Tuesday, July 20, 2010

An Honest Conversation..

As most of you know, my husband has tested positive again for Hepatitis C. His liver is already permanently damaged and it is imperative, in order to stop the progress of the degeneration of his liver, that we try every avenue to get rid of the Hepatitis. The treatment for this is chemotherapy, yes - the same drugs they use to treat many types of cancer. He has already been treated with one "chemical cocktail" for a year. Everything looked so great until 6 months post treatment when he again tested positive. This time the treatment will be more aggressive. That translates into him being sicker and weaker than he was before.

When I look into the next year ahead of us, I am trying to prepare. I just sent in my resignation letter to the wonderful publication, Saddle and Bridle magazine, to which I have worked for for 3 amazing years. During that time, I have met so many great trainers, riders and family's. It has been such a pleasure.

I also feel that I will not be able compete or even go to many shows. With this reality, a good portion of this blog will be left blank as I will no longer have many (if any) contributions that are tagged as "My own experiences" which leaves me wondering how I could possibly keep it interesting.

I have been very blessed by the wonderful people who helped me via the Internet to learn all about riding aside. I think that this blog has encouraged others to take that first step to try the amazing sport...and delve into the history of it all. But now, I am left wondering if or how I could continue. I know that I will continue my family blog www.equusvilla.blogspot.com but am unsure about the future of this one.

17 comments:

Janice Grinyer said...

If this blog was in a book format, I would buy it...seriously.

hint hint.




they will miss you there...

Anonymous said...

Continue, please! Even if only occasionally. Love your posts, your view on things, the great pictures that you post.

Much luck to your husband, and hugs to you.

Unknown said...

Oh Julie! You should definitely pop in here every once in a while. Keep the side saddle dream alive! Or if you wanted to you could add a few other side saddle dreamers as "blog partners" and have help with contributing.

Blessings to you and your family, you're both in our prayers. <><

Oregon Equestrian said...

Please continue this blog as best you can. You'll need a mental escape, and we need your gorgeous historic and other finds.

Wishing you the best as you deal with your husband's illness. Health issues change our lives.

Don't forget to take care of the Caretaker. When friends and family express concern over your wellness, listen.

Unknown said...

Oh dear please do not quit this blog!
I had such exciting news to tell you today. I rode in a sidesaddle today! It was awesome although the saddle did not fit me (too big) or Indigo (too narrow) It's for sale but I know absolutely nothing about it other than the leaping horn (right?) has two holes and it needs a proper girth because theres no way to attach the balance girth. It needs some TLC but is still very much rideable as I rode, walk, trot and canter in it today and had no problems. Holy crap posting trot, what a workout!
I'll be posting about it on my blog but if you know someone looking for a sidesaddle it is up for a VERY reasonable price.

Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl Designs said...

I hope you are able to continue the blog at least just a bit here and there, I have learned so much about sidesaddle from you and have truly enjoyed it!

Please know that I am thinking of you and your husband! Sending thoughts and prayers that the stronger chemo works for him.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

You do what you need to , as much as I enjoy this blog , family is first and foremost in my heart and life as is in your . Best wishes whatever you choose and prayers to you and your hubby

Fantastyk Voyager said...

I'm sending prayers for both you and your husband. Please continue blogging when you can.

Firefly said...

You are my home page and I would miss you if you left this blog. Take care of you family but do pop over every once and a while.

Firefly said...

I even promise to post more often if you keep up th esidesaddle blog.
Wink Wink

Memo said...

Hi Julie,

I am terribly sorry to hear your sad news. It will be tough time for your husband, yourself and the rest of the family but you have to stay positive. As someone else said, you will need an escape - and this escape will no doubt be your horses. So keep posting, and we'll keep reading and commenting ;o) . And who knows, your readers might have some interting side saddle stories to share and might be able to help you build up the blog!

Best wishes,

Memo.

phaedra96 said...

I am so sorry Don and all of you must face this thing again. I would hope you could keep this open; just posting interesting information and stuff when you find it. Best wishes and hugs and prayers for you and your whole family and that everything is worth it in the end. Love

Anita said...

Julie my heart goes out to you and your husband at this time.
To be completely selfish, please consider keeping this blog alive in some form. I love reading your posts and you find the most gorgeous photos for us to drool over. Would it be possible to share contributions? Maybe people could each take it in turns to write a weekly post about riding aside in their part of the world?

Anonymous said...

You do an amazing job with this blog...it will be just as lovely without competition reports. This is one of my favorite blogs out there...despite the fact that previous to reading it, I knew very little about the side-saddle discipline at all! I am honestly always impressed with the thought and creativity that goes into your posts and often wonder how you manage it! You have a talent for compiling beautiful images/things/photos with witty commentary and literary grace. Don't stop now!

Claire said...

Really sorry for your husband. I hope actual treatments can help. Take care of your family, that's the first priority of course. But if you need to escape a bit, please continue to post once in a while, in order to make us dream and think about all the beautiful things you find for us. ;-)
Best wishes,

Claire

Ally said...

I just recently took up riding sidesaddle (I just sent my new (to me) saddle off to be properly restored). I literally just found this blog last night and fell in love. I'm very very sorry to hear about your husband but we will all be praying for you.

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

sending prayers and hugs along your path...
- The Equestrian Vagabond