My Beloved Husband, James A. Kennedy, DVM, MS
Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods Turn Giddy into Spellbound
Chapter Seven
The Picnic That Changed Two Lives and the First Love Letter
p.114-115
Saturday, July 30, 2011
“We met in Colorado Springs at the Target store right off the interstate. I hugged him so hard, like a best friend I hadn’t seen in years. I had brought all the picnic goodies,which we transferred into his truck. We drove around the town just for fun. We drove through the Garden of the Gods. We sat by a little brook. We took a walk hand in hand through a city park. We started driving and found a state park somehow and decided to find just the right spot for our picnic.
It was a beautiful warm day. The park even felt a little cooler. He parked the truck in our private little enclosure with picnic table and a restroom nearby. It was perfect.
I set out all the goodies. He set up his CD player. The atmosphere was mysteriously magical.
Then it happened. We touched. But this was a new sensation, unlike just holding hands on our walk or in the truck.
What is happening?
He leaned against the picnic table and drew me into him, just to encircle his arms around me as close as he could.
I went instantly limp. He actually had to hold me up.
‘Barb, are you okay?’ he asked, sounding alarmed.
I gathered all my strength back up, stood erect, and looked at his beautiful bloodshot eyes.
And we kissed.”
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Did I almost lose my balance and fall to the ground?
Were our hearts left with holes in them like the red rocks around us?
Did our love vanish like the zipper-like jet trail above us? 
What happened next was eternally riveting!
Photos taken by Barbara A. Kennedy
“The Night of the Worms”
page 253
My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
The Night of the Worms
“Excuse me, did you say worms?
A few evenings after I was home from the hospital, I sat my hurting rear atop a pillow on the kitchen chair. Jim’s beautiful, silvery dog walked by. I said, ‘Uh, honey, there’s something white hanging out of the dog’s butt.’
As my wonderful veterinarian husband glanced at her hindquarters, he replied casually, ‘It’s a tapeworm.’
I had only finished half of my meal, which actually tasted really good, but my jaw dropped as my stomach turned. Because of his sense of humor, I thought he was teasing me, as was often the case.
He picked the worm off her rear with a tissue and threw it in the trash.
I’m sure I had wonder and question in my eyes. I stared at him waiting for more information.
‘She has tapeworms,’ he calmly pronounced. 
How can this be? A veterinarian’s dog has worms? A dog so loved by her master that the mutual admiration is immediately known by anyone who sees them together?
I could not eat another bite. I wanted to. I just wasn’t able. As a science major in college, I had studied worms and their life cycles. Instant flashbacks of worm pictures and worm anatomy flooded my mind.
But they’re on our dog, in our house?” 
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How did this, yet another adventure, turn out?
What happened to the dog, the worms, and Lucky the cat?
How did Annika, the dog get the tapeworms?
How did Jim’s handling of this prove again he was a knight in shining armor?
… pages 253-256 My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
My Alma Mater – Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri gives review of My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
Stephens College Columbia, Missouri
gives review of My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
February 2014
https://ww1.stephens.edu/alumnae/enewsletters/2014/feb2014.html
(I did not contact Stephens College about a review-they did this all on their own. What a blessing)!
THIS GUY, GREG, “GOT IT”
Greg Rud, professional photographer from Lucas, Kansas (Rural Routes by Greg Rud) read My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz My Beloved Husband, James A. Kennedy, DVM, MS.
These are Greg’s exact words of his initial gut reactions about the book. His words deserve their own blog.
2/9/2014
3:58 PM
“Loved reading the reviews. Was on an all nighter again last night with your book.”
4:44 PM
“I am starting to see there’s more to this than just a love story.”
5:03 PM
“It will reach many, many thousands before you know it, and it will be compelling for many and it will bring glory to God! AND blessings for you and Jim in return.”
2/13/2014
10:32 PM
“I just wanted to say how much I feel your pain after reading your book. I feel stunned, like I had my heart ripped out of my chest. I am still trying to process everything that I read. I wish there was something I could do to comfort you.”
2/14/2014
3:35 PM
“I am still recovering, I wish I wasn’t so empathetic, sometimes. It is hard not to feel what you experienced. Plus, you are very gifted writer, I was drawn right into your house and seemed to watch, like a fly on the wall, as it all transpired. The trauma and heartbreak was very emotional, too. The book stands as a testament to the man and your once-in-a-lifetime love. Thank you for showing me how to treat a woman and be a good husband. I learned a lot and it really did have a positive effect on me and my gal has noticed a difference as well. I sent it to her to read. I told her it was important for us to be on the same page, and I wanted her to see how a good woman treats her man, too. It is a good marriage primer.”
