A Note of Prayer, Concern and Hope (Updated)

I exchanged e-mails today with a great friend to all, who love Bonnie and Clyde History. For many years, Frank Ballinger has been a driving force, in helping to chronicle the true history of these outlaws. For more than a decade, Frank's website Bonnie and Clyde's Hideout has been a mainstay for this history-- as the preeminent B&C website, period. Some have known of Frank's recent health concerns, and those close to him have abided by his wishes-- not to have it widely known what his circumstances have been. Today Frank said it would be alright for me to let you know, he is now doing better in his fight with lymphoma. He is undergoing Chemo therapy, and thankfully-- his prospects have now improved toward remission.

Some have asked myself and others about Frank, and perhaps couldn't understand why we've needed to be tight lipped. Well please know, we were just honoring the wishes of a friend. Anyway, Frank says it's alright now for his ordeal to be better known. He sounds really positive about things. I have thought of him often, and prayed for him over the course of many months now. I am asking those who share my caring, respect and sentiment for Frank, to please do the same. For a great and honorable man, and stellar friend to this history-- I thank you for contributing your positive energies to this regard.

Update: Frank has now re-established his contact info on the main page of the Hideout. You can e-mail him through that link, or for those who don't have it-- Frank said it would be alright to publish it here-- texashideout@yahoo.com I would recommend please not going much into B&C talk, as that's not a topic truly on the front burner with Frank at this time. With so many I know who care about Frank, I'm sure he would appreciate hearing from you. For those who would like to comment here as a way to leave a message for him, please feel free to express your good wishes, within the comments to this post. I'll make sure Frank knows where to look.

You know, I often find myself commenting on some B&C controversy or another-- where people sometimes quibble and bicker, and spill their passions and emotions all over the place-- seemingly over such insignificant things, when you consider the bigger picture. If I could please offer a comment here-- Frank Ballinger is a treasure first to his family and then to us as a friend-- and of course also to this history. Sometimes events occur, which should show us what's truly important in life-- so we can find some much needed balance, and help keep things in perspective. To me, this is one of those events.