Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

Wow, this is excellently told . I saw no problems to be corrected and the telling of the story along with the embellishments and probably more to be told, really is a winner in this writer's eyes. Very well done

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 25-Jan-2017

Thank you so much, Barb. Your opinion means a lot to me! Hoping for the win, but just wanted to get the story out there so I don't forget later. lol. as if...

Rhonda

Comment from Commando

Exceptional

My God, Rhonda, I didn't read or hear of your injury. You are one "beautifully brave Texan and I'm truly sorry for your suffering. Your telling God, "You wanted to stay," was above and beyond the norm. So that's what you meant earlier when you said, "Read my post, Bill." Thank God I did, it was written "from your heart," and I enjoyed it immensely. Damned bull! I bet you "Beat his butt" when you felt better, huh? Don't ever try and snow me with, "I forgot." You as a sharp as a tack, a brilliant writer and a dam good Chemistry teacher. Why just yesterday, I was talking in class and you me to "Be quiet!" And of course, I said, "Yes ma'am!" What you didn't hear me say was, "She is so beautiful when she's mad." Best wishes in the contest. "You're goanna get em partner!" Thank you for sharing, Rhonda. I know it hurt. Best wishes for, "Good health and Happiness always." Respectfully, Bill.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you for the comments and six star review.
You have such a delightful sense of humor!
I did not kick his butt, but I did call him "Hamburger" for the rest of the time we had him. He finally got sold to John, who we were trying to load him up and deliver him to.
I'm afraid my Chem kids aren't the least bit scared of me, no more than the cows are. haha.
Yes, I remember you in class. You were the one horsing around with the guys and flirting with the girls!
Thank you again and again, my friend,

Rhonda

reply by Commando on 25-Jan-2017

Sorry, I was late for class. But I do have an excuse, ma'am. It seems as though the old grey fox that was eating my checking's, finally dropped his guard and I caught the rascal in the barn around 5:00 a. m. I loaded the shotgun, took a fine bead on the old fellow then stopped short. "Why are you crying?" I asked the fox. "Because I don't want to die. You see, I was so hungry and all," he replied. I could not shoot the poor critter, and stood there for almost an hour watching him eat his fill. After finishing, he looked at me and said, "Sucker! I was always histrionic and theatrical." He run off before I regained my composure and shoot the con artist. "So you see, ma'am," that's why I was late. And now, as for my "horsing around with the guys," I apologize. But for my "flirting with the girls," no way teacher! Remember? Grandpa told me, "When you see something you like, Boy," go get it! And you know, "I have always tried." Of course there were times, "I got my face slapped in doing so." Now, go get your quill, dip it in the ink and write your heart out, Rhonda. You are "Quite some Author," and I love your work. Ps. Stay away from the bulls, Sweetheart. Respectfully, Bill

reply by the author on 25-Jan-2017

Now that's the best late for class story I've ever heard, and I've heard quite a few. You are a wonderful writer, even in your replies. I'd give that story 6 stars in a heartbeat. You are way too cute!
Now you say you weren't flirting with the girls, but how do you explain Sally Jo's hair getting dipped in the ink well, Cindy's pencil getting knocked onto the floor so she had to bend over to pick it up, oh, and the erasers from my chalkboard ending up under your desk? Naughty boy!

reply by Commando on 25-Jan-2017

"I love it, Rhonda!" I never knew Sally Jo's name. For after all, "Having slapped my face for kissing her ear," I never asked again. Did you see my eye's "pop open" when Cindy bent over to pick the pencil off the floor?" It's a wonder, "You didn't slap my hand with the ruler. Thanks for understanding, ok? Oh, and as to the erasers, I just wanted you to come over, "So I could smell the fragrance of your perfume." Gee-whiz, I better go now, "Before you have me stand in the corner." Once again, "I just love your humor." God bless. Bill

reply by the author on 25-Jan-2017

Thanks for the smiles! What a guy. You have an answer for everything, always did, but I never sent you to the office because you were so good at talking your way out of it! Of course the ruler was another thing!!
Good night, my friend,
Rhonda

reply by Commando on 25-Jan-2017

"I love you, Rhonda!" And not only are you a commendable author, "You're so funny as well." "Sweet Dreams, Baby!" Ever hear the song by Roy Orbison? Wow, "That guy could sing." Bill

Comment from Alex Biasin

Exceptional

A very powerful tale.
It must've been a very harrowing & frightening experience.
One that you have told very well.
I hope that you continue to recover and are over the worst of the pain.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you, Alex. I appreciate the six stars and the wonderful and compassionate review!
I am doing much better now. I still can't eat really tough meat, and find myself going for softer food.
Within the last few months, I've stopped taking Tylenol at night. I've got lots of energy and am back at full strength.
Thanks so much,
Rhonda

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Wow! You are courageous! I like how you describe others' reaction to you by making it seem like they saw "horns growing out." I still don't understand what hit you and caused that terrible accident. But so thankful for the miracle that let you "stay" so you can share all your wonderful stories! Blessings to you and may you continue to be healed from any recurring pain.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

The bull kicked the board, and the board hit me in the chin, popped back and hit me on the side of the head. It broke my chin and jawbone close to my ear. My jaw came loose and had to have a plate put in to hold it together. An infection set it and I had three operations to debris shrapnel in the wound. I had to have three teeth pulled and two more rebuilt. Giving me 5 operations in total. I am glad to be here, and I appreciate your concern. Thank you, my friend,
Rhonda

Comment from Jim Lorson Sr

Excellent

Rhonda, I remember you were here one moment and then nothing. I asked a few people where you went. I was stunned when told you had a near death accident. I waited to see if you would be rejoining FS and to my most pleasant surprise and happiness you were back. I know partially about the pain you went through with your jaw being broken. Mine was broken by a huge kick from an offensive tackle in a football game in my sophomore year. I missed a game and half because I'm stubborn, oblivious to pain and was psychotic at that age. Not so much now. What an incredible story and I know God gave you a choice. Your here to give inspiration to people and the kids you teach now and for the future. So happy to have you as a friend.

