The thing about coming this past weekend is that I received a phone call from Clayton Williams telling me that one of my good friends Josh "Turtle" Griffin, who is a bull rider, had actually gotten killed. A little 1,200-pound bull had stepped right on his chest and it died before he made it to the hospital.
I've had some friends die in the past from other incidents, but I've never had a close friend die because of bull riding. That's something that we, being professional bull riders, sometimes overlook until it really hits that close to home.
You just kind of block that out and know my friend wouldn't want me thinking about it. I know he'd want me to go on and not think twice about, and that's what I'll do. I am a bull rider so those worries don't bother me, but it reminded me to take everything one day at a time and to enjoy this life that we live, to enjoy the rights and the freedoms we have to ride bulls and have fun.
Like I said, it's a lifestyle and at any moment it can be taken away from you, especially if you don't respect the sport and respect the animals.
PS: I'm still looking to be back, here shortly, as one of the Top 40 bull riders.
PSS: The YouTube video I saw very encouraging and I want to say thanks to all the fans out there, all the family and all the friends who have been so supportive of me not only since I've been cut, but since the beginning of my career. I just want to say thanks to everyone. Hopefully in the near future I'll win a world title and I'll be the guy with the most support and the most fans.
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One bull at a time, one day at a time. Kathy
My prayers are with you and your friend's family. You be careful out there on the road and in the arena. I know we will see you back in the top 40 soon.
Susan Graham
We're with you Reese & don't you worry about losing fan support. We're with you all the way!!! And I saw that youtube video. It was pretty funny. Looks like you're gonna have a little following before it's all over! ; )
For the record, you may have more fans than you know about and every one of them is behind you 100%. You're a fine young man and a terrific rider, and we'll be waiting for ya. God Bless!
Great to hear from you. You are one of the most supported riders. All your fans are behind you and can't wait till you're back.
Sorry to hear about your friend. Although it's hard go on as that's what he'd want you to do and he's in a better place now. Take it one day at a time and remember we're pulling for you. You'll be the World's Greatest before you know it. To most of us you already are.
Keep up the good work and faith in you self. See ya soonsoon
also, thanks so much for our watching the video! You're awesome!
I am so sorry about your friend. Things like this do remind us how fragile life is and how blessed we are for each day that God gives us. I am looking forward to you coming back, and keep checking to see where you are. You are a very special young man. Keep your positive attitude and keep riding your blog. See you soon on the BFTS.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."
All you can do is live one day at a time and take one moment at a time. You are a very special young man. I think you have a lot of fans already you don't need a world title for that.
LJK
Saw the news about Josh Griffin through Breeder's Connection...kinda figured some of you all probably knew him. Sounds as though he was a great young bull rider who would get on anything. A true cowboy who loved the Lord. Our prayers go out for his family and for you all, his friends. Josh surely would want you to dwell in God's peace.
Just wanted you to know that we are so sorry for your loss. Just remember that Josh is up there right now getting lot's of 90+ point rides on the rankest bulls in heaven!! We all have times in our lives when we need to regroup. You can be certain that you will be back in the BFTS in the very near future with one special cowboy guiding you in your draws! Take care and we will see you in Las Vegas!!
Lisa
I'm so sorry to hear about your good friend :(
You'll always have my support, Take Care
Thinking of coming to Tidioute, PA again this summer?
tidioutefan
I look forward to seeing you back on tour here very soon. It just hasn't been the same without you. Good luck!
okay and will soom be back with us as you are the greatest.
Won't be long and you'll be back on top. The the bull
riding will have the greatest back. We miss you.
One day at a time and your fans are pulling for you and
looking foward to hearing from you soon.
God bless you, Reese! Keep Jesus first!
Sincerely, Dick and Jill Butler
that we hear from you soon. Miss your writing plus seeing
you ride. We're behind you. Keep the faith and don't let
go.