Saddle Sores and Smiles

Paris.

Locations and experiences far and wide on the table.

Hawaii.

Pick a place, any place.

A dude ranch.  For anyone who really knows Harper, that choice came as no surprise.  Days upon days of horseback riding.  It's exactly what our little cowgirl would pick.

And so, earlier this year, our destination was set - we just didn't know exactly when or where.

As Harper's treatment plan came into focus last week, which for so many weeks had been uncertain, changing direction, and then back again, the time arrived for a decision. Either move quickly and pray the arrangements could be made in time, or postpone her wish until after transplant, which could mean a year or more.  We went with now versus later.

We had the confirmed treatment plan on Tuesday.  We left for Texas on Thursday.

After a rough first travel day, we finally made it to The Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas.

What followed was exactly what Harper was looking for.

Horse, horses and more horses.

Trail rides in the morning.  Trail rides in the afternoon.

Homestyle country cooking. Animals (cats, dogs, pigs).

Cowboys in Texas Hill Country.  Hats, boots, dust and sun.  What more could a little cowgirl want?

We had a great time.  There was zero cell service so we actually had an opportunity to disconnect from the world and enjoy time as a family.  For awhile we even forgot the long road ahead.

One evening, as storm moved in the distance (it didn't do much but spit by us) we even got a special treat.  We watched from the front of our cabin as a full rainbow appeared in the east. It then added the faint second curve of a double rainbow.

We take it as a good omen in our battle ahead.

Tomorrow, at 10:30 am, Harper goes in for yet another surgery to remove the relapsed tumor.  But until then we will bask in the glow from several incredible days in the sun.

We all got our wish - saddle sores and smiles.

PS - Thank God for Gold Bond.