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.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Hannah%20Christy%20pics%20015.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Hannah%20Christy%20pics%20015.jpg.html)
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.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/3be9c7d93c07c035e83ecd19e897910c.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/3be9c7d93c07c035e83ecd19e897910c.jpg.html)
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!!
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/th_20140828_183712_1.mp4) (http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/20140828_183712_1.mp4) 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.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/803e1d2b38daf4999c40c4e2c106c6f7.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/803e1d2b38daf4999c40c4e2c106c6f7.jpg.html)
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
That brought a tear to my eye. God bless you and your family.
:campfire:
Thanks for sharing and God Bless St. Jude's
Will be watching for pics and progress
:thumbsup: 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.
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!!!
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!
:campfire:
If you don't get even a little rainy eyes reading that there's something wrong with you ;)
Here's to you, Sam, and the campfire bow making memories together! :campfire:
:thumbsup: :campfire:
:campfire:
Best wishes to Sam and his family.
:notworthy: :notworthy: :campfire:
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 :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome story thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your story. This is what it's all about! I can't wait to see this very special bow.
:campfire:
Great Story.
I look forward to seeing your Greg Creation. Thank you for your donation to st Jude.
Dave, Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. :campfire:
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.
Great Story.
thank you for sharing.
:campfire:
Dave, this is why Trag Gang is special and the St. jude Auction is special. I have a feeling that the bow Gregg is making will also be special, indeed, and I have a strong hunch that If I can hang in here long enough, I will see photos in about 8 years of a good-looking young man with a spectacular Javaman bow in his hands standing over his first deer and there'll be a proud Dad with a goofy grin standing next to him. Happy Father's Day!
Great story and wonderful donation to a great cause. Can't wait to see what Gregg creates with this theme in mind.
Thanks for the kind words and thoughts folks. I get a little misty reading your comments.
So here are the preview pics coming out of Fenton, MI!!!
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/857d0a72fe73e5812b78c0f1695269ac.jpg)
Figured maple stained grey will be the base riser wood along with a phenolic I beam. The limb veneers are nutmeg brown stained tamo ash. I think he got the campfire feel perfect!
EXCELLENT!
And all 4 limb veneers. These look even more amazing in natural outdoor lighting.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/2d3fe263928eeee91dcbcbc233a826d8.jpg)
I cannot hardly see my keyboard for the tears right now. Thank you for the story of your son and thank you for the support to this wonderful cause.
Talk about an amazing story !!! Can't wait to see the finished bow. Congrats to all involved.
Bill
Looking at those veneers makes it very clear that a certain bowyer has taken this as a special challenge to produce a true masterpiece. I cant wait to see it come together.
Wow! Thanks for sharing..
Another pic from Gregg. Riser coming into rough form. He has the extra stained piece of grey maple just for color reference.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/0e0763b3909f63125dc28bcaed05775a.jpg)
nailed it-charred wood and flames !!
Man that just looks so cool 3d as if you can almost touch it.
This is a great story.
I figured that he'd use some orange cocobolo but those veneers far surpassed what I pictured. Cant wait to see a bow full of such MOJO! I totally agree with the power of a fire strengthening family bonds. I wrap up most nights with a fire on the patio and it never fails to bring me some company out back.
You've got a heckuva cool story.
Saw the preview pics, GREGG IS GONNA NAIL THAT ONE!!
Tears fall like rain. Brings home a real understanding of what St. Jude's is about.
It will be remembered.
And aside; I have had the good fortune to deal with Greg, and had one of his Falcon's. None better, in my experience.
Talk about mojo in a bow - out of the park.
UPDATE!! Gregg just sent me these pictures. They were taken from his iPhone and he still has some work left to do (a few more gloss coats and then a matte coat) and he will likely ship next week. I'll be sure to post some high resolution photos once I get the bow in my hands.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/2f4f78329e5df9868905340084b07b2d.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/2f4f78329e5df9868905340084b07b2d.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/29b48e9ac9aaab29f3389ae40ff1aa36.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/29b48e9ac9aaab29f3389ae40ff1aa36.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/3b738c5a4436be163e3341408bf20fbe.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/3b738c5a4436be163e3341408bf20fbe.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/761aa1da3398d2d5efe32763103ba7d4.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/761aa1da3398d2d5efe32763103ba7d4.jpg.html)
Oh man she is something !!, absolutely gorgeous
WOW!, WOW!, WOW!
That's one insanely beautiful bow!
Awesome story, beautiful bow! Life is full of blessings an we need to cherish evey one. That bow will give you and your son many adventures :thumbsup:
God bless,
Steve
Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!
