Leroy, You fight for what you and Laurie can the most comfortably agree for you to fight. She is going through this as much as you are and when you are just too tired she will understand.

Take care and love and prayers.

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 8:18 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Wouldn't it be nice if after 8 seconds and you were still riding the cancer-bull, you would be declared the winner and off you go to the next rodeo!!

The fact that you have been riding for 33 months is a tremendous feat! We continue to pray that you've worn-out this cancer-bull and he is ready to look for not such a tough cowboy. Continue to ride until you are ready to dismount! The 8 second bell has rung long ago.

Prayers and blessings as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:20 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Ride 'em cowboy! Keep at it, but watch those bones. Stay the course until you make the decision enough is enough.

Interesting way to spend a weekend. ;)

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:23 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Your last line makes me think of the signature phrase from the first Die Hard movie....yippee ki-yay - well, you know the rest. Seems an appropriate response to cancer. :) Glad you're hanging on so tightly, you are doing so much for so many people. Know that a lot of us out here think of you daily.

Sent by MJ | 8:24 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Hey, you on the bucking bull!!!
What you and Laurie feel in your heart is right to do, then you do. Only both of you can know, and then determine what "fight" you have in you.
You can either ride the bulls or not...either way, nothing is easy.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:25 AM ET | 08-04-2008

I love bull riding!

Sent by jen barad | 8:26 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Fight for as long as u can and for all that it's worth.

Prayers,

Lianne

Sent by LIanne Friedman | 8:30 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Good morning Leroy,

From your shareing with us these last couple of years I imagine you will keep on fighting until you can no longer fight. You will know when that is. When the struggle over powers the want to keep fighting. There is something in every single day worth fighting for and I can't see you not reaching out for it. We will be with you every step of the way. When you do need to rest, do so.

I will continue to keep you and Laurie in my prayers, that you will both find the strength to carry you through each day.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:45 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
Those bull riders get back up and ride again the next week, or at least when there bones heal! They don't give up and look what happens to their bodies! Why do they keep putting their bodies through it each week? I want to believe they just don't want to give up. I say, keep riding, you never know when you will beat that 8 seconds!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 8:50 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Hi Leroy,

I looked aback at what you had written one year ago - "I hope the cancer is getting tired and frustrated. I hope it's thinking about all the bad things it's done. Cause I'm going to make it work to get me."

I love your strong spirit.

And, I greatly appreciate you sharing your road with all of us. Thank you.

Sent by Kristin | 8:51 AM ET | 08-04-2008

RIDE 'EM COWBOY! You are the man.
Namaste.

Sent by Ssuan | 8:53 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Ride, bro -
sound your barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.

Whether in a Jeep, or on a bull
Appreciate the joyfull lull

We ride with you

YAAWWP !!

Sent by Jack Burrington | 8:54 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Ride 'em Cowboy!! You can do it, Pardner!! You've given us all quite a show!!

Sent by Betty Obst | 8:55 AM ET | 08-04-2008

That bull certainly has thrown you around some. Then again, getting off the ride doesn't really sound like any kind of relief in this case. Maybe when it comes ot a certain point, perhaps it is a relief I suppose. You don't sound like you're there yet, though so Ride 'em cowboy!

Sent by N.R. | 9:25 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
I like todays blog. This offering is the ole Leroy I know and love. The analogy of cancer and the bull is great. You're right on when you describe how the two marry up, and like the riders actually on the bulls, they have to each get on and hold on all by themselves. Cancer may be your bull today, and you are going to ride your bull by yourself today, but know that we are cheering for you Leroy. Come hell or high water, we are here for you, so keep writing buddy.

It's not the kill, but the thrill of the chase.

Sent by Donato S. | 9:25 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Good Morning Dear Friend~ You might have been better off with broken bones, etc. At least the Medical profession seems to be able to repair and fix us up with those kinds of injuries. I don't believe Bull fighting has any relationship to Cancer. Cancer patients are not torturing innocent animals because of a sport. OR are we? Lab animals? I don't like violence of any kind. I would like to see relief and cures.

