Hidden Writing : Kids from Believe In Tomorrow visit the PBR

Believe in Tomorrow Kids visit the PBR:

Normally on Sunday mornings I like to sleep in. But last Sunday was a little different. I had gotten media credentials to cover the Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque, NM. Not that I would have gotten up much earlier than normal to make it to a 2pm performance, but thanks to a wonderful lady at the PBR, Mrs. Edmonds, I was invited to come early and cover the visit from the kids of the “Believe in Tomorrow” Organization. It was truly an event that made my whole weekend.

When I arrived Sunday morning, Mrs. Edmonds was busy as usual. But Rocky McDonald must have asked a few times or more “are they here yet?” Come to find out one of these critically ill kids is from a Spanish speaking family and Rocky would be their interpreter. This was no act; he was seriously waiting to interact with the kids!

Todd Pierce of the Pro Bull Riders Outreach showed the kids and their families a behind the scenes look of the PBR. With Rocky acting as interpreter for those who needed him! After the initial tour the kids were escorted to a production area with Mike Lee where they promptly branded his chaps with their hand prints! It was quite the site to see Rocky and Mike helping these young angles clean their hands. Then Mike offered one of the more sincere prayers I’d heard in a long while.

From there they were taken to the bull pens to see the bulls. I almost wondered who was the biggest hit, Rocky and Lee or the bulls? Here is where I got to do more than just take pictures. While Todd and Rocky were busy answering the kids' questions, I had several of the kids family members ask about the animals. I assure you I talked about how great the breeding program is and how there is always a future in rodeo if they work hard enough. But this is only the mid point in the story!

Watching how Frank Newsome told the one little girl that he had to have a hug, or Cord McCoy or McKennon Wimberly jump in to help by showing gear and shaking hands, or all of the riders saying high and or sign autographs was nothing but second nature to me. Guess I’ve just been around rodeo to long to know there is any other way. But when CEO of the PBR, Randy Bernard knelt down to talk to one of the younger boys, well I guess I’ve been around the corporate world to much as well! Randy was soon joined by fan favorite Adriano Moraes who with Mr. Bernard’s help had this young man smiling from ear to ear!

Later during the event, as Mike Lee marked his bull for an 89.5, I know I heard the volume in the building go just a little louder! And as I left that day I ran into the oldest boy on the tour and his mom. As I thanked them for coming out and asked if they had a good time, I about teared up as she said yes a wonderful time. It sure was for me!

I’d like to say thank you for everyone who let me tag along: Mrs. Jodie Edmonds, Todd Pierce, Rocky McDonald, Mike Lee and the entire PBR. You reminded me what being a cowboy is all about!