Shafer started out the month with a mini vacation to our friend’s lake house for a few days of swimming, fishing, boating, and making smores by the fire. Shafer definitely took to my love for the outdoors. We had lots of fun spending time with family as Mamaw & Papaw (my mom & dad), along with my brother John, Aunt Zina, and Hannah, joined us on the trip.
We had lots of celebrations this month. First was Father’s Day with Kevin and all the children. What a blessing to recognize how special Kevin is to all of us. He is by far the best husband and daddy in the world.
Next, we had a blast at Shaw’s Cosmic Bowling party as he turned 5 years old. A big crowd of friends and family joined in the fun at Pin Strikes in Chattanooga. Even Shafer was able to put his ball on the rack and push it off over and over again. Even though it was Shafer’s first time to go bowling, he absolutely loved it!
Then, we were able to visit Shafer’s only great grandparent, Frances (Nannie) Floyd, on her farm in Canon, GA. It seems likely that Shafer will be a farmer as he loves cows, horses, chickens, and riding four wheelers.
We had a wonderful celebration a few weeks ago as we relished the 1-year milestone of Shafer’s kidney transplant. It seems like only yesterday that we were saying goodbye to the kids and other loved ones and beginning the journey on June 22, 2011 of joint surgeries connecting us in such a miraculous way! I still get cold chills every time I stop and really think about the incredible gift I was able to give to my precious son. What an amazing God we serve who loves us so much that He allows such miracles to transpire in our lives!
At the very moment we were praising God for Shafer’s year of good health post-transplant, we had other reasons to celebrate. On Friday, June 22, 2012 (on the exact one-year anniversary of Shafer’s transplant) we drove off the lot of Economy Honda with a beautiful, in excellent condition, 2009 Honda Odyssey. An amazing family responded to the news of us being involved in a serious car accident when we were hit head-on and our
van was totaled on the way to church. They began to pray about how to help us at our exact point of need. The Lord impressed upon their hearts to purchase the van and in doing so provided a much newer and nicer vehicle than we had before the wreck!!! We are still stunned at their outpouring of generosity and humbled at how the Lord works in the lives of His children. So, in the midst of great loss and pain, we saw another huge miracle on the journey! All praise to God our
loving Heavenly Father who cares continually for us and provides multiple “God Winks” along the way to reassure us that He is in control of every last detail in our lives.
In case you haven’t heard, Shafer has been named a “Make a Wish” recipient! We had our home visit from the dream makers and they asked Shafer to draw a picture of his “Mickey Mouse Tree House” wish. They are looking to set things in motion sometime in September. We will keep you posted as things progress.
Also, Shafer has been the buzz around Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as he is featured in the newest edition of “Hope” magazine in a full page color ad. And he is going to be the face of their annual fundraising campaign which raises millions of dollars. I just smile when I see the caption on the piece, “Help us give children like Shafer the best possible chance at a healthy life by supporting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.”
Shafer’s labs and check-ups continue to go well. His entire medical team is thrilled with his progress. It is such a joy to watch him sing his three song set of, “This Little Light of Mine,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “The B-I-B-L-E” to his doctors (and to anyone else who will listen) then close with, “Let’s Pray!!” As busy as their schedules are, they are kind enough to stop and listen to Shafer’s sweet little mini-concert and closing prayer. What a testimony he has and the lives he has touched as a result of his zeal for living in the midst of sickness.
And last, but not least, mark your calendars for November 8, 2012, to attend a very special fundraiser for Shafer’s COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association) account to help with medical expenses. “An Evening of Inspiration, Music, & Comedy” will be held at the beautiful Tivoli Theatre in downtown, Chattanooga. We have an incredible lineup of national talent to included Squire Rushnell (best-selling author of the God Wink series and former ABC executive) as our inspirational speaker, along with his wonderful wife, Louise DuArt (Broadway Actress and comedic celebrity impressionist), and Gordon Mote (Academy of Country Music Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, solo artist, and Gaither pianist)! This is going to be a night you don’t want to miss as we celebrate Shafer turning 3 and the miraculous life he has been blessed to live.
What a busy month this has been…overflowing with God’s incredible goodness! Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you who so faithfully pray for our family. Your love, support, concern, and friendship mean the world to us.
Shafer’s Mommy