Sent by J C R | 9:41 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Yes - you keep on fighting and riding that bull!!! YIPPEE-YO-KI-YAA back at ya from Michigan!!!!

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 9:42 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Mornin' Cowpoke...
Keep on ridin'!!! Your readers are all in your corner...

Sent by Retha | 9:46 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Just hang on and keep riding, Leroy, try to ignore the "clock"!! You're one tough cowboy, and the "bull" has met it's match!! We're stomping our boots here in the stands, cheering you on......lifting you and Laurie up in prayer!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 9:51 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,

You are such an amazing man. That's all I can say today. You are the champion bull rider.

Sent by Laurie B | 9:51 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
33 months is pretty impressive. But I bet you can keep beating your record for awhile yet to come. Keep up your spirits.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 10:02 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
Sending you thoughts and peaceful wishes.

Karen

Sent by Karen | 10:03 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Someday you'll have to let go, Leroy, but no matter when that day comes, you'll still (always) be a winner in our eyes.And we'll all yell YIPPEE-YI-KI-YO in your honor! What a beautiful spirit you have, dear friend.

p.s. Maybe a better metaphor would be bull fighting? At least there'd be a chance of killing the Beast...But then, I always feel sorry for the bull. Better yet, I see you as our brave knight, slaying a dragon.

Sent by Doris | 10:03 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Hi Leroy,
Good to see your sense of humor today. I think those bulls love having riders on their backs. They want to see how much pain the can inflict on them. When my husband was young his cousin had a horse he used to ride once in awhile. It always tried to scrape the rider off by going too close to trees. I think that horse knew exactly what he was doing.
You made the 8 second bell long ago and continue to ride! You and Laurie are in my prayers.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:03 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Hang on tight cowboy poet, you're bucking the system for sure.

Your hearts know the way.

Have a good day with your cowgirl!

Sent by Joan S. | 10:06 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Mornin' there, Big Buckaroo - here's wishin' you and your Filly a great big winnin' shiny belt buckle kind of day!

I just wish there was a way we all could turn your bull into a steer...

Peace-

Sent by Joyce in FL | 10:09 AM ET | 08-04-2008

We want you to ride as long as the saddle fits!! I hope it is a LONG time!! HUGS!!!!

Sent by Patsy Elmore | 10:11 AM ET | 08-04-2008

I know it is not easy but keep riding, Leroy and Laurie! Can you hear all of us cheering you on? We love you and are with you always. You are our HEROES.

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 10:13 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy, You are such a fighter and look what you've made the Beast concede: time. Time is what it wants. If you were on a bull that would be 33 seconds lol...and no broken bones. I admit to lurking but I am reading everything you write on this blog, and walking with you.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:19 AM ET | 08-04-2008

From down here in gator country....keep wrestlin' !! AAAAAAAIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!
Watch the tail!

Liz Z

Sent by liz Zimmerman | 10:26 AM ET | 08-04-2008

They say participation in athletics builds character; teaches persistance, perserverance and fortitude. All that is true. After a year or so of reading this blog, I have come to the conclusion that cancer also builds character, persistance, perserverance and fortitude.

Sent by Missy Patterson | 10:26 AM ET | 08-04-2008

To all~ a few days ago I mentioned Katie Couric with a few others has started a website standup2cancer.org I put a star on there in honor of Leroy. If anyone wants to donate to it, you can. Just go to the site, click on the constellation, then search his star by his name. You don't have to put in any other info. I did put the wrong state in for him, I put in mine. Oops!

Sent by DiAnn | 10:37 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy,
Keep on fighting dear friend. Don't every give up! We never know.........maybe one day we will wake up and be informed that they have made a major breakthrough with cancer. This is what I pray for every day.

Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha | 10:43 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Hang on for all you can.

