04 August 2004, 13:54
Keith AtchesonBack From Africa ---- Thanks to All
Niki and I returned from SA about two weeks ago and finally are getting settled back in to home. She is healing up ahead of all predictions and her goal is to be out hunting and guiding with me this fall in Montana. We both wish to extend our deepest heart-felt gratitude to all of you for your best wishes and prayers. With out a doubt in my mind it helped greatly and it provided me with huge moral support for days while we were in the hospital. Above everything I thank God that I still have my beautiful wife. The Bucking Fuffalo will not keep us down.
As I told another poster here on AR in a PM, being charged and shooting a wounded raging animal at close range and escaping with no injury is one thing but actually being attacked, injured or killed and/or seeing it is quite another. The two are seperated by a thin thread of fate but they are worlds.
My heart goes out to Paddy Curtiss and Leno Fontana and those who were with my friend Bobby Fontana and his family and friends and all the others involved in a very strange year in cape buffalo hunting. Please continue to support these fine people.
Good luck to all of you and thanks again!
04 August 2004, 14:20
WillGlad to hear that Niki is recovering quickly and in good fashion. Nothing very romantic about getting whacked by a buff. Hope there are good spirits and no lasting effects.
The best to you guys.
04 August 2004, 14:20
Russell E. TaylorWelcome home!
I've no doubt our prayers helped you and your wife through this ordeal. Well... our asking... His granting. I'm a big believer in the power of collective prayer.
Russ
04 August 2004, 14:27
hhmagWelcome back, and we are all very glad Niki will be up and hunting soon

04 August 2004, 14:35
gotogirl3We're all glad you both made it home and have such a good outlook. Keep it up!
04 August 2004, 15:17
218 BeePleasure!
Good news all 'round...it's wonderful to hear that things are getting back to normal for your family. It's also wonderful (though not terribly surprising) that Niki is already planning her return to the field!
Here's hoping that things continue to improve.
Mark
04 August 2004, 15:21
RustyI can only add my well wishes to you both! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
04 August 2004, 15:22
Mike SmithWelcome home! That is one tough gal you have there Keith. I am glad everything is ok in the end. It is always harder to see your loved ones hurt. I am glad your and Nikki's ordeal is coming to a close in a positive manner.
04 August 2004, 15:51
Aspen Hill AdventuresKeith,
I am glad to hear Niki is doing so well. It is also encouraging to hear she is ready to go afield already this fall!
04 August 2004, 16:44
SteveKeith,
Glad to hear that Niki is doing well. Give her all our best and I hope that her Fall hunts are great!
-Steve
04 August 2004, 17:18
Kyler HamannI'm glad you're back and the healing is going so well.
Keep after 'um.
Kyler
04 August 2004, 17:46
David WKeith,
Glad you're back and best wishes to you and Niki.
David
04 August 2004, 21:32
JefferyDenmarkI hope that you both get a god hunting/Guiding season in Montana and that it will give you time to reflect on what happened.
If you deal with it right it will make you stronger, I bet it has !

I wish you all the best.
Cheers,
Andr�
Denmark
05 August 2004, 00:28
Brooks CarmichaelI am glad Niki is on the mend and is ready to go hunting again. You guys take care of yourselves and be careful. Have a great day hunting this fall.

05 August 2004, 03:24
SlingsterKeith and Niki:
Your story is inspirational to us all, and I'm glad to hear that you're finally home and that Niki is rebounding strongly enough to be hunting again this fall. Good show!
What a great gal that Niki. Within days of her return, I received a nice note acknowledging my sending her a card. That speaks volumes about her character!
05 August 2004, 04:57
SantalaIt is good to hear that Niki is doing well. My continued best wishes to you both.
Steve
05 August 2004, 05:13
30ott6Keith- Welcome home. We were all rooting for Niki and were very impressed with her tenacity and will to survive. Have a super fall season and keep us posted on how Niki is doing.
John
05 August 2004, 05:20
eyedocWelcome back both of you.Wishing you nothing but good days ahead as you have certainly earned them this year..eyedoc