I need to do a little follow up from the “Badger Hole”.
First of all thank you to everyone who sends kind words, thoughts and prayers.
It was so comforting to both of us to have so many nice responses.
I’m not sure why I felt the need to write about it, just felt the need to get it off my chest and from all the great responses from true friends I’m glad I did as it really inspired us.
We have been vacationing at the Bozeman Deaconess hospital since Saturday night. Tammy got a couple of infections so we are taking care of that.
I am in awe of how great the people that work in the health care industry are. We have been dealing with them so much in the last two months and it is just amazing what these dedicated people do.
I have been watching and learning to try to see how I can make myself better on the livestock side of healthcare and improve my BQA skills.
I watched an ultrasound of Tammy’s heart yesterday. It was a moment of awe at the miracle of our body and how it all functions. You should take better care of your body (as should I).
Tammy has a great young doctor in Bozeman that was recommended by her brother-in-law Pete Petersen. We had a visit yesterday and told him about using the livestock wormer. He was a little set back at first but then because of Tammy’s enthusiasm he got interested. She sent him some info.
It is so hard to know what to do. Tammy is very good at researching and making decisions, and not just taking the easy way and doing what everyone else does.
She is using the parts of modern medicine that she feels will help, naturalistic things to support her body and immune system and livestock wormer.
Talk about “Art Of The Cowgirl “, that’s pretty ranchy if you ask me.
The challenge has been her kidney function. As soon as we can get those suckers back to normal, then our life will get back on track and we can have a fair fight.
So, I did not write for sympathy or asking for anything, just wanted to get it off my chest and let people know. We had know idea of the response and the offering of prayer and support we would receive. Amazing.
It’s fun to see how much Tammy means to folks. I used to do Women’s Ranch Horse Clinics at the Home Ranch, a guest ranch in Colorado. I made the decision to focus more on the beef production side of stockmanship so Tammy took over doing clinics at the Home Ranch.
When I was doing clinics women would cry sometimes in the middle of the clinic because they were frustrated. Women cried at the end of Tammy’s clinics because it was over and they didn’t want it to end. There was crying at both, just a little different types.
I feel I’ve been more of an animal person, but Tammy is both, but mostly a people person. It is really evident that people really care about her just as she really cares about people.
You should see how she is in the resort(hospital)She is always saying she’s sorry to the nurses and doesn’t want to bother anyone. No matter how much they poke and prod her she stays positive. I was amazed how tough she was when she was having our children and I am amazed at how she is handling this.
So again thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
This is a site about Stockmanship and not about our personal life. I am not going to make this a place to talk about this. I just wanted you to know and to share how important it is to think and plan ahead whether you are trotting through the tall grass or living life. You can’t always see the badger holes but you can be prepared just in case.
Tammy brought this quote to my attention on our way home from Seattle. It fits our situation
Curt Pate Stockmanship 
Prayers and hugs to all of you. We love you guys and hope to talk to you soon. Uncle Wilson and Sherri
You’re a good man, Curt, and I know she appreciates you standing beside her through this fight and loving her every minute. Thinking of you both, and Mesa and Rial.
Curt I just want to thank you for writing and sharing. We are all worried and want the Best for both of you, but we don’t want to be a pain either. It takes a lot to open up and keep us informed and for that we are very grateful. I’m sure I can speak for a lot of people that just want to know because they care so very much. Your willingness to let us know how it’s going is so valuable. Just know you have a whole army of pray-ers, out here! Ken and Nancy
Curt, I am so sorry to hear about Tammy. We are all thinking of you and pray for a good outcome.
Hang in there buddy….
Thanks so much for sharing the details of this rough journey. Ken and I hope that you continue to keep us–and all who love you and Tammy–updated like you have been. She’s one remarkable woman, truly beautiful inside and out, and we’re sending healing thoughts her way.
Thank you for writing. Please keep us all updated. Since the first time I met her at Midwest Horse Fair years ago—I thought she was one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever met. Inside and out. She gave me a yoga book one time-just because she thought I would enjoy it.