Sent by Beth S | 10:54 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy
I see a Halloween costume emerging. Here they are folks - Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans.
Enjoy the day. Thank you for the smile.

Sent by jessie | 10:55 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy, I have been there with you, at least for some of the time--- it is now 21 mos. when they said 60 days. Some difference, but hard fought. Another 8 seconds each day, one at a time Big Man, one at a time. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 10:57 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Ride 'em Cowboy!!!!

33 months vs 8 seconds.

You win the big 'ole belt buckle now!

(I'm having a hard time imagining you in fringed plaid though...)

Hang on tight!!!!!!!!!
Big love to you and Laurie!
Debra Altschiller

Sent by Debra in New Hampshire | 10:58 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
FIGHT LEROY FIGHT DON`T GIVE UP DO SOMETHING THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING ELSE THEY CAN DO!!!!!!!!!!

Sent by kim parris | 10:58 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Such an interesting topic today. I like the comparison of Cancer to Bull Riding. The big difference I see is bull riding is seen as a sport. Anyone who thinks Cancer is a sport is one sick puppy. I've had conversations with my family about when we will know it is time to give in and let the cancer take it's course. I wish I had an answer for you. I've watches several friends make this choice. It seems they just know. Maybe it's a divine message they receive or maybe it's when the fight is harder than not fighting.

Personally, I feel you still have fight Leroy. Keep that fight going and punch that bull between the eyes just because you can today!

Have a great day!

Alexis

Sent by Alexis Redmond | 10:59 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Bull riding, eh? It's amazing how we open our horizons when our regular day-to-day isn't an option for us!
Your sense of humor is a blessing. Stay on that bull as long as you can!
Kathy Groh Canby

Sent by Kathy Groh Canby | 10:59 AM ET | 08-04-2008

As Lyle Lovett says "Let's give a hand to that young cowboy"

Sent by barb | 11:10 AM ET | 08-04-2008

'Happy trails to you...' The song popped in my mind. You as Roy Rogers, Laurie as Dale Evans. But I don't remember Roy doing any bull riding.

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 11:16 AM ET | 08-04-2008

You ALL sound like you don't know the difference between Bull fights, Bronco Riding and a deadly disease like Cancer!
It's great to share humor and good for Leroy to have a sense of humor, but remember the Bulls and Horses because they have cinches around their hinquarters which must be very painful. HEY! Love you Leroy, keep fighting and laughing!

Sent by J C R | 11:16 AM ET | 08-04-2008

To Our Wonderful Leroy: I detected an error - I would have put an "f" where the "b" in one of the words that describes the bull.......oops, sorry, but that is how I feel. I love thee!!!!

Sent by TC | 11:19 AM ET | 08-04-2008

You made me laugh this morning---thanks so much for your wonderful spirit and outlook. I don't know how you keep up the positive outlook.

Sent by Betsy in Oregon | 11:25 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Yes, you keep fighting, it's just what Leroy does...it is the human spirit. You will 'fight' as long as it takes, as long as you need to, as long as you can. We love you. from Sherri in Texas

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 11:29 AM ET | 08-04-2008

I wish I had found this blog closer to it's beginning, though I found it when I found it (yesterday) and am glad of that. It's been twenty years since my dear first husband died from cancer, and now it is in my life again, not so close but right here, as my sister-in-law faces stage four breast cancer. We just returned from a visit with her and her husband, and so much of what they are feeling recalls Kerry's and my cancer "bull ride". I sat up late last night reading old entries for maybe six hours. Thank you, Leroy and Laurie for this blog, for sharing yourselves and this part of your journey. This blog is a powerful example that people can use any experience, however difficult, to serve and encourage others.

Sent by Victoria Hendricks | 11:37 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy,

One of our friends is a former bull rider, and he reminds me in so many ways of you -- He's handsome(!), smart, a great storyteller, agile, adventurous, courageous and enjoys (and is interested in) all aspects of life. We love being in his company. He brings vibrancy and thought and interest and laughter to whatever space he occupies. See what I mean? Describes you to a tee!

