Beyond the Trailhead

Stormy times are part of our lives. We always dread them and sometimes suffer a long aftermath. Recently, our family here at Saddlebag Dispatches experienced a terrible storm with the passing of the great Dusty Richards and his wife, Pat. Troubled waters rose around our friends, but we were unable to do anything substantial to help them and their family.

Helplessness is something none of us likes feeling. But what can we really do when people we love are in dire straits like these? The first and continuous help we can give is prayer. Though pain, fear, and disorder have overcome them, we each can pray that God will give them comfort, courage, healing, and a spirit of hope. Prayer can transform a torn and worn body to again go forward on the many miles they have yet to go.

This horrible accident that Dusty and his wife have experienced should help us all realize how important friendships are. For many years, our friend Dusty has shared knowledge and wisdom about how to pursue and reach our dreams. He has shared his talents, skills and methods eagerly and freely propelling many of us forward at a rate not possible alone.

Times like this inspire me to write my thoughts. By sharing them, my wish is that they will give help, comfort, and hope.

A FRIEND IN NEED

We are often blessed by persons unaware They are being watched as secret mentors. For them we owe great debts As we reap the profits and keep seeking more.

Sometimes these mentors never know They helped us outlast doubts and fears And encouraged us to be relentless when overcoming trouble Through tiresome sweat and tears.

When they taught us in sincere ways They left no doubt about unfulfilled dreams. Wake up! Stand up! Hurry on! they advised. The great world you seek is still downstream. The rapids you face may be rough and turbid. Fear and troubles may lurk at every bend. But they will say, move on down, Troubles are normal before an end.

Now after years receiving gifts they offer We give our help to ford their rapids ahead. Until they stand tall again and walk alone, We will be their crutch and lend a helping hand.

—Chet Dixon is a businessman, philanthropist, and published author of multiple works, including the poetry collections Beyond the Trailhead and Affections Not Sleeping. He resides near Branson, Missouri, but his heart lives in the western wilderness.