The Buffalo Hoof......

[trip]

Sometimes adversity in our lives can be turned into a positive thing. It's all in how we approach it.

I met Jesse Beeks, #628 at the KawaNOW SouthCentral Mini-Rally last week. He was attending the rally from Farmington, Arkansas. Jesse is somewhat of a quiet guy, standing tall and confident. After riding with him and the others on Saturday, I noticed he limped slightly when walking around. I asked him about it.

It appears that some years ago a person in a car hit him and his wife while riding a motorcycle. In the process, Jesse lost his right leg just below the knee. Now, he sports a prosthetic leg and does a very good job in getting around.

However, after going through all that, Jesse still rides and enjoys his Nomad. And Jesse has a sense of humor. Occasionally, he'll put on his Buffalo Hoof. Yes, Jesse had a buffalo hoof made and wears it on special occasions.

The way Jesse puts it, "I do strange things sometimes...I have no problem with that. We only get one chance in life, make the most of what you have and enjoy".

Since we all ride Nomads and there is always a certain degree of danger in riding motorcycles, we do just that everytime we ride.

My helmet is off to Jesse and others like him who take the negative things in life and make them positive.

KawaNOW and FOREVER,
Trip

http://www.kawanow.org/misc/jesse01.jpg
http://www.kawanow.org/misc/jesse02.jpg

[paul]

Now that's just plain funny......but in a sideways, spiritual kind of way.

Way to go Jesse!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[caddman11]

Now that's something that will get 2nd looks for sure. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif Way cool story, keep it up Jesse.

[nomad561]

Jesse sounds like my kind of people.
Definately has a great outlook on life.

[dogdoc]

many more happy yrs riding Jesse.

[pirate]

I love the spirit and attitude! Cool pics, too!

[caper]

Cool guy!

[phenrichs]

That may be the greatest example of turning a negative into a positive that I have ever seen.

[dennisbailey]

Life is about attitude. Jesse has chosen his. You are an inspiration Jesse.

[landman]

now theres a guy wiyh a real sende of humor ! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[radco]

Jesse, my hats off to you, to not let bad things keep you down,,, GREAT Idea Man thats a gas LOL.. Hopefully I can your knid of spirit if ever needed,,,,Best to you,,,,,,Rich

[oldbikers]

And he is a hell of a nice guy, Jessie I hope to see you again real soon http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[nomaderwatiamriden]

that lifted me up 2-day

[Kawhead]

Way da go!!!! I love that! That man has character!

[Cajunrider]

Very inspirational. I have a heck of alot of respect for someone with that kind of courage. It makes me remember that it doesn't matter how bad things may seem to be, someone else is having a rougher time than you are.

[psychocycle]

Know we have another example to carry around with us for "Humor is the Best Medicine". A good tale for us all to reflect on. Cheers to Jessie and Thanks to Trip for passing this along.

[abbo]

:) Welcome Jesse- I'll bet with that kind of attitude and spirit he is just as strong as a "buffalo" also. Well done Jesse, you do as the old addage says "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade" Kudos http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[ballast]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif2 thumbs up http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[ringadingh]

Sorry to hear about the circumstances of losing a leg but thats a great way way to look at life Jesse, its far to short to go around miserable, humour is always a far better choice.

[kawgirl]

I LOVE IT!!!!

[dandolfn]

That's funny! Spitting in the face of fate!!

There's a guy that lives in my development who lost one of his legs to a blood clot.

He drives a Harley trike and has flames on his artificial leg!

:-)

[biscuitsngravy]

That's about the coolest thing I ever saw! Best to you, Jesse!!

I had an uncle who lost both legs due to diabetes. When asked how he was doing he'd say, "Can't kick about it!"
BnG

[rflnomad]

Yet again, this PROVES we are able to control our own lives. Making the most out of whatever our situations are and move forward.
Awesome, Man. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif
Hey, the wife has hinted about getting a older Mustang. Yours in the picture is the style she likes, 64 - 67 coupe. They are a neat car.

[ccmjr77]

He has a great attitude. That would mess people up seeing that.
My father has a very similar story.
He was hit while riding his Goldwing about 19 years ago. He lost his right leg just below the knee. A 63 year old women drunk driver hit him on a sunday afternoon.
He always wanted to ride again, and I tried to help anyway I could, he just never did mainly because of my mom. He did get a convertible to atleast feel the wind.
My dad has a great attitude as well and had one of his legs modified to hold tools. He had screw drivers and and other tools in and hanging from it.

[rickyboy]

It's always nice to hear those inspirational stories Trip.
My hat's off to Jessie.....for getting back in the saddle and for the humor he shows every time he straps that hoof on.
My wife has an uncle who was involved in an accident which left him in a wheel chair as quadriplegic . His "handle" on the web sites he visits is "sitsalot"... he never lost his sense of humor either.

[ken]

Now I feel right sorry for Jesse that he lost a part of his leg, but I greatly admire his spirit. This is one strong individual. Helmets off to Jesse.