On July 11, 2013, our lives changed in a matter of seconds.
We knew the danger was there every time with bull riding, but on that day nothing more was on our minds then the excitement that Aaron had been riding in the Calgary Stampede and hunting for that $100,000 prize, while waiting with excitement for Aaron to crack out of the chute for what we were hoping was another successful 8 seconds of victory.
It had been almost 12 years that I have been watching Aaron's talent grow and the dedication and love he had for the sport - yet nothing could have prepared us for what happened that day.
We now look back on Aaron's accident and that first night in the hospital and often wonder how we managed to fight through the pain and hurt. I don't know how I would have gotten through it all if it wasn't for the strength and drive Aaron had that this wasn't going to slow him down for long.
Being told he was supposed to be paralyzed from the ribs down never left our minds for one minute. It aided in Aaron's strength and our gratefulness that no matter what, we could get through this and he was going to walk out of the hospital.
There were moments when I wanted nothing more, but to trade places with him and allow him to keep living his dream, or just being able to push a rewind button on that day and none of this would have happened to him. I knew I needed to be strong for him too as he fought through the pain, even though it killed me to see him like that.
I spent many nights awake thinking, "why Aaron" and would often have thoughts of waking up from this and it was all just a scary dream.
As the days passed in the hospital things continued to get better, and seeing Aaron progress with moving around, always put a huge smile on my face.
After 14 days in the Calgary and Regina hospitals, Aaron amazed his doctors with his progress and much to our delight we moved Aaron home where he was much happier and more comfortable to be in his familiar surroundings. He spent the remainder of his summer relaxing in his recliner chair following his doctor's orders faithfully.
He was determined to do things on his own and never gave up, just like a true cowboy would.
And being as stubborn as he is, I saw the same fight I saw in him at the hospital as I did at home and that he was determined he was going to get better every day. Once I knew Aaron could manage a few hours on his own, I was slowly able to ease myself back in to my daily job.
We take each day, day-by-day and we're thankful that he was still able to walk and will one day still be able to run around with our child, which we are extremely excited to meet in the new year.
I said before it was a dream of mine to have my children grow up witnessing the talent and love their father has for bull riding, but for now we will have to be patient as it is unknown at this time whether Aaron will return to bull riding.
I couldn't be more proud of all his accomplishments in his career, and I do miss seeing Aaron packing for the BFTS events. I miss everything from him reading out a list to me of everything he has to make sure he hasn't forgotten to the late-night phone calls of how he did or following the PBR on Twitter for updates.
Aaron also misses bull riding very much, but for now he is focused on his recovery and just watching his fellow competitors on the television.
He now has a nine-inch scar down his back as a constant reminder of his accident, but also a reminder of his own strength and perseverance to recover.
Aaron has now been increased to lifting 10 pounds, so his activities are still very limited at this time. Hopefully soon he can begin doing more things outside and enjoy the somewhat fair weather before the lovely Saskatchewan winter hits us. He has also begun physiotherapy with light stretches and exercises.
It's often said time heals all wounds and that's exactly all Aaron needs right now-time to recover.
2013 has been a tough year with much heartache and pain, but the blessing of a child in the New Year, Aaron doing so well with his recovery and our health and the support of our family and friends has kept us strong.
No matter what life throws at us, it makes us stronger and we know that we can get through it together.
There are no words that we can say that can begin to express how grateful we are for all the support we have received over the past few months.
The kind words while Aaron was in the hospital helped keep us positive and we looked forward to hearing and reading them often. The visitors Aaron had during his stays in the hospital lifted up our hearts and helped the days pass.
Thank you to all the doctors and nurses at the Calgary Foothills Medical Centre and Regina General Hospital for your outstanding care.
To everyone back home for your help on the ranch and visits once Aaron came home. To the PBR stock contractors and rodeo organizations for donating your stock cheques and holding fundraisers at your events.
The benefit auction was simply amazing and again no words can express how thankful we are to each and every one of the donators and the bidders. To a great friend of ours for doing the t-shirt sales to help raise money. To those who sent personal donations to the trust fund.
To the PBR and all of Aaron's sponsors for the opportunities this lifestyle has given us and allowing Aaron to live his dream as a professional bull rider.
To our friends and family for standing by us to help us out when we needed it most.
A special thank you to Jason Davidson for all he has done for Aaron throughout his career and the support you continue to give us each and every day through Aaron's recovery. And last but not least, to my sisters, Tegan and Kristen, for setting up the auction and dedicating countless hours away from their family to keeping it organized.
If there is anyone we have forgotten we are very sorry, but we are forever thankful.
We couldn't be more thankful for all the support. It's truly amazing how fans, friends and neighbors can rally together in a time of need. Thank you all for keeping us in your hearts and may God bless you all.
From the bottom of our hearts,
Aaron and Hallie Roy