Curtis loved to rope. In his early years he rode bulls and spent much time around the rodeo scene. Now that he was older his preference was team roping...He would spend hours upon hours taking a young horse through the same process until perfection was accomplished. Sandy would sit on the back deck and watch how patient he would be with his horses.Sandy Armstrong was only eighteen when her husband was killed in a gun accident, and she was left to raise their son on her own. Waitressing part-time to pay the bills, she enrolled in cosmetology school and began to rebuild her life. One night at a dance hall, she met Curtis, a handsome, rugged cowboy with a son of his own. After a quick courtship, the two were married. Neither realized they both had pasts that could ruin their future together. Curtis's patience with horses did not extend to his family, and he was often harsh with them. He frequented the bars and slept with other women. Sandy almost left him several times. But Sandy knew Curtis had a big heart, and she forgave him. Many years later, when Curtis was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Sandy stood by his side as he underwent treatments, eventually selling their wedding rings to pay bills. When Curtis passed away, Sandy remembered his words to her: 'You move on with your life. My life is ending, but yours has not.'Taking Life by the Reins, Sandy started to rebuild her life once more.