Mike's Message to Barbaro - Surprise visit from Jesse
Hello everyone. When I arrived at Kernan today Mike had Barbaro's letter ready and asked would I send it to Barbaro. So here it is:
Dear Barbaro,
Thank you for being a super star and thinking of me. People write on your web site and talk to me. There is no other way they would have talked to me because they talked to you first. Your trainer and owners are so famous and that way I get mentioned on a equal basis as you do. I feel like there is no other way those people would have considered me in their thoughts if they hadn't considered you first. It is very touching that I am considered by the same caliber of people who considered you. I feel privledged because of all this. I just want the story to show people what my life is about and how much my family loves me and how much I love them. Thank you Barbaro so much. My prayers and dreams are with you.
Mike Rea
As you can tell, I didn't edit any of his words. Mike is so overwhelmed with everyone caring so much about him. I've also posted his letter on the Tim Woolley's Racing site and on the new message/chat board for everyone to see. I hope everyone sees it and again thanks to everyone for helping my brother with his recovery.
Today was a good day for Mike. He called mother and I this morning. He was worried about Rochelle and the children. He gets thoughts in his head sometimes and we try to help him. As soon as he hung up the phone Rochelle, Gracie, and Jesse walked in. Yes I said Jesse, Mike's 12 year old son who he hasn't seen since the accident. They embraced, hugged and cried. The visit went great. After they left is when Mike started his letter to Barbaro. Tonight when I was talking to Rochelle I had told her about his call to us this morning and then told her Mike said that as soon as he hung up she walked in. She was touched because at that moment she knew she had completely stopped his thoughts or worrying when she and the children arrived. She surprised Mike with Jesse's visit. Good night to everyone. All is good.
Dear Barbaro,
Thank you for being a super star and thinking of me. People write on your web site and talk to me. There is no other way they would have talked to me because they talked to you first. Your trainer and owners are so famous and that way I get mentioned on a equal basis as you do. I feel like there is no other way those people would have considered me in their thoughts if they hadn't considered you first. It is very touching that I am considered by the same caliber of people who considered you. I feel privledged because of all this. I just want the story to show people what my life is about and how much my family loves me and how much I love them. Thank you Barbaro so much. My prayers and dreams are with you.
Mike Rea
As you can tell, I didn't edit any of his words. Mike is so overwhelmed with everyone caring so much about him. I've also posted his letter on the Tim Woolley's Racing site and on the new message/chat board for everyone to see. I hope everyone sees it and again thanks to everyone for helping my brother with his recovery.
Today was a good day for Mike. He called mother and I this morning. He was worried about Rochelle and the children. He gets thoughts in his head sometimes and we try to help him. As soon as he hung up the phone Rochelle, Gracie, and Jesse walked in. Yes I said Jesse, Mike's 12 year old son who he hasn't seen since the accident. They embraced, hugged and cried. The visit went great. After they left is when Mike started his letter to Barbaro. Tonight when I was talking to Rochelle I had told her about his call to us this morning and then told her Mike said that as soon as he hung up she walked in. She was touched because at that moment she knew she had completely stopped his thoughts or worrying when she and the children arrived. She surprised Mike with Jesse's visit. Good night to everyone. All is good.
posted by Mike's Family | 11:34 PM
8 Comments:
Hi Mike, I just finished reading the touching letter that you wrote and that Cathy posted on the TW site. I've been following your progress since I learned of your accident & have been praying ceaselessly for you and your family. Each and every one of Cathy and Nancy's updates are so heartwarming to read because they all reflect your families deep love for one another. I'm so delighted that you were able to see Jesse. Also, that you'll be getting weekend passes enabling you to get away from Kenan for a while. Before you know it you'll be leaving for good! Now getting away from the Barbaromaniacs is another story that I assure you will never happen-the carrot possee will see to that! Warm wishes to all for today, for tomorrow, and always.
Mike: I just finished reading your letter to Barbaro. Thakns for your words and your continuing inspiration. I am so happy that you continue to improve day by day and thankful for the love and support you receive from your wonderful family.
Love from all the BarbaroManiacs at TWR.
Lisa
Hey, Mike! Just read your message to Barbaro and want you to know that when Dr. Richardson said that Barbaro's attitude is phenomenal THAT APPLIES TO YOU, TOO! We are all rooting for you over on the TWR site, and you need to know that with all the Barbaromaniacs in your corner miracles happen!! We can be a little wacky, but we're harmless and you're on the prayer list, the candlelighting list, the vigil list...so you're in good hands! Have a blessed day and enjoy your beautiful family!
You've come a long way, baby!
Your pal,
Nancy in CT
Mike, I am very glad to read that you're doing so well! You will beat this thing, I have no doubt. I read your wonderful letter to Barbaro, and you are just as much of a fighter and a champion as he is. Please know that you and your incredible family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. You are one heckuva tough guy and you WILL beat this. My best to you and your family.
Dear Mike Rea, I read your letter on Tim Woolley’s site. It was a lovely letter. Thank you for writing it. Like Barbaro you are in a long fight. Like Barbaro you are fighting to get better. Like Barbaro you are healing and getting stronger every day. And like Barbaro you are a hero to many people. Even here in Florida we heard about the barn fire last November. It made the national news. But I didn’t realize who the people were who went in to save the horses, and you were one of those people. Wow! You are amazing and brave. I have lite candles for you and hope you and Barbaro win your races and get to go home soon!
Sending healing thoughts to you,
Mr. Rea and family,
I also am one of those who check in on you and Barbaro every day but do not always post a message. I feel in my heart that both of you will continue to improve and be back to some semblance of normal sooner rather than later. Faith,prayer,and family are such powerful things and you both have an unexpected extended group of people who are pulling for you with everything they've got. Best wishes to all.