4:05 PM
“I was thinking there was some special reason and believe now that I am CHOSEN to help you spread the word about God and this beautifully written testament.
I understand completely why Jim was on his knees so quickly. You are every man’s dream, as I know you were for Jim as well.”
4:59 PM
“I needed to know how to treat a woman, a wife especially, I needed to have a mentor, a Cowboy Knight, and Jim was that mentor for me. All things are God’s design, even those things we don’t understand, especially those things that cause us so much pain. You and Jim are both actively fulfilling a purpose, together. Your time together will live as a testament for others, for eternity. How ’bout that? How many couples can say that?”
5:20 PM
“You will touch and help so many with the book, Jim and your creation. Just like he advised you in advance, he knew, or sensed anyway.”
6:08 PM
“I do “get” Jim; role model, teacher, godly, sensitive and a wonderful heart that loved deeply.”
2/16/2014 7:30 PM
“…a Knight, like Jim can dub another a Knight, as I believe he did me in spirit, after reading your book!”
Pictures and words used by permission.
You can read Greg’s more extensive, incredibly intimate 5 Star review on www.amazon.com.
Also on the side of this blog, there is Stephens College’s e-newsletter review on My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz.
Are You Man Enough? …
Why would a man want to read a true love story? Because it’s about a top veterinarian, air force veteran and pilot? Because it could serve as a good marriage manual? Because it shares a true love affair with all the details? Here are a few reviews from MEN about My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz.
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“Having been married three times, I wish I had read this book much sooner. There are a lot of emotions, expectations and hopes that build a lasting marriage, and I found I was solely focused on my own. I was the man of the house and the King of the castle. I would get what I wanted. Well you can see that didn’t work too well. Sometimes it was the right feelings but the wrong reasons. After reading this book I think I can better appreciate my wife’s needs and expectations and still maintain my manhood while showing romance and deep emotions. Read the book twice, much slower the second time, and feel the emotions of both. I think in doing so you will build your own understanding of both sides, and that is very important. If you have found your relationship becoming rocky or in troubled waters, this book is your lifeline. Use this book to write a new chapter in your romance.” (Daniel Carter, Youngstown, Ohio, 5 Star www.Amazon.com review).
[Facebook post by Daniel: “If you need a subject for your second book, “Marriage advice”; it would be another best seller.”]
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“This book by Barbara Kennedy might have been penned by Cupid himself. It is so simple in it’s eloquence, the way it describes love between two people as if authored by Christ Himself. I am so impressed by the entire book from the emails, events and adventures experienced by this loving couple that it could only be written by someone who has had a true heavenly love affair. Buy the book, read the book and practice it’s content. Barbara Kennedy, in writing My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz, has set the bar for true and faithful marriages that are heavenly ordained. Barb, your life documented in your book will inspire others to stay the course and not waver in their faith. It mirrors our journey, too, and we thank you for penning it into words not knowing when it will end or how it will test your strength. Love … some people never find it!” (Robert L. Kerr, San Saba, Texas, 5 Star www.Amazon.com review).
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“I have been reading this book, My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz by one of our trail mates, Barbara A. Kennedy. It is a love story, one that takes you to highest peaks and then takes you to it’s tragic conclusion. She is just a simple Nebraska girl who has been through a lot in life and it’s a great read and a very inspiring story … Show her some love and check out her page, buy her book, too! You can preview a lot of excerpts from the book and Facebook pages as well.”
(Greg Rud, Rural Routes by Greg Rud, Professional photographer, Lucas, Kansas). _____________________________________________________________________
“I lost my beloved wife to cancer a year ago and thought that reading MY COWBOY KNIGHT, MY BOAZ, written by a wife who lost her beloved husband, might provide some insights for me. But the question I had was………would it be too mushy? Well, I found that a fair portion of the book is emails back and forth, which provide some very interesting perspectives. The “Cowboy Knight” had a very unique writing style, and conveys many interesting thoughts based on their strong Christian faith. I found that many times I had to re-read and re-read again a paragraph, or just a few lines, as they were so very thought provoking. I highly recommend the book to all the men who are wondering if it would be of interest and value to them.” (James Nussbaum, Aurora, Colorado, 5 Star www.Amazon.com review).
Surprise Witness
Ever watched those old TV courtroom shows where the attorney stands and says, “Your Honor, we have a surprise witness!?”
