Stampede Family and Friends…
As we all have gone our own ways back to our normal routine with the end of another Stampede, the countdown towards the 100th year centennial anniversary of the Calgary Stampede in 2012 begins. Over the past few weeks over coffees, many of us have been sharing our experiences and noted some of which mimic the 7 Stages of getting-over-Stampede model made by a guy who supposedly only meets girls during the 10 days of Stampede…with a few Grandstand edits 
**Disclaimer** For anyone going through a tough time right now, I hope this brings a smile to your face and lightens the load.
Shock & Denial. You probably reacted to learning of the end of Stampede with numbed disbelief. You may have denied the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain, attempting to recreate the Stampede experience by wearing your cowboy hat, buckle and boots to work and to bed. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
Pain & Guilt. As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. And for some of us, the pain of hearing anything “Stampede” ringing in your ear drums all day long. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol, drugs, or other rodeos. You may have guilty feelings or remorse over the number of mini donuts and pulled pork parfaits you ate or withdrawal from the liquid diet you managed to sustain. Maybe even the number of phone numbers saved in your phone without a name. Life feels chaotic and scary during this unbelievably calm and uneventful phase.
Anger & Bargaining. Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and turn on Country 105 constantly on full blast. Or turn on bright lights and scream “A**less Chaps” in order to recreate the tent feel. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships could result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion. You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair (“I will never always remember to ask for a name with the number if you just bring Stampede back”).
Depression, loneliness, reflection. Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of getting over Stampede. During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of the effect of Stampede upon you, and it depresses you as you reflect on things you did with during the last Stampede, and focus on memories of the past.
The upward turn….as you start to adjust to life without Stampede, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms at the sight or smell of beef or Budweiser lessen, and your “depression” begins to lift slightly.
Reconstruction & Working through…as you become more functional, your mind starts working again, you find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without Stampede (sleeping primarily solves these problems). You start to work on practical issues and reconstructing yourself and your life without the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Acceptance & Hope! During this, the last of the seven stages in this getting-over-Stampede model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, innocent YOU that existed before the whirlwind. But, I promise, you will find a way forward. You will start to look forward and actually plan for next year’s Stampede. Eventually, you will be able to think about your (first, second, twenty-fifth, fiftieth) stampede without pain. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of other events.
Just remember, your Stampede Family will always be here on Stampede Park with events, concerts, hockey games, special productions.. and yes the Stampede Casino all year ’round. Before you know it (in 321 days) the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will be back!
With love… from everyone part of bringing the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to the Grandstand near you!
