“Peace” Through the Journey

After months of resisting to blog, here is my first official entry!

First of all, let me express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the entire Daves family—Kevin, Shayli, Sharayah, Shanel, Shaw, Shafer, and myself—for all of your prayers and encouragement through your thoughtful emails, cards, visits, phone calls, financial support, and many other kind acts of generosity. We truly do feel your presence in our spirit when we are away at Vanderbilt for surgeries and extended hospital stays. We are simply blown away by the unconditional love we have been shown during this journey. Our faith has grown immensely through your love for us.
 
Shafer is doing exceptionally well since his surgery last Thursday. By far, this is the best he has done post-op. His strength and stamina continue to amaze us. He’s such a little fighter. His sweet spirit and radiant smile are incredibly contagious. My heart overflows with joy that I get to take care of him. Thank you Lord for choosing me to be Shafer’s mommy!
 
Time is quickly moving us toward transplant. Our medical team is planning for May (2011), but everything will hinge upon Shafer’s health. I am scheduled to be approved by the transplant board on Monday, April 4th. Please pray that everything will go smoothly and I will officially be the living donor.
 
Wow…just trying to get my mind around all that is coming up is a bit overwhelming. It’s a mixed bag—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—that I am getting ready for one of the biggest events of my life. And I am so excited to be the vessel God is using to extend Baby Shafer’s life (just to think that God equipped me supernaturally to be the “perfect match” for my son’s kidney—how miraculous to have this privilege). All I can say is “Praise Be To God!”
 
What a turn my life has taken over the last year and a half. My whole mindset is different as I now live with a completely new set of priorities. My goals for each day are really simple…care for Shafer and my other four children, live in the moment, “Be Still” and convene on a real level with God each day, and show greater appreciation for my precious husband, Kevin. And believe it or not, managing this short to-do list consumes my day. I just can’t figure out how I used to fit the other 25 things I did into my days.
 
Yes, life has changed 180 degrees for me, but I have not only adjusted, I’m embracing the “new normal,” as my husband calls our lives now. This is where God has placed us for this season—for He has anointed and appointed us to be here for a reason and we must be found faithful to praise and serve Him, despite our difficult circumstances.
 
I wish only God’s best for each of you reading this blog. I hope that in some small way Shafer’s story can inspire you on to greatness!
 
Much love,
Shafer’s Mommy
 
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

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