I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful spring weather as much as Shafer has. His favorite new “ride” is his sisters Barbie jeep. He wakes up wanting to go outside as he loves the outdoors.

Another favorite ride is his new Radio Flyer wagon that his Nana and Papa bought him after falling in love with it at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. They surprised him as he returned from his surgery a couple of weeks ago. Now, all of this makes me have visions of future rides such as motorcycles, go-carts, 4-wheelers, skateboards, and ultimately a car! Can time really move that fast?

Shafer is doing good right now. He had his 2nd post-op visit with the surgeon on Tuesday (4/12/11) at Vanderbilt. The follow-up tests showed that the surgery was successful and the doctor was extremely pleased.

Now, on to transplant. We will be back at Vanderbilt to consult with the transplant surgeon on Friday, April 22. Have you heard the “God-wink” story about the surgeon’s name? If you’re not familiar with the term God-wink, I suggest you make a quick trip to your local Dollar General Store and pick up a copy of the book, “When God Winks at You,” by Squire Rushnell—no, actually, clear the shelf—they usually only have a few copies, and at $3 each, you will want to introduce your friends and family to this treasure. Anyway, Shafer’s transplant surgeon’s name is Dr. Shaffer, and if that’s not enough to let you know that God truly is in control of the details on this journey, my doctor (the nephrologist from Vanderbilt who did my medical work-up to be the living donor) is Dr. Schaeffer! Of all the unbelievable things we have experienced, and the crazy string of God-winks, this has to be at the top of the list. Something this bizarre and unusual could only be orchestrated by God Almighty!

We should have a date for transplant soon. They are making plans for early to mid-May in order to allow Shayli and Sharayah to get almost finished with school. We will be taking the children with us and leaving our home and Shadow (our black, cocker spaniel) in very capable hands with family.

We will be away for at least one month if everything goes as expected, and longer if needed. Our dear friends (Dr. David Thompson, his wife Treva and daughter Lacey) will be providing much of the care for our other four children. We praise God for this friendship and their sacrificial hearts to assist in such an enormous way.

I’m sure we’ll learn many more details as a result of our meeting with Dr. Shaffer and the transplant coordinator next week. Stay tuned as more information will be forthcoming.

Thanks again for your continual love and support. We have lots of exciting things in store for the next four weeks until we leave, so check out the “Activities and Events” section of this website to stay in the loop. We hope to see you at “Shop 4 Shafer,” “Skate 4 Shafer,” “Sing 4 Shafer,” “Eat Mor Chickin 4 Shafer,” “Supper 4 Shafer,” or at the golf tournament on May 10.

Keep praying and believing God for continued miracles,
Shafer’s Mommy

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” —Psalm 31:14