An author doesn’t know who reads their book(s). But I am honored to be a real-time witness to e-mail and Facebook friends who were “chatting” to me WHILE they were reading My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz or immediately after! I have their permission to use their exact words, their exact reactions, from this true love story. This is what every author wants, to touch the reader in a deep-seated way that they will never forget. How blessed am I to actually know some reader’s split second reactions …
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“I am on Chapter 14 and I hate to put it down … It is a book I want to share with everyone. I am laughing about the worms!!!:) love, laughter, tears, truth, transparency, … it is like being in the room with you both… Only Father could do the impossible in writing this book. You lived it, you, Jim, and Father. He knows who should read this. He will see that they read it!”
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“I finished your book tonight, Barbara. I am so moved by it, I’m at a loss for words. Thank you so much for sharing this powerful account of your life with Jim. I laughed, cried, felt comforted and inspired and so very sorry for the incredible physical and emotional pain you’ve endured. What a far reaching impact this book will have, and what a powerful testament to the kind of human love that can only come from God. Reading your book is incredibly therapeutic!”
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“When I am reading your book I feel like you are my Christian sister …Inspiring … Your book is very relatable. This is a book God wanted you to write.
I wanted to give up this past year. No suicide, just die. I thought God had forgotten me. I was doubting, you see. Hope was diminishing at times. Like I said, your book was a renewal. Your book is an emotional journey. Jim came into your life so that you would know what true love is here on earth. Jim is in your heart. You had such a wonderful God-given love. Thank you for writing this book.
You and Jim loved each other more than other couples do in a lifetime. You had that kind of special love. Jim saved you. You are helping to save others. God had him, but He was also with you. That’s how your book spoke to me.
We were strangers. I validated your reason for writing this book. My faith was weakened this past year by my physical ailments and losing my job. It is like God is saying, ‘look at Barb, you thought that your way was rough, look at Barb.’
I was meant to read your book to help strengthen my faith. Your strength has inspired me. Your faith has amazed me. Your book reminds me to wait on God to trust Him. He wants the best for us, like you wrote in your book, all of this has happened for a reason. Your story is helping me to renew my faith.
So you are here to touch people. To help people renew their faith, like me. You are here to let people know that no matter at what age, love can find you.
Your book helped to ease my worries. You have been through so much. If you can do it and keep on going, I will trust God. I want to tell you how much more hopeful I am about my life since reading your book. I feel lighter. Thank you.
I have read over a hundred books since I broke my leg. Yours made the difference.”
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What a privilege to write a true story that would impact even one person like this. I give all the credit to God, not myself. There is no way I could have written this book without His guidance for every word!
(Photo by Greg Rud, Rural Routes by Greg Rud/facebook; Lucas, KS).
Used by permission.
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Spare Parts
Gross! Disgusting! Stomach-turning! How dare she share these!
“‘Spare part’ is an item of inventory to replace failed parts.” (Wikipedia).
These x-rays “bare it all” to the world of my revised right knee, full of titanium and plastic, and my deteriorating left knee. It is embarrassing to display these, but they so dramatically show the old and the new and how this relates to life, I am sharing them!
The contrast of both knees is striking. The left knee had no “new parts” yet. It is worn down, weak, rickety and not straight. The left knee was dying. The right knee had a new life with it’s new parts and is perfectly straight.
The Bible often speaks of new parts and the old vs. the new!
“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:16) Salvation brings a decisive change and “the grace of God not only justifies but also makes ‘a new creation’ which results in a changed style of life.”
Ephesians 4:24 states, “and put on the new self which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (“The old is what we were before we were saved, and the new is the new life we have in Christ”).
God gave me a new life with Dr. Jim Kennedy, my “cowboy knight, my Boaz.” Because of this wonderful new part, my life will never be the same. I was given new purpose, new strength, and new joy!
Once you truly ask Christ to be your only God and Savior, you are a new creature, a new creation. Your life will never be the same. New life can only come by one way-accepting Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said … ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'” (John 11:25-26).
Knee replacements are excruciating. The pain and therapy are indescribable. You must take pain drugs to survive. I can speak of this pain and process, for I have had five total joint replacements. Your femur and tibia are pulled out, sawed off, hollowed out and then the new parts are cemented in. Joint replacement is a gross and ghastly mutilation. I chose not to have a lifetime of limping, pain, eventual immobility or be crippled. The new parts give strength and a new life of mobility and less pain.
