Last weekend Dave and I went to the bull riding contest in town. We were guests of one of the promoters and former Marine, Matt. To our surprise, the night was dedicated to Curtis' memory, again. We made a point of going to this event this year because after the most difficult week of our lives last year, this was a good memory.
The bull riding contest was held on the 10th on April last year, the day of the funeral. There was talk that up to 20 seats were being reserved for us. I just remember thinking that I couldn't possibly be feeling up to going to such a thing only hours after I buried my son, but the housewives, Curtis' buddies, who had been camping out at our house for the week, Travis, our case officer and his driver, Dave and Emily seemed to need the decompression time. The thought of being home alone was more difficult than going and being with them.
Bull riding fans are great patriots. The pre-event ceremony honors any attending veterans. Last year the announcer made some wonderful comments about Curtis, and dedicated the night to his memory, he also made mention that his family was in attendance, we received a standing ovation. If the Star Spangled Banner didn't make me cry enough, that gesture did. What I remember of the night, in my mind numbing haze, was good. Strange to say, but it felt like the place to be. I think Curtis would have liked that we didn't go home to hole up, but went to celebrate a bit. He hated sitting around with nothing to do.
Dave and I know we will make this an annual event. it puts a positive twist on a painful memory.
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