Kim in IL
Just thrilled to hear that Jesse was able to visit his dad! What a wonderful reunion that must have been. Mike, we do see and feel the love you have for your family, and the love they have for you. It is an inspiration to everyone.
Can't wait for the day you and Barbaro can meet up...maybe you can even "share" some stories about what you had to put up with while in the hospital. That would make an interesting conversation, man to horse, horse to man. :) Maybe you would let us eavesdrop?
You and Barbaro both have shown great courage and determination. Thoughts and prayers go out to you as you continue your journeys, separate but somehow connected. Keep the faith!
Mike, Glad to hear you are having some great days and even wrote a super wonderful letter to Barbaro. We were off line a few days from Aug 22 to Aug 25 due to router blowup and losing internet explorer. Tonight we are back online and cruising or smoking burning up the keyboard. As a result we are enclosing the original poem Barbaro's Tribute to Lost In The Fog. It is posted at Tim Woolley's front news page with some strange changes of Lost In The Fog's to Lost In the Woods and we included a second poem to save Barbaro's mischievous side. Here goes and enjoy: Take 1 ---
BARBARO's TRIBUTE TO LOST IN THE FOG
by WM & Cle Shaw (Inspired by Bobby Jackson's Big Heart) August 21, 2006
Remember the good times friends have together.
That's what helps endure all kinds of weather.
Who knew what time her story would tell,
As Barbaro gets better to bid farewell.
He sees like we do that Lost In The Fog,
Spend time with Greg Gilchrist & the family dog.
While our Bobby enjoys more freedom each day,
Grazing on grass and prize Timothy mix hay.
He understands what it means for best friends apart.
He whinnies so softly that you're just as smart.
He'll whisper some prayers your pain stays at bay.
Let His Light of Hope keep fears and doubts away.
He knows what it is like to suffer the blues,
He wishes so much better recovery cues.
Though times may be tough in the weeks ahead,
Maybe months left to rest in your special bed.
Just enjoy your time breathing fresh air and love.
Heaven's own gift to you from ALL His Angels above.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that plays a tribute for you,
You were the best sprinter of any horse we knew.
Until Barbaro came of age and ran alongside your race.
In sleep's dreams you'll relive Bay Shore's first place.
2005 was your winning year with Eclipse Award.
Spending quiet times with your trainer is more reward.
Why do you mean so much to Greg?
Is a horse more than speed of leg?
What makes Barbaro and Lost In The Fog the same?
Are they not greater than horse flesh by name?
Why do we find it so hard to understand,
The answer stares squarely upon one's own hand.
A horsewhisper for Barbaro can clearly foresee,
These two extraordinary horses are like you and me.
That's what Gilchrist knew all along,
when Lost In The Fog won more than furlong,"
"This horse is like a brother to me"
Replied Greg to ESPN and Horseracing TV.
Continuing Lost In The Fog's tribute he finds,
These immortal words that might change others' minds--
"More respect for this horse than most people I deal with"
"If he were human...you want to be around him"--no myth.
It will be a tough time for him to bear,
While Lost In The Fog gets top home care.
Returning to Golden Gates Fields Sunday mid-noon,
Barbaro sends his best wishes to be with Greg soon.
The two will find time like Mike Matz and Barbaro.
The bond between trainer and horse beyond high and low.
Let us not shed sorrowful tears today,
Rather rejoice in their union as we pray.
If there's something to learn when all's said and done,
Barbaro's Champion spirit sends blessings to everyone.
"Celebrate each day as if it were your last"
"Take nothing for granted in the present or past."
"Find joy in the day's moments shared together with you."
Barbaro whispers, "dearest Eclipse Sprinter like Seattle Slew."
So with horsewhispering wisdom left here to see,
"May you be as pampered like they do me at NBC."
"Your groom Pascual Garcia will caress you with love."
"Just as Seabiscuit, Your Honor, Secretariat above."
PS: About 2/3ds down it got changed to Lost In The Woods. Alex asked me to write another poem and it came out quite hilariously funny:
Barbaro's Tale How Fog's Went Wood's by Cle Shaw & Bobby Jackson August 25, 2006
Another day of rain and the fog rolls in,
Still Lost In The Fog made his Belmont win,
The Belmont stakes came in 2005 and went,
Barbaro nays, " That was time very well spent."
Looked at Tim Woolley's site for today's bit of news,
Saw my tribute to Lost In The Fog had some views.
"Yikes," snorts Barbaro. "They'll sure be in for a big surprise."
Lost In The Fog's became Lost In The Wood's before our eyes.
Then Lost In The Fog gave Barbaro a call.
"Hey, what's with me Lost In The Wood's," from his stall.
BJ retorts, "Lightning struck "Crafty Shaw's" DSL,
Wireless Router, Internet Explorer wipeout as well."
"Some say I got high on too many peppermints and grass,
Must be "Mischievous Bobby" making another pass.
Who knew it was really Windows XP's "Buggy Colt."
Along with "Stormy's" mischievous lightning bolt."
Off to our best neighbor's house trotted Crafty and me,
Yes, Lost In the Wood's is back to Fog's original remedy.
PS: We are working on a special section with your letter to Barbaro for UPENN Barbaro Recovery Review in our USA TEAM BARBARO Lounge area at www.campaigningforbarbaro.com under the sidelink Team AMBASSADORS.
Hope you're still enjoying that icecream with special topping you love so much. Take care for now,
WM, Cle, & Bobby Jackson
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