There are no works involved in accepting Christ! He gives Himself and His grace as free gifts!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:4). (“Sanctification of life does not earn eternal life; it is still God’s gracious gift”).
You can have new parts and a new life! Your failed parts can be replaced! You don’t have to be crippled! “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). To receive Christ, admit you are a sinner and need a Savior, repent, believe Jesus Christ died for you on the cross, and receive through prayer, Jesus Christ into your heart and life.
Verses and quotes are from the Ryrie Study Bible New American Standard Translation.
Boaz and Boaz
Boaz the horse
Page 186 My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
“In my cowboy-knight-to-my-rescue mind, I always pictured my Boaz showing up some day.
My Boaz had come. His name was Dr. James A. Kennedy. He was my true love. A love so deep I never thought possible for me. I had hoped for it, but now he was a real person and we were in a real romance. We had both been through so much, but we were going to be united. Jim was my Boaz.”
The junk mailers we receive with coupons, ads and marketing techniques trying to get our attention, I usually toss in the trash. A few weeks ago, for some reason I thumbed through a mall magazine. To my astonishment appeared a horse rescue ranch ad that made me mini-gasp. Could this be a possible answer to wondering what my re-adjusted purpose in life is?
I had volunteered years ago at a horse therapy ranch and a horse rescue and absolutely loved it. But with a bionic body, could I still utilize my equine passion?
There was the horse ranch ad staring at me but blaring with good news! I emailed immediately and started a wonderful relationship with the owner. When she told me one of the horses was named “Boaz”, I wept in a split second.
I have met Boaz the horse, a thoroughbred who was brought back from starvation and is now used to help heal people. I CAN help at the ranch. I can groom, halter, lead and feed, and scoop poop as well as relate to the hurting children and adults that come to this region of recovery. They have also been neglected, abandoned or are just sore from what life has handed them. I CAN relate to them and try to ease their lameness.
I believe there is nothing like being around a horse to help a hurting soul.
Boaz the horse has now taken a tender place in my heart. God has shown up in an instant through a horse named Boaz to rescue me and use me to help others at the same time. This is another personalized miracle created for me, just like Jim was.
There is no doubt this is another divine match, just as Jim and I were. And God gets all the glory!
Exalting Emails Needing No Explanation
Page 287 My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
——-Original Message——-
From: BarbVoss
To: jameskennedy
Sent: Mon, Dec. 5, 2011 7:52:27 PM
I love you even toothless, we are tethered together, thick in thought, tender in touch, technically talented, a team, truly, your lov lov lov
——-Original Message——-
From: BarbVoss
To: jameskennedy
Sent: Wed, Dec. 7, 2011 3:05:06 PM
Miss you already, pretty pathetic, huh? Hope you have a good a.m. at work. Guess I’ll see you tonight, Babe. You are a wonderful man and husband. I know, cause I have good taste!! LOVE YOU!!!
TASTE BUD
——-Original Message——-
From: jameskennedy
To: barbvoss
Sent: Wed, Dec 7, 2011 7:47 AM
You also taste good; lets see you are like a cherry plucked from the tree full of sweet juice covered with dark chocolate rolled in powdered sugar
I must love you
Love’s Sweet Words
Page 283 My Cowboy Knight, My Boaz
——-Original Message——-
From: Barb Voss
To: jameskennedy
Sent: Fri Nov 18, 2011 3:26 PM
Subject: “Food Glorious Food”…
Tonight’s menu: appetizer of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil (like at Gabriel’s Restaurant); chicken tenders marinated in soy sauce, ground ginger and ground mustard; and stir fry veggies. Whole-wheat/oat-almond mini muffins for your breakfasts or snacking pleasure. Side dish, wife.
hee hee
5:41:40 PM
Your lips are so soft and smooth they turn me on wildly and when we kiss it’s magical and sparks life into my creaky body …
How’s that for my lingustical urges?
——-Original Message——-
From: jameskennedy
To: barbvoss
Sent: Fri Nov 18, 2011 3:26 PM
Subject: Re: “Food Glorious Food” …
Can I come home right now, I might want to start with dessert.
On this Christmas day, I celebrate the birth of the Christ child who came to save us from our sins.
I also thank this God for the sweetest man He could ever have given me, Jim Kennedy.
What words of sweetness that have come out of Jim’s mouth to me. Only a true love could produce such sap to stick with me for a lifetime.
How wonderful to be fed by the words of a loving husband and the words of God’s book. Only a loving God and a loving mate can provide such confection for one’s soul.