So- keep us updated Curt We would like to know too- so we can do our job…lift her up in prayer and positivity. And she can do her and get well.
Curt, thank you for the update. Many of us are afraid to pry but it gives us a sense of relief to know (firsthand) how things are going. Your efforts are really appreciated, as it can’t be easy for you to put it out there. But thank you and know that many lives have been touched and affected by you both.
We send our love and prayers,
Bruce and Polly
Thank you for the update, you spoke of the inspiration you felt from the responses, we’ll I’ve never met you Curt and I don’t know that much about Tammy but I admire so much the efforts you both have made in improving the lives of both people and animals. I stumbled upon your western horseman colt starting video years ago and in it I saw many things I could use and that led to searching for more from you. I’m not a cattlemen nor am I a horseman but I am a student of the horse and really enjoy hearing what you have to say about keeping the stress out of our four legged and two legged friends. I’ve picked up many tidbits of information just from your posts and I’m always looking for the next one. So in the checkbook of inspiration I am overdrawn to you and Tammy for what you have given me and only wish I could do something to help. Thank you both again for your contributions for a better world. Stay strong. Tom
Hello my Christian Brother. Thank you for sharing your journey. I have heard about Fenbendazole as it pertains to cancer. I will be praying for you and Tammy and looking forward to trotting through some tall grass with you. Maybe in the fall at Ernie’s dream ride. Guess you know you and Tammy are welcome at our camp anytime. Rex Buchman
Curt & Tammy, Just got wind of this today. I’m sure you know I love you both though I never said it out loud and certainly never typed it in a public forum. Didn’t know how to respond privately so my apologies. I am blessed to have been redeemed by the Creator of this world, including badger holes, and will pray that it would be God’s will to heal Tammy and encourage you and your family. He’s blessed me with a friendship for you two that doesn’t require seeing each other every day, week, or even every year and yet I still feel connected to you whenever we are together like I just saw you the day before. Thanks for that friendship and let me know how I can help.
You already have helped. Thank you
Curt, I only learned of Tammy’s health issues yesterday from Jennifer Denison. You and Tammy both mean the world to Western Horseman and me personally. We will certainly keep Tammy and your family in our prayers. Tell Tammy we are all pulling for her!!!
Thank you Ernie
Curt and Tammy, Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so saddened to hear about this Tammy. I do know how positive you are and that you are an absolute fighter! Please know I will be praying for all of you and praying for healing, guidance, peace and comfort, Tammy. Love to you both, Becky
Thank you Becky.
We miss you, Allen and Hubbard.
Thoughts and prayers. I saw your presentation in Weston at John Spiker’s farm. Kent Shipe, West Virginia
Mr. Pate,
Sending you blessings from Idaho. Having walked the cancer path myself, I can tell you there is nothing more terrifying and yet purifying to face.
From what you have written, you’ve already discovered clarity comes very quickly as to what is important in life and what isn’t. That is one gift I try never to forget or take for granted.
You’re writing and work with livestock and horses is so authentic and honest. I look forward to reading everything you post. Please continue to update when you feel like it. There are a lot of people out here pulling for both Tammy and you on this journey.
Stay strong,
Curt, it is therapeutic to share these times. People care about you, Tammy and the family. It is not helpful to internalize. Share your feelings. It is ok to be mad. It is ok to be sad. It is ok to want to get on your horse and ride off. God will help you through these tough times and you will come back stronger than ever. Lean on those who care about and love you. You will be amazed how much comfort they bring you. We love you, we are here for you. God heap his blessings on you today!
“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. ”
Keep reaching for the answers, Tammy. They will come.
Tammy is a cowgirl through and through! She never gives up and does everything with grace, elegance and finesse. God promises to be with us through sweet days and challenging ones. The Amini’s are praying strength for your family and we see healthy days for Tammy!
Thank you Curt for the up date on Tammy, just heard about it last night and I’m so sorry you both have to go through this. I’ll pray every day for healing. There’s power in prayer. God bless you both and keep us posted. She’s a beautiful lady.