My 2015 St Jude's Javaman bow story (finished bow pics on page 4)

[dnurk]

Hi folks.  I know Chasin already created a thread on Gregg's Javaman bow donation for this year in the St Jude's auction.  I didn't want to muck up or hijack that awesome thread.     So happy that Neil and Gregg made unbelievable donations to support the research and care necessary to treat sick kids.

But this is my story and eventually will show off the amazing bow Gregg is building me.  

My wife gave birth to a baby boy 8 1/2 years ago that we named Sam.   Holding him in the delivery room I had all of the normal fatherly dreams and thoughts around taking my son hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking when as he grew up.  And spending time with him around a campfire.   Campfires have always been important to my family.  I believe the primal nature of a campfire bonds families.  It is central to us staying connected.   Here is Sam on his birth day.
     

Unfortunately Sam was born with several severe heart defects.  I won't go into the details but he had 6 major operations in his first 6 months. I saw him spend 2 weeks unconscious in the ICU.  We saw him go through drug withdrawl at 2 months old because he had been sedated so long on powerful opiates.  We saw his heart crash at 4 months old as he went "code blue" in the hospital.  
     

But he survived and today is the most sweet, honest, caring, and beautiful boy.  

It is without exaggeration I say that without the advances in medicine made in the last 5-10 years (at places like St Jude's) my son would not be alive today.  Quick video of him the first day he got his "big kid" bow last summer.   Yeah, we did work on him plucking the string!!

        Click on the thumbnail to launch the video

My son is able to enjoy the campfire with us....and we bond tighter.  My donation in the auction was done because I want other fathers to be able to have campfire time with their sons and daughters.  I also want a bow that I can remember how important family is every time I'm in the woods.   Sam will also inherit this bow when he grows up and I hope it will remind him how much I love him and how hard we prayed for him.  

As for the bow itself, Gregg is making it for me now.   I told him I wanted a campfire inspired bow and sent him this picture.  

     

It is coming along nicely and Gregg has been nothing short of phenomenal to work with.  

So for everyone who donates to this auction, please know how much it can impact lives.  The kids, their parents, their extended families all are better off because of what you all do.  I thank you all for that.

I'll be sure to post up a ton of great pictures in this thread once Gregg completes the bow.

Thanks for letting me share.
Dave

[jt85]

That brought a tear to my eye. God bless you and your family.

[awbowman]

 

Thanks for sharing and God Bless St. Jude's

Will be watching for pics and progress

[4dogs]

  Thank you for telling you story Dave. It touches me in a very deep  place. I can relate. We have a similar story. Have probably experienced a lot of the same trials and seen a lot of miracles as I am sure you did. A baby girl born with HLS. After Five open heart surgeries and an eventual transplant she is doing fantastic. She is twelve now and is my shooting buddy. Congratulations and Im very happy Sam will some day have a very special bow with a great story.

[Bladepeek]

What a beautiful story. A lot of times those of us who were spared childhood trials forget just how heart wrenching it can be. Sounds like a very loving, caring family that will only grow closer over the years.

And yes, we do want to see pics of the bow! you had everyone's attention during the auction. I am waiting for one of Greg's bows, but mine will be a plain (relatively speaking     ) hunting bow. Neither of my boys has any interest in archery, so they will inherit and use my guns, but my bows will go up for sale when I'm gone, or when I get too old to draw them.

So I definitely want to see yours!!!

[Matty]

Wow. That's touching. We are all so thankful for your donation and your sons life! And of course Gregg for donating the bow. Can't wait to see it! No price tag too big for that kinda stuff!
   

[cmh]

If you don't get even a little rainy eyes reading that there's something wrong with you  

[KSshrewman]

Here's to you, Sam, and the campfire bow making memories together!    

[Sockrsblur]

   

[nineworlds9]

[katman]

Best wishes to Sam and his family.

[stabow]

       

[elkken]

And that is why we do this great event … it's real, it touches lives, and it makes a difference.

Thanks to all who participate        

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Awesome story thank you for sharing.

[Big Lefty]

Thanks for sharing your story.  This is what it's all about!  I can't wait to see this very special bow.

[Izzy]

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Great Story.

I look forward to seeing your Greg Creation.  Thank you for your donation to st Jude.

[1/4 away]

Dave, Thanks for sharing your story with all of us.    

[aim small...release]

Wonderful story... Instances like that make me so thankful for my healthy children and when I see that electronic withdraw out of my bank account every month labeled St.  Jude it makes me smile because it could be my child someday who needs the help and also what makes me smile is knowing there is a group of people like all you folks that are there to help as you all do. Proud to be part if this group.

[TradBrewSC]

Great Story.

thank you for sharing.