With a tip of the Stetson hat, I give you our own local yodelin' cowboy, Wylie Gustafson, for your listening pleasure today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUZlalLLlB8&feature=related

Ya-hoooooo-oooh!

Here's to a good ride, today and always,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 11:46 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,

You don't stay on a Bull by worrying about whether you can last 8 seconds because each second is an eternity and you start focusing on time more than staying on the Bull's back. The stress mounts as you think of the time too much, before you know it, and you stop timing your bodies movements with the Bull's back thrusts and BOOM! your upthrust comes at the wrong time and you come down when he is going up and you're off and in the dirt in 1/17th of a second. Just like Mark Spitz said on NPR this morning: in 1968 when he first tried for 7 gold medals. The stress mounted more than necessary with each race he won because he was thinking too much about ALL the medals. So each race he thought "what if I don't win this one it's all over" or "how can I possibly win 7 races". instead of focusing on doing the best he could one race at a time and being grateful to even be in the olympics and even having the honor of qualifying for so many races. So he blew it after two gold meda's. In 1972, he was older and wiser, he wanted to win but he wanted to enjoy it too. So he focused on gratitude and acceptance of the opportunity he had been given.

The gift of life is that 'opportunity' for us in Cancer World: no matter what the cards have delt. It is acceptance for what we still have.

Seems to me one day at a time is the only way to go. Sometimes on hard days, for me, it was one monent at a time. But it is why you have lasted this long Leroy (I know this because of your wonderful, honest attitude and child like wonder/innocence that shows through so often). So keep up whatever you are doing because it has allowed us all this time to get to know one another... With Love Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 11:58 AM ET | 08-04-2008

Good Monday to you Leroy. I hadn't expected to read about bull riding...but the analogy of timing is a thoughtful one. Personally I never understood much the "thrill sports" of putting oneself in extreme danger just for show, and the risk of getting maimed, beat up, etc. You and all cancer fighters and those with other challenging illnesses have more "eye of the tiger" than those so-called sports people. Just my opinion! At least the riders give some entertainment so we can watch them fall off and say "huh? As always I enjoy thue humorous candor in your message. Wishing you a peaceful week; I'll be reading every day. Oh BTW my husband (has cancer) watches those cartoons, "Adult Swim" every night. Some of them, I've even gotten to know the characters and like them, or like to hate them. The talking meatballs are just too much though. But they give him a laugh and some calm and structured time in the evening. Whatever works.

Sent by Sally in spokane | 12:01 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy -
You've done so much more than ride the bull - you've grabbed it by the horns and looked it square in the eye. You've even made it back down a time or two. There aren't many cowboys that can make that claim!

Sent by Patte | 12:23 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Here's to you Leroy for keeping up with this blog while facing all these hurdles. You are unreal.

Sent by Lisa | 12:35 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Love that feisty exuberance!

Sent by Leslie | 12:35 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy we would miss you, I would miss your blog and you and Laurie would miss you. The thing is though, how much can you stand? How long can you stand the pain? Is there anything else you want to do that you can do? How about a good ole slug of whisky? Scotch? Sherry?
Wish I had an answer for you.Take care Leroy and Laurie

Sent by Jean Hughes | 12:35 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,

You are just plain AMAZING! Don't feel like you have to be any particular way, however. We are here for whatever comes.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:47 PM ET | 08-04-2008

I just had to complete paperwork for my friend that dated back 5 years.When I look at what we accomplished and how we survived with smiles,laughter and love-I am proud.Moments like these are what I cherish as a caretaker.Strangely enough she likes watching the bull riders also......hmmmmm something about you daredevils!!