I've got the 2014 SJ bow and heck I'm jelly! NICE
Gorgeous!!!
wow. Just wow.
These pics pushed me over the edge,just talked to Greg and ordered one.
:thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
That is a work of art.
Dave,
As with all the rest, your story and that of Sam, brought sobs to this ole heart.
But lest we forget, God sometimes says "NO" to our prayers.
Good friends had a son born with part of his heart undeveloped...underwent several surgeries, had challenges but was the happiest baby I ever met, even though he threw up most of what he ate and had other issues.
He was "on the table" at just past age 2 for more reconstructive work, getting a cath in prep, and crashed and passed quietly.
We all had him for those 2.5 years. His mother chose a funeral song, a country song, about rather have had the pain then missed the dance...
So not every story ends so heart-warmingly. Which makes your story and that of Sam's all the more important and touching! They didn't have St. Jude to go to... but I'm sure the doctors did all they knew, but that li'l one had a place reserved in Heaven and gave all the love he had every day he was here on earth.
Congratulations on having such a great story to share, a living testament to God's miracles, and such a beautiful bow!
Prayers for your son and family as time moves on...
Holy Cow......glad I clicked on this one....makes all the auction work worth it to all of us involved. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Hi again folks. Well, I have received my bow from Gregg and I love it. I haven't been able to take high res photos yet as my DSLR camera seems to be inoperable at the moment. So these pics from my Galaxy will need to do for now. Hope you enjoy...
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194656.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194656.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194707.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194707.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194735.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194735.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194908.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194908.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194924.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194924.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194944.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_194944.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_195007.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/dnurk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150706_195007.jpg.html)
Beautiful!!!!!
Beautiful bow and well deserved!
Gregg continues to outdo himself. Bravo to all involved in this endeavor. A Java Man is ALWAYS a good decision.
The scripture on the upper belly was something I asked Gregg to put on there. My son's name is Sam and we definitely spent a lot of time praying for him. That verse has so much meaning for me that I wanted it on this bow. I also pray for all the other families with kids living on the edge.....
The bow is, as said, beautiful, but the fact your son came thru his ordeal is the real story here and I love you continue to pay homage to the Great Physician!
That turned out quite well but it looks like that arrow laying in the grass may have been shot sideways out of the bow? ;) :p
Doc couldn't have said it any better.
Special thread, and a very special bow!
A heart wrenching story with a smile on the end and a beautiful boy and happy boy. Thank you for sharing all of your story.
:notworthy:
Just outstanding....
God bless,
Good job Gregg
Outstanding story and an outstanding bow. Thank you for sharing!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Homerun all the way around!
outstanding bow
MAN !!!
That is a beautiful bow for so many reasons!
Thank you for sharing!
Be strong and have courage!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Just an update here. Sam has a pacemaker that was implanted when he was 4 weeks old and the battery is nearing the end of its life. He has surgery next Monday to install a new pacemaker and while he is a bit nervous about the surgery he is more excited that at the end of next week I'm taking "the fire bow" down to southeast Georgia on a hunting trip. He's made me promise to bring him back deer heart if I get one. Yes....the kid LOVES eating deer heart from deer I've killed in the past.
Hoping to get some Javaman mojo and a deer heart for Sam this weekend.
Prayers up for a successful procedure for Sam, and good luck on your hunt!
Awesome looking stick!
Bisch
Prayers for Sam and good luck to you Dave.
The heart is my favorite part of the deer too.
Gregg
:thumbsup:
Just wanted to bump this real quick as we're in the middle of the St Jude's auction again this year. Thanks to all who run this, donate, and bid.
Make no mistake...this is no "feel good" charity. This is a group that does a tremendous amount of research to help families with really sick kids. My original post in this thread was from last year right after the auction was over.
Sam update as of spring 2016: he had his pacemaker replaced last Fall and was out of the hospital the same day. Technology is amazing. What's even cooler is that they sent the pacemaker back to the manufacturer to analyze it and when they were done they inscribed it and sent it back to him.
Here is Sam with the campfire bow and the pacemaker he had in him since he was a couple weeks old.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/dnurk/20160527_155800.jpg)
GREAT STUFF....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♡
Awesome, thanks for the update!
That boy's gonna be getting his picture taken soon holding the main beam of a pretty whitetail buck! I wonder if he'll carry that pacemaker in his pocket for luck?
Thanks for the update, Dave.
Great story all around. Gregg is a fine bowyer and a finer person. All the generosity of everyone involved will help many :thumbsup: