What a blessing this Mother’s Day was for me. I was able to enjoy worshiping and praising God with my entire family. Yes, even Baby Shafer made a surprise visit to hear our journey of hope and healing at North Pointe Community Church in Nashville, TN. It was an honor and divine privilege to speak from the depths of my heart about the challenging road we have been on the last eighteen months.
The Lord moved in a powerful way as a result of the service. I stand amazed at how truly wonderful our Lord really is. He provides just what we need right when we need it. I was so encouraged by the love and support from so many people. My heartfelt thanks go out to each person who has played a role in Shafer’s story. There are no words to adequately express our family’s deepest thanks for every prayer, card, meal, dollar given, and other numerous acts of kindness. Our cup runneth over with blessings from you—our extended family of friends.
I cannot tell you how hard, yet precious this journey really is. While I would not have chosen our present circumstances, I wouldn’t take anything for the priceless lessons and memories we have experienced. All praise and glory goes to God for blessing us in ways we could not imagine possible.
We are looking so forward to the upcoming BIG day. What we have earnestly prayed for and anxiously anticipated is now right around the corner. Yes, it’s “Transplant Time in Tennessee” (apologies to my husband, a die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan). June 6th is the life-changing day for me and Shafer. My surgery is expected to begin around 11:00a CST and last approximately 5 hours. Shafer will head to surgery about an hour later, and his will last approximately 5 hours as well. In addition, if things go as planned, Shafer’s urologist has reworked his schedule to be in the surgery room during transplant in order to complete what he calls “Phase 3” of Shafer’s urological issues. This is an added blessing because it will keep Shafer from having another surgery down the road.
My expected hospital stay, if everything goes well, is 4 to 7 days. However, Shafer will be hospitalized much longer—anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks—depending on his kidney progress and overall general health. We will then live in nearby housing for a few weeks in order to be seen several times a week, and then eventually released to go home.So, we have a big summer ahead—lots of challenges—but lots of blessings in store. We ask for your continual prayers, especially for our other children who are very concerned about baby brother and mommy. Pray for peace and comfort to their little hearts as they walk this incredible road. Also, I ask for you to remember Kevin as he leads our family through these swift waters. God has ordained him captain of the Daves ship and trust me, he’s doing a fantastic job managing the crew throughout this storm. How I praise God for His faithfulness to have given me such a wonderful partner to share life with. Kevin is a treasure and he is truly the rock of our family.
Thanks again and again to each of you who have loved us unconditionally and provided for our every need. Let’s continue to trust God for great things ahead.
All our love and prayers,
Shafer’s Mommy
Shafer’s Mommy