Sent by sue bee | 12:59 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy: Well my friend, you just 'keep on keeping on'. You listen to your body, it will tell you when enough is enough. You have more perseverance that anybody I've ever heard or read about, you are a strong strong person will wise. You and Laurie are a hell of a team. So, if you want to get on that cancer bull, go for it. Robert Owen

Sent by Robert Sheehan | 1:04 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy,

RIDE ON............

Love to you and Laurie.

Sent by Connie | 1:16 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Dude:

I know I keep talking about me, but, what can I say . . .

When I was a young woman I took the challenge to get on a mechanical bull in a cowboy bar. Being the extremely competitive person I am, I stayed on the bull the longest of any person that night. When I was thrown I flew over the sawdust pit and landed in some spectators which hurt pretty badly in itself. The worst was the next morning when I tried to get out of bed. Thank God I was visiting my mother. I actually had to call her to help me out of bed so I wouldn't pee my pants. The rest of the day was spent shuffling around quaffin grapefruit juice in an effort to get some of the lactic acid out of my muscles.

Of course, I knew the pain would be limited in time, which makes it different than what you experience. But ya know, Larry, if it ain't one bunch of bull it's another . . .

Peggy C.

Sent by Peggy Carey | 1:49 PM ET | 08-04-2008

WELL IN YOUR CASE YOU REALY TOOK THE BULL BY THE HORNS ARE DID YOU GO AT IT LIKE A RAGING BULL!!! In any case you are our favorite Matador....I'm up to 12 tumors and my doctors can't operate so i am finally in the same bullfight as you are!!!

Good Luck to you !

Sent by Marcel | 3:12 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy, you are a beautiful, inspired writer.
Barbara

Sent by barbara | 3:24 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,

Whether riding the bull or shootin' the bull, I so appreciate your taking us along.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 3:26 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Great analogy, Leroy! And as for the future? No guarantees, but you've got the same optiona as that bullrider, Leroy: hold on as long as you want to (or can), and when you feel like letting go (or can't hang on any longer), let go and fly.

In the meantime, may each day's ride brings you some good surprise,insightm connection or gift.

And know this too, Leroy: even after you trade in that bucking bull for a new trajectory, we'll still be celebrating (for time to come!) that we all got to share this stretch of the road with you via your blog. You are a long-term gift to the universe, and that is true regardless of whether you have 8 hours or 8 more decades.

Sent by Sarah | 3:39 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Hang on Leroy. I think you have more time to go. Ihave tken a downslide and just spent 3 weeks in the hospital and found out that I have a brain met in addition to my lung mets. I may need to stop working but I will try to hang on with you.

Sent by Jill | 3:51 PM ET | 08-04-2008

You ride as long as you want to, wrangler. I hope it's a long and exhilerating ride.

Seriously, bull riding? I'd like to get you a motorcycyle. It's a smoother ride and man, is it a rush!

Sent by Tracy | 4:56 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Hi Leroy & Family,
You sound as though you are seeking an answer to "How Long Do I Hang On?
There is an answer to that question, but you and Laurie must decide which, answer is best. If you looking for permission to let go "I myself am a breast cancer survivor, and maybe in the future, I will have to answer that question for myself". My answer would be "I give myself permission to let go".
Page Hendryx - Gresham Oregon

Sent by Page Hendryx | 4:57 PM ET | 08-04-2008

You go Leroy!!! Keep up the fight. You are awesome and an inspiration to allof us.

Take Care,

Mary

Sent by Mary McLellen | 4:59 PM ET | 08-04-2008

You made me laugh :-)
Thanks.

Sent by Elizabeth | 5:17 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy,
I've just been trying to stay in the moment today for 8 seconds. I felt like a bull on Friday morning, then had chemo. Now I feel like what came out of the bull. I feel my best when I neither look back or ahead.

I just looked over at my 2-month-old kitten asleep in a chair next to me. He looks so content. Instead of riding the bull today, I'm going to pet the cat. I bet I can do that for more than 8 seconds.

