Well, just one short month ago my mother and father were out riding their Harley through the Texas hillcountry and all was well. Everyone was seemingly fat, happy & healthy. Then 2 weeks ago my mother developed severe back pain, went to Dr, had xrays followed by MRI, etc and they discovered she had tumors that had eaten her vertebra. She had kyphoplasty this past Friday to "bondo" the bones but then followup catscans revealed the cancer is everywhere. So the protocol now is pain management.

Jerry and I had to cancel our buffalo hunt scheduled for this year. I put in a call to both Kathi who is handling our air and our safari agent, Bill Fronterhouse. They immediately took care of everything for me.

Bill & Usangu Safaris have assured us that it is no problem to reschedule anytime. All will be fine. They will keep my buffalo safe from harm until I can go meet up with him.

Kathi - in her ever calm, efficient and reassuring manner jumped right on our flight arrangements and is fixing that for us.

It is a peculiar mix of emotions we are feeling. After planning, dreaming, practicing, and longing for this particular safari for so long it was surprising how easy it was to bring it to a screeching halt when we found there is a finality to the precious few days I have left with this incredible woman.

A very special, heartfelt thank you to Kathi and Bill/Usangu safaris.

Sorry for the bad news. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Melody: My thoughts are with you and your family. For everything there is a reason and a season. A well-done to Kathi & Bill for their "world-class" performance during these difficult times for you. Be strong, jorge

My concerns to you, also.
Max

Wow, my heart aches for you and your Dad and family.

I am pleased to hear your report on Usangu. My experience with Bill and Zahir was excellent.

Best wishes,

Russell

Very sad to hear of your mother's illness, and your family's pain! It is unfortunate that your safari was booked for that exact time, and I know it will be disapointing, but your mother is what counts now! I know something about cancer, and am in treatment as we speak, but haveing my family around me is worth all the hunting I've ever done, or will do! It is great that you have Kathi, and Bill to help with your re-scheduling your hunt till a time you will enjoy it even more! Your mother is in my prayers! Hang in there Hoss, there will be better times!

Sorry to hear about this. Having lost both my folks, I know how this feels. The buffalo will wait. Spend as much time with your mom as you can, and be there for your pops. Good luck, and again, I'm very sorry to hear this news....

My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll. You know I think you folks are a special family and your mom must be something to have raised you. I wore my Lost My A.. hat today, not even knowing you needed a hug. Long distance, here it is!

May GOD be with you and your family in this troubled time.

Sorry to hear of your bad news for your hunt and especialy for your mom. My thoughts will be with you today.

465H&H

Good and loving mom's are to be treasured. Besides having kids in return, this is another way that you pay for your "raisin". The buff hunt will always be there.
Take care of your mother!!!

Dak

Melody: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
You are a very special person. I know your Mother is also.

Doyle and Kathleen

Melody, Sorry to hear the bad news about your mother. You are doing the right thing to send your time with her. The buff will be there when you are ready to go on safari.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Keith

Melody, Your priorities are correct. May you and your family be blessed with peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Melody,

Cherish all the moments you can get right now. Take lots of photos, write a diary, document so you can look back someday and feel cheer for the person who is your mother. Do as much fun stuff as you can with her.

Wishing you all well....

Zebra...

My thought are with you and your mother this night.

Melody,

I know how you and your husband were waiting...Africa...She will wait...Our thoughts, prayers, and strength...

Mike & Cherie

TexasZebra

I am very sorry. May God bless your mother and family.

Dave

Melody, Jerry,
you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!

Sorry to hear the news. No doubt you have your priorities straight. Glad to see the safari community (Kathi & Bill/Usangu Safaris) stepping up and taking care of you.

Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's plight. I encourage you, from personal experience, to talk with her directly about her illness and your love for her. When confronted with a similar situation, I did not and I regret not making the most of the opportunity to tell my mother how much, how very much I loved her. Kudude

So sorry to hear of your family's difficulties, very best to your mother. Your safari awaits another dawn.

My prayers,

JPK

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

It's very sad when your parents get sick and go on pain management, usually morphine drip. Now is the time to tell her everything else you've not told in the past. You've probably told her you loved her a million times before, but now each "I really Love You" will count. Having lost my folks a while back, I kinda know your pain. Again, leave nothing unsaid, otherwise you'll beat yourself to death over what you could've told her. I'm very sorry to hear of this misfortune and hope your family the best.

I was saddened to hear your news as it was this time last year that I learned of my mothers cancer. I had just booked my wife and I on our first safari for buffalo and leopard with the Whittalls for June of this year when we found out.I spent as much time with my mom every day talking and making sure she was comfortable and her needs were met.She was excited about the safari and loved hearing the stories I read to her of JPK, Bill C,and others great adventures.Talk and spend as much time as you can with her during these special times. Gods blessings to your family.