“. . . 35 years earlier?”

Neighbor Mike made this black eye patch for me, neither of us having found a commercial eye patch, just the big oval Band-Aids I’ve been wearing! 🙂 As expected, most people (especially Americans) who see it almost immediately say, “Arrrrrgh – A Pirate!”

Always wanting to be different, I’m going to call it my “Rooster Cogburn Patch!” He was the fictional Rooster Cogburn, U.S. Marshall, Fort Smith, AR in the novel True Grit turned into the 1969 movie True Grit with which John Wayne earned his first Oscar and Glen Campbell a best song oscar. Thanks to my next door neighbor, George, for first calling me “Rooster Cogburn” instead of a pirate! Great idea George! 🙂

Note that there were 3 more movies made about the same story or novel, but as usual, the first was the classic. And because Fort Smith was my mother’s hometown, where we visited Grandmother uncountable times growing up, with cousins still living there – it is a special place! And all of us from Arkansas hated that they filmed True Grit in Colorado with snow capped mountains instead of real Arkansas/Oklahoma scenery where it took place in the book.

When John Wayne received his first oscar as “Best Actor” for Rooster Cogburn in True Grit 1969 version, he responded to the Academy, who had by-passed him many times before for oscars . . .

“Wow! If I’d known that, I’d have put that patch on 35 years earlier.”

~John Wayne

🙂

They tell me you’re a man with true grit.

~Mattie Ross (in the movie True Grit)

And actually I’m going to have my seamstress make me another, one or maybe 2 or 3, that are just a tad bigger to avoid any light coming in and to ride higher on my forehead, but for now, this one works great!

Saving Report on Radiation Consultation for Monday . . .

. . . because what I did yesterday was an hour+ consultation with the doctor going over all the medical details, side affects, procedures, and what I can and can’t do the next 3 months; though she assured me that my scheduled July birthday trip to the Osa Peninsula is still okay. I had already canceled my May return to Arenal, knowing it would be impossible. So I will be ready for my July trip like never before! 🙂

Monday, Karen, who is the logistics person for radiation, will be calling me to make all the arrangements, price discount, schedules and other details when I will then do just one report on the coming radiation therapy. And may share then the total cost of this cancer.

¡Pura Vida!

14 Replies to ““. . . 35 years earlier?””

  1. I always loved the movie True Grit and Rooster Cogburn. And being a Glen Campbell fan I loved the song. Glen used to joke his acting was so bad it helped John Wayne win his only Oscar. Wayne was awesome in the movie.

    We will call you Rooster Cogburn now;) You are a man with true grit.

    So glad you can still look forward to your July trip. Prayers for the upcoming radiation

  2. Charlie,
    It’s got to be tough.
    I admire your grit and courage.
    Your positive attitude is going to see you through.

  3. Hey, Rooster, er, Charlie, thanks for keeping us posted about your surgery and future treatment. Praying you’ll do the right things and it will help. Appreciate your spirit facing this.

    1. Charles, you are always so kind and thoughtful and your prayers are greatly appreciated as I keep having to make decisions about healthcare. “This too shall pass!” 🙂

  4. The patch is “snazzy” and a very good idea. Hang in there and know you are in so many thoughts and prayers, especially mine. Sending you a great big hug. Do take care. Nancy

    1. Nancy, THANKS so much for your kind words and prayers and hugs! And I ordered some black eye patches from the internet that will fit better than the homemade one in the photo. Just have to wait for it to get here! 🙂

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