s office, plopped down in his overstuffed leather chair, thanked my heavenly father, and let the flood gates open!