Updating Sam Ard's Page by Patsy Thompkins~Keisler

Sam Ard's wife Jo, has asked that I take on the responsibility of maintaining Sam's RacersReunion Page. I also, will be the Administrator of Sam's FaceBook Page. I along with Jo, hope to bring and keep everyone up to date with Sam. After much prayer and thought by both Jo and I, we decided that Sam's fans and friends deserve to see, and know the truth. This will include updates on his health, in addition to photos. I expect, but hope no, negative comments will be made. This is their reality, and should be viewed as such. They deserve the utmost respect. Sam and Jo are in no way, seeking pity, but understanding. It is my honor, and privilege to be asked to do this for them. Please know, that any, and all correspondence will be relayed to Sam and Jo. They send their love to each, and everyone of you, and thank you all for your love and kindness. It is late in the week, so I hope to begin with the updates next week. There is so much Sam an Jo want to share with everyone. You know, me...you can expect me to ask for help, for I not only am representing Sam and Jo, but also RacersReunion. Thank you, Bossman...for your help.

I love ya'll.....

Let any of us know if we can be of assistance.

Thank you, Dave. This is a project that is near and dear to my heart....

I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I didn't appreciate Sam's racing accomplishments "in the moment". My dad and uncles intro'd me to the racing careers of Butch Lindley, Harry Gant, LD Ottinger, Jack Ingram, Morgan Shepherd, Neil Bonnett and a few others that raced LMS occasionally out of Nashville. It was much later that I realized what Sam won from the sport - but also the price he ultimately is now paying.

I sincerely hope folks do learn more about Sam's career from back in the day - but also the challenges he faces today along with the difficulties endured by Jo and other caregivers who have the love, compassion, and endurance to work through another 24 hour cycle.

We all share a lot of chatter here plus clicks of Likes, Favorite, Follow, and Friend. But some frank but understanding discussions about life's issues when it comes to situations like Sam and Jo's is needed too IMO. I read an article today at thatsracin.com from Tom Higgins about Herb Thomas. He said he first met him at a dinner in 1965 when Herb said "I thought folks had forgotten about me". Racing's history and life's journeys are too fragile to forget folks. I for one look forward to updates - even if they're difficult to absorb.

Thank you so much, Chase, and Mama! These are the kind of things I need to hear....I know I don't have all the knowledge, that is why I have ya'll. I am here to learn...and be a student to carry, and pass on, what RacersReunion began. What I do have, is passion and love in my heart, that God has rooted so deeply that sometimes it almost scares me. I once was told that when you become the smartest one in the crowd, it is time to find another crowd. That is exactly what I did in finding RacersReunion. I value the knowledge here, I trust you all in that you will teach me, and share your knowledge with me of things I know nothing of. I sit sometimes and just let Jo talk, cry, and reminisce. Sometimes it is 2pm, sometimes it is 2am, it doesn't matter to me. I have always asked God to use me as a vessel in anyway that is needed. Am I a ""Redd"Neck, Southern Girl"? You dang tootin I am, and I can sit on the Front Porch all day long, drinking Sweet Tea while listening to your heart, if that is what you need. Thank all of you, again for your support...I love ya'll.....