Sent by Thomas Escott | 5:34 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Hold onto that strap and ride. Let the bull buck, you stay on and wave to us all. With care.

Sent by anne lumberger | 6:16 PM ET | 08-04-2008

I think you live the life you were meant to live. You don't have to keep hanging on...life isn't about that. You are living each day because you want to live that day. I have said many times and I must say it again...I am inspired by your life and how you live it. Maybe because you just live it without fanfare.

Sent by Helene Weingarten | 7:44 PM ET | 08-04-2008

hey Leroy, thanks again for putting a smile on my face, yippee kai yay, also you and family are in my prayers. always,kenny williams

Sent by kenny williams | 7:54 PM ET | 08-04-2008

It may be time to say "YOU CANNOT SAVE ME & THAT IS OK" Only you know if it is that time, but there is no shame in letting go. You have fought longer & harder than anyone could have expected. I support you no matter what you decide. I respect you more than anyone I have ever known for your strength & courage. Good luck with your decision. Have a peaceful night. Thanks for everything you have done for all of us.

Sent by Kathy | 8:01 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Leroy: Well...cowboy up!

Only once did I find myself on a bucking horse and it wasn't for sport but one of the things that comes with riding. It wasn't a matter of staying on for 8 seconds, it was trying to decide which would be the most painful, staying on or trying to get off. Luckily, the horse didn't go very long and I didn't have to make the choice.

I think Cancer may be more like the running of the bulls...expect those men get a choice of joining the race, where as the cancer patient does not.

Jill: So sorry that you have discovered new tumors. I can only wish you the best and let you know that some one has heard your plight...you aren't alone.

Leroy's analogy of rodeo reminds me of the George Strait song "Amarillo by Morning". The cowboy in that song loses everything which is the case for most of those with Cancer.

www.jango.com/music/9765-George-Strait?l=0

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 8:31 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Here in Central Texas, there are some real live cowboys. They all look so handsome in their pearl snap shirts, heavy starch jeans, belt buckles, boots and big hats. I know they are tough, but Leory, I believe you are tougher!

Sent by N. Holmes | 8:34 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Dear Leroy,

Seriously, can you lend me your attitude for 5 minutes? I'm sure it would totally change my life!

Still lifting, hoping and applauding your incomparable spirit.

Sent by Janice J. , Los Angeles | 8:50 PM ET | 08-04-2008

I'm with you, J C R. I didn't quite want to take away from Leroy to say so here, but I hate the concept of bull riding and every other form of animal abuse which I dearly wish did not exist in our world. Joyce

Sent by joyce smith | 9:05 PM ET | 08-04-2008

You are the spirit of insouciance--I think that's the word. Amazing post. You know how some things, as they unfold, you sense will be with you forever? Today's post has had that impact for me. Thank you. Salee

Sent by sajenkins | 9:26 PM ET | 08-04-2008

Life changes FAST! Hi, I've been in hospital. Went home and hospice says hubby of just 22 yrs cannot take care of me. They hanked me up and moved me to my son's home who unselfishly took me in, both sons very unselfish and their wives. I literally up and left everything but will try and get some things. Seems our life is made up of "stuff" that means something to us. I hope to get advice from anyone sent to my email address: muzk2myear@sbcglobal.net with any advice. I decided to quit chemo ...just too tough and I hope God above will do his will for both you and me and the others with cancer on this website. Who knows! I may write something of real value sometime to help someone else out there in cyberland. Once piece would be to do that sorting and organizing. Think about what you want to take with you and have it packed and labeled so you can grab it in a minute. Those facing floods and fires etc know all about that stuff. The thing is I had to rely on someone else to take me. Thanks to morphine patches and liquid, I'm feeling less pain now and can go to the bathroom etc by myself. May God look down well on all of you. I pray for all of you. Goodnite Leroy, feel free to write me privately at any time please. At times your strength gives me strength.

