Looking back, I couldn’t have imagined everything that has happened in the last 10 months. In the first three months of 2020 the United States was off the charts in almost every measure. Then, in mid-March, the world was hit with COVID-19 and bang—everything that we knew was thrown out. The hysteria created by the uncertainty of what we were facing was scary. If you recall the initial death prediction done by the Imperial College Study was 2.2 million Americans.

My thoughts at the time included: Is this really happening? Is the world coming apart? Is my family safe? What will happen to my business? I admit, I was scared. I thank the Lord that we live in a country where our response was incredible and that this is a country which has the resources available to those who need it. I have many friends whose lives have been dramatically changed in the past year and my heart goes out to them and others who have been through a tough year.

As a country we have learned a lot in 2020. We have learned to be safer within our communities and to protect our neighbors. Today, we understand that we need to look at news sources not as absolute fact but with a critical eye. We now know just how wise the writers of our constitution were, as we've seen our basic rights under attack. What a beautiful piece of writing the United States Constitution is.

Sitting here today I am more thankful for my family, more thankful for my friends, and I know that I appreciate more each and every day then I did 10 short months ago. I want to thank each of you for being part of my life and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

God Bless the United States of America!

Be sure to visit the NTR website (nationalteamroping.com) for any changes or additions to the events advertised in this issue of The Arena as well as 2021 National Finals qualifiers in other regions of the country.