Aye Mates,
T'is official, TEAM TRAD rang the bell on 3/18/15 symbolizing the completion o' both me chemo and radiation treatments. Make no mistakes, the chemo and radiation were instrumental in me conquering the monster, yet they have rained havoc on me body and I remain both weakened and scorched. I mentioned from the start that me approach to this challenge would be that of the warrior mindset and that me charge at the monster would be full bore. During me self perceived moments of weakness, I chanted "Faugh a Bllagh", the battle cry o' the Irish Brigade Fighting 69th and visualized me Irish countrymen fighting in their new home in Americay, charging into a shower of rocketing lead balls during the American Civil War. I was determined to charge the monster before me with the same commitment. Me thoughts of family, friends, and me retriever TRAD helped me maintain me warrior spirit. Me time is now focused on healing from the damages caused by the very treatments that have thus far saved me. I have very little doubt that the sooner I can get back to working with retrievers and back to the hunt test games I love, that a theraputic benefit will be readily realized from doing so.
I am flanked by two of me most beloved gunning partners (Henry and Bill) as I ring the bell symbolic o' the completion o' me treatments. These Lads have covered me six since day one o' me diagnosis and now we all look forward to bird bunting over fine dogs together once again. Me only regrets are that I could not sneak me loyal companion Labrador TRAD into the photo. TRAD accompanied me to the treatment center many a day, the best medicine with four legs and a tail.
The day prior to ending treatments fell on St. Paddy's Day and needless to say, I would not be up to me usual related shenanigans. I decided to play some traditional Irish folk music on Irish whistle at the treatment center for the staff and patients. Prior to playing, I announced that me tunes were dedicated to the medical staff for their compassionate and professional care, and to the patients for fighting the fight. I managed to play three Irish airs despite me own airway being scorched from the radiation treatments. T'was grand to see the delight and uplift the music brought to the staff and patients and it did me own heart good in doing so. T'was surely a moment to remember and a grand way of showing me appreciation for the fine care, and sharing some Irish culture on St. Patrick's Day. The staff have already asked me if I would come back and play again. Something tells me I will.
So, TEAM TRAD just wanted to thank the many kind folks on RTF that took the time to inspire and support us with ye notes, cards, prayers, posts, and RTF MOJO. A grand lot the retriever folks, and ye have helped us to get through to where we are more than ye can know. Hopefully we'll see many o ye on the hunt test trail this year.
Faugh a Ballagh,
Irishwhistler & TRAD
T'is official, TEAM TRAD rang the bell on 3/18/15 symbolizing the completion o' both me chemo and radiation treatments. Make no mistakes, the chemo and radiation were instrumental in me conquering the monster, yet they have rained havoc on me body and I remain both weakened and scorched. I mentioned from the start that me approach to this challenge would be that of the warrior mindset and that me charge at the monster would be full bore. During me self perceived moments of weakness, I chanted "Faugh a Bllagh", the battle cry o' the Irish Brigade Fighting 69th and visualized me Irish countrymen fighting in their new home in Americay, charging into a shower of rocketing lead balls during the American Civil War. I was determined to charge the monster before me with the same commitment. Me thoughts of family, friends, and me retriever TRAD helped me maintain me warrior spirit. Me time is now focused on healing from the damages caused by the very treatments that have thus far saved me. I have very little doubt that the sooner I can get back to working with retrievers and back to the hunt test games I love, that a theraputic benefit will be readily realized from doing so.
I am flanked by two of me most beloved gunning partners (Henry and Bill) as I ring the bell symbolic o' the completion o' me treatments. These Lads have covered me six since day one o' me diagnosis and now we all look forward to bird bunting over fine dogs together once again. Me only regrets are that I could not sneak me loyal companion Labrador TRAD into the photo. TRAD accompanied me to the treatment center many a day, the best medicine with four legs and a tail.
The day prior to ending treatments fell on St. Paddy's Day and needless to say, I would not be up to me usual related shenanigans. I decided to play some traditional Irish folk music on Irish whistle at the treatment center for the staff and patients. Prior to playing, I announced that me tunes were dedicated to the medical staff for their compassionate and professional care, and to the patients for fighting the fight. I managed to play three Irish airs despite me own airway being scorched from the radiation treatments. T'was grand to see the delight and uplift the music brought to the staff and patients and it did me own heart good in doing so. T'was surely a moment to remember and a grand way of showing me appreciation for the fine care, and sharing some Irish culture on St. Patrick's Day. The staff have already asked me if I would come back and play again. Something tells me I will.
So, TEAM TRAD just wanted to thank the many kind folks on RTF that took the time to inspire and support us with ye notes, cards, prayers, posts, and RTF MOJO. A grand lot the retriever folks, and ye have helped us to get through to where we are more than ye can know. Hopefully we'll see many o ye on the hunt test trail this year.
Faugh a Ballagh,
Irishwhistler & TRAD