Sent by Linda Warner | 10:48 PM ET | 08-04-2008

So, Leroy, I'm reading over the last few entries, and am thinking about ice cream and do-nuts and cool waves at the steering wheel... when I realize that the whole screen in front of me is getting blurry from the tears streaming down my face. And it's right then, that I read your last line, "YIPPEE-KO-YI-YAY!" And, through the tears, you give me the gift of a big fat grin! Leroy, you're the greatest.
Sending much love and gratitude,
Carrie Manley

Sent by Carrie Manley | 12:57 AM ET | 08-05-2008

Leroy:
I've read and re-read today's comments and each time I hear fatigue and uncertainty intermingled in your words. But then you close with your sometimes-hidden-but-always-there determination and strength. YIPPEE-YO-KI-YAA!!!! I smile every time I read it!

I hear more pain in your writing; I also hear one question come through over and again; when do you say enough is enough. Whether that means the blog or your determination to keep fighting, I don't know. However, I will share what I do know.

I know that the answer you seek is within. What we want doesn't matter. This is YOUR life and only your answer counts. If there was a choice; we'd never let you go. I respect you and love you and know that whatever decision you make will be the right one.

I'm certain this is not the last time I will reply to one of your comments, but it's important to me that I tell you today how I feel about you. (I'm not very good at this and I get long-winded so bear with me.)

I thank you Leroy for every word you've written and for every minute that you've shared with us. I thank you for binding all of us together in a way that no one else could have done.
Leroy, I have learned so much from you. When you were given little hope, you made your own. You disproved the medical predictions. Others in your slippers would have turned away from the world; you reached out and embraced us. We were strangers but that didn't matter. You came into our homes, sat down beside us and you shared. You voiced concerns that we were embarrassed to acknowledge. So often, I found myself nodding in agreement with you and chuckling at how similar we all really are. You made us proud! Correct that -- You MAKE us proud!
Laurie, I want to thank you too for your generosity. You have given us a peek into your world. You have written beautifully and each time it was a gift. Sent with love...

Rhonda H

Sent by Rhonda Howard | 1:44 AM ET | 08-05-2008

Leroy: What a difference a few hours can make.

When I left my house this morning...after checking on you and commenting, it was to be a routine day. Not so! Just a couple of hours ago, we discovered our favorite, 15 year old dog, dead on the road and our hearts are so broken.

I've made lots of self helping comments about all this...Rex was old and would have gone soon...he lived a good life...God wanted to keep us from having to decide to put him to sleep later...but, for right now, it really hurts.

He was a truly faithful friend.

Rex was "only a pet", but his death keeps reality ever present and I hope some day, we know why things happen the way they do.

It also breaks my heart that my oldest, 23, had to once again step up and clean up this horrible mess...especially since he also learned today a good friend in his 30's has colon cancer.

How quickly Cancer & life has made him grow up. He is, however, already pushing his friend not to put off taking care of the cancer...even for a few months. For that I am proud.

JCR: I know you can surely tell what animals mean to me...however, I have to tell you, until you have met a big ol' bull, you don't know how strong and self-reliant they are. I've seen them completely tear up a barbed wire fence, just because they could, even though it was cutting them. The rodeo bulls are the strongest and probably best treated of the lot. I actually think they enjoy dumping those cowboys at times.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 8:25 PM ET | 08-05-2008

You brought a smile to this cowgirls face! Ride, Leroy, ride!!!! YIPPEE-YO-KI-YAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Suzanne | 7:34 PM ET | 08-11-2008

I remember sometime ago when you wondered what goal you should set for yourself. Well, you made your 53rd birthday and since Christmas is your favorite holiday, I think you should mark Christmas. Hopefully, from there you can mark another one. For the thousands of uf who never met you in person, but have somehow established this very personal relationship with you, not having you in our lives is almost too much to bear. We will miss you but oh how dreadful that will be. So I'm putting Christmas on my calendar.

Sent by Donagene Breshock | 11:28 AM ET | 08-15-2008