Reflecting back on 2008

[Bobby Branton]

2008 was not a great year for me in some regards. I was not able to make The Blade Show for the first time in 23 years. I had a few health issues during the year and particularly the tumor in my head in December. I made it through the first operation and will be going back in the hospital January 5th, 2009 at 6:00 am to remove the remainder of the tumor. I feel very blessed and lucky that the tumor was benign and truly believe that no matter how bad you think you have it, someone else out there has it even worse. I have become a little closer to some friends and family throughout this ordeal, and that means a lot.
It will be a little rough going forward into 2009 financially as I have not been able to work in the shop since early December, but it is all out of my control for now. I should be up and working again by mid to late January if the surgery goes well and I mend quickly.

On a positive note in February, 2008, I was able to go to Hawaii and spend time with Ken Onion and Tom Mayo. How cool was that!!!
Ken gave me a hand in designing a few new models that I hope to unveil before or at Blade Show. I have a beautiful wife who for whatever reason adores the hell out of me and is my very best friend forever. My Mom, sister and brother and I have gotten even closer. I have good knifemaker buds from all over the world. I have great friends who just happen to be clients all over the world. What more could a guy want??

I am looking forward to meeting new challenges in regards to the knife world. I will come up with my own plan on how Branton Knives will deal with the economy and I'm sure it will be adjusted quite often. Hopefully with the tumor removed, I can also focus on my heath and take better care of myself so that I will be around for a while. I learned in a matter of hours that life is very fragile and that Cancer and Tumor are VERY powerful words once you hear them used regarding you and your situation. The things we thought were huge, were not really that huge. They never really mattered at all. As the say, "Don't sweat the small stuff "

So, here is to 2009. I wish you all the best and may all of you have a safe, happy and prosperous 2009.

Bobby Branton

 

[John M Cohea]

Same to you Bobby. It's great that you can look past the negitaves and see the positves of what was a really crappy year for many. In many ways 2008 sucked for me, but I had just as many positives so it all equalled out. Cheers!:thumbup:

 

[jdm61]

Things can only get better,my man, and with the favorable diagnosis you received, it looks like they already are.:thumbup:

 

[Lorien]

Hi Bobby, not only do you have the connections with the people you mentioned and the benefits included, you also have support from people you've never met, thanks to this website at least. I'm one of those people.

Hopefully with the tumor removed, I can also focus on my heath and take better care of myself so that I will be around for a while. I learned in a matter of hours that life is very fragile and that Cancer and Tumor are VERY powerful words once you hear them used regarding you and your situation. The things we thought were huge, were not really that huge. They never really mattered at all. As the say, "Don't sweat the small stuff "
So, here is to 2009. I wish you all the best and may all of you have a safe, happy and prosperous 2009.
Bobby Branton

With regards to your renewed interest in maintaining good health, I'd like to offer my expertise/advice, should you need it, if you decide to include a bicycle in your life. It's amazing how powerful a tool a bike can be for maintaining good health and a positive outlook.

Your post was inspiring, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts.

 

[T.K.C.]

Bobby, you ARE in my prayers, as is your family too. I wish you ALL the very best that world has to offer!

Attitude IS everything! That wonderful attitude, and all the love you have in your life WILL help you heal quickly. Peace to you.

Life is VERY precious, and every moment IS a gift.