Lessons Learned...

This past year I have learned a lot, I have lost four really great friends of mine,
three of those four rodeoed with me, and in rodeo...we're a pretty tight knit little family.
But the death that started it was Brody Newman, I had my drivers ed class with him,
he was a year younger then me...he died in a 4-wheeler accident checking pivots for his dad.
I couldn't believe it, i have never felt my heart actually ache until i came home and heard this.
About three weeks later, Mabry Neville and Loren Johnson were in a car accident about a mile
away from the junction they were on their way home from Rexburg and lost control of the car.
They were cousins and you never saw one with out the other.
They were like my sisters this toughened me up when I rode horses with them in 4-h.
They didn't take my crap and they pushed me and helped me over come my fears.
I love those girls, and I have missed their smiles, positive attitudes and never quit attitudes.
This past tuesday another District 1 rodeo member died in a car crash.
Marissa Bebe go here to read her story.
My first year in rodeo we were head to head to win all around girls rookie of the year.
I wasn't the nicest because she was competition and i was getting my head in the game.
I was determined to win that buckle.
I eneded up winning by just a couple points, it was really close.
This next rodeo season all she was, was nice to me.
She came right up to me with a smile on her face and said i think you beat me in for rookie last year! Good job!
Then and there i realized what a terd i was.
After that we became good friends she told me about her life, she needed someone to talk to because it wasn't the easiest.
We talked about our events and what our plans were.
She was going to move to Boise to play hockey, it was her passion.
She made it to state in rodeo this year in Barrels and Poles, Her first hear at state, She was very excited and proud of herself as anyone should be!



I guess what I'm saying is, be everyones friend, even in competition be nice don't get too into yourself and competitive and NEVER judge someone, you have no idea what they are going through, even if they come off a little harsh or strange because a life can end in a second, and it hurts and no matter how many times I go through it I am just glad i have the comfort of the gospel to make these situations bareable.


I love you Brody, Mabry, Loren , and Marissa.