Introduction - Looking for Terry

I’ve spent most of my life talking to people. Behind the microphone, in front of a camera, at the county fair, at the barn at five in the morning. Talking has always come easy to me. Writing about myself, honestly, has not.

It’s been twenty-five years since my last book and a lot has changed. Back then I was still climbing. Now at seventy-seven I’m looking back more than I’m looking forward, and I’ve found there’s a different kind of satisfaction in that. This book isn’t about where I’m headed. It’s about where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and who I’ve become along the way.

Honesty is what I’m after here. I’ve survived two bouts of cancer. I’ve built a life I love with my wife Tammy. I’ve watched my kids grow up and had the joy of becoming a grandfather. I’ve spent thirty-two years at Fox, and I won’t pretend the thought of that ending someday doesn’t scare me a little. But I’ve also come to see the freedom on the other side of it. I still run a horse and cattle operation. I still take the stage when someone asks me to speak. I’m not done yet.

What you’ll find in these pages isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the truth about an ordinary guy who’s had an extraordinary run. There are parts that make people laugh, parts that might make them think, and a few parts, if I’m honest, that might make them cry. I’ve never hidden much in my life, and I don’t intend to start now.

This is who I really am. It’s the story of how I found Terry and finally came to believe he’s a pretty good guy!