Take care Rhonda,

Jim

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you, Jim, for such a wonderful review and commentary.
Yeah, I was on "brain rest" for 6 weeks. Which meant I couldn't get on the computer, watch TV, or even read. Wow, for me it was like being told I was being locked in prison in solitary confinement. I tried to explain to them my braid doesn't rest.

I was so glad when I was able to do things I wanted again, like getting on FanStory. I think it was one of the things that kept me going. That and stubbornness. When I think about how I drove around with the concussion. I mean I had to, people got tired of taking off work to take me places. Oh, and one time I had an 8 hour surgery, and drove myself home. I took the next day off work, and they never knew. I think one reason I was able to do all that was the concussion. It dulled my senses.

Anyway, all's well that ends well and all that stuff. Thanks for being a friend!

Rhonda

Comment from Douglas Paul

Excellent

I knew you had an accident but I did not know what it was. What a harrowing experience that must have been. I would have to agree that God wasn't done with you yet and undoubtedly kept you with us for a reason. I am really glad he did, my friend.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

And I can say the same thing about you, too! You had quite a scare this past year as well, and had us all worried. I was so glad when you started posting again.

Thank you for the review and comments, my friend!

reply by Douglas Paul on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you so much for your caring remarks, my friend. They mean a lot to me

reply by Douglas Paul on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you so much for your caring remarks my friend.

Comment from Heidi M

Excellent

That was such a scary experience to read about, I can't imagine actually going through it! I'm sure it was difficult to write about, but probably therapeutic, too. Each day is a gift.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

You're right, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.

It was hard to write about, and this is the first time I did. It brought back a lot I had tried to bury away. I still have issues from the injury, some I'll always have, but I lived to tell about it, and it is good to talk.

Thanks for your kind comments and review,
Rhonda

Comment from prettybluebirds

Excellent

Excellent. You shouldn't mess around with bulls, they are bigger and meaner than most people. I'm sure you know that now. I was attacked by a bull a couple of times, but always had my dogs to save my butt. My husband is a cripple today because he didn't have a dog nearby and a bull got him about three years ago. Sorry to hear of your pain. Glad you came through it okay.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

I remember that about your husband, and I told you I had been injured, but wasn't specific. I've been waiting until I felt like talking about it, and even now, it made me cringe to dredge up the details.

The bull was really very gentle and came up to me after I got out of the hospital for me to pet him. It wasn't his fault. He was just very stressed out, and didn't know I was on the other side of that board. Wayne and John ended up loading him back up after a few weeks and taking him to John's house. He's a big grown up guy now, and is the "bull in the pasture". Still very gentle.

Accidents just happen sometimes!

Thanks for reading and commenting,
Rhonda

Comment from Mike Stevens

Excellent

Wow, Rhonda, I knew you'd been in an accident involving a bull, but I wasn't aware of the details--you were extremely luck, or blessed, if you prefer.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

To be honest, very few people knew the details because it was too painful to think about. It's been a year, and the contest came up, so I decided to dredge it all up and get it out.

Thanks for reviewing!
Rhonda

reply by Mike Stevens on 24-Jan-2017

Yeah I understand not wanting to talk about it--I was the same with my accident--too painful to talk about for a few years.

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

I know, and you were one of the ones I said was there to support me, too. I haven't forgotten! I also haven't forgotten what you went through (what I know of it).
Some people love to talk about stuff like that, I'd just like to forget.

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

As I said from the beginning last year, if anyone could understand what I went through, it was you.

reply by Mike Stevens on 24-Jan-2017

Thank you, Rhonda!

reply by Mike Stevens on 24-Jan-2017

Same here, I don't need a constant reminder, and I don't want to be treated any differently, even though I'm well aware that I am!

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

Since I live in a small town, and am a teacher at the high school, many people know me. After I went back to work, and really shouldn't have been as I lied to the concussion doctor about being still unstable, people would ask me if I was the "teacher who got kicked by a bull." I told them "no, I was the teacher who the bull didn't kill."
I got tired of explaining it. I know you understand, especially since it makes you relive it. That's why I've waited a year to tell it. But now it's done, and I feel all better!! haha.

reply by Mike Stevens on 24-Jan-2017

Well, I'm glad you feel better about sharing it, and you're right about the having to relive it over and over for people; it gets old, real fast. My ex-wife, I always felt like she was watching me to see if I was acting weird, and I felt like yelling, 'of course I'm acting weird, you're watching me!'

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

To be honest, I don't know how ready I am to share it, but I wanted to write it down before I forgot it all, and it's probably time to face it.

I acted pretty weird for quite some time. Good thing is, Wayne never really noticed. lol. Not going to ask what that means. He still won't let me load cattle. It just "happens" while I'm at work. lol.

reply by Mike Stevens on 25-Jan-2017

I finally accepted it a few years ago--I still believe I'm improving, VERY slowly, maybe wishful thinking?

Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)

Excellent

This is really special. An amazing write I have no negatives on this as it is flawless as I have come to expect from you you always deliver the goods and this is no exception, very well done kindest regards Meia x

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2017

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2017

That is a very sweet thing to say, Meia. It was really very hard for me to write because it brought up a lot I don't like to evern think about, and I much prefer fiction!!

Thanks, my friend,
Rhonda