Friday, August 26

At our friend's ranch in SE Colorado

Cody with his frogs

Clay with his frogs

Colorado

Hello to all! Once again, we haven't posted an update for quite awhile. Now that school has started, we may have more time to post. The boys had an nice summer. Clay's favorite activity was swimming. We are in a severe drought along with temperatures in the triple digits; so, Clay did most of his swimming in the late afternoon/evening hours. We spent some time on the coast in South Texas at Pappy & Grandma's. We enjoyed our church convention in July. The boys also enjoyed the show/musical "Texas" (Palo Duro Canyon State Park) with family and friends. They thought it was really cool that one of their cousins was part of the show this summer. We escaped the heat, for a little while, with a trip to Colorado; and, enjoyed our time with my sister & her family.

Carson is in the 7th grade this year, Cody 4th grade, and Clay 2nd grade. They have enjoyed their first week of school; although, Cody is our little "homebody" and would rather be at home than at school. Clay came home the first day of school and said "I love school"! Clay's next surgery is scheduled for Sept 12. Dr. Trussler will place a tissue expander under the little bit of hair on Clay's scalp. As we begin to fill this expander and it gets larger, we are thinking of different types of hats that he might be able to wear during this time. Dr. Trussler will also perform surgery on Clay's left hand and do some work around his mouth/lips.

Clay's attitude towards life continues to teach us so much. We were at a 4-H event a few weeks ago, and a family sat down across the table from us. The minute their child saw Clay, this child wanted to leave the table. With what ensued after that, I was on the verge of tears. I told Chance that I needed to go sit in the car until I stopped crying. I cried harder when Clay patted my arm and said "It'll be ok, mom". When Carson asked why mom was crying, Clay answered "She's crying because a kid thought that I was scary". Here's Clay who has been through so much and who's appearance is changed forever; yet, he was the one comforting us. We have prayed earnestly that God would "keep" him through all that he will face in future days. This strength that he has, only comes from God. So thankful for God's presence.
Clay was swinging with his cousin this summer, and a girl jumped off the swing beside them and said "I can't swing with burned kids". Clay walked away with his head down; but, a few minutes later he was playing again. Our cousin told us about this incident days later. So thankful for Clay's resilience and kindness. I pray that any unkind words, comments, stares, or unkindness from others would never squelch his spirit. We are thankful for the many who see Clay for the person he is, along with his big heart.

I am posting a picture of Clay with some frogs he shot. There was a silent auction at one of our recent 4-H fundraisers. Clay saw a rifle in the auction he thought he had to have. He was pulling on Chance's arm saying "Please (bid)write my name down, dad". Chance's response was "Son, I'm not going to pay that for the rifle". When Clay heard the announcement that the silent auction was over, he put his head down and cried. Three men from Graham, TX purchased the rifle for Clay. They noticed how much Clay wanted the rifle and made sure they secured the bid. They brought the rifle to our table and sat it in front of Clay. Clay raised his head and quickly dried his tears. All the way home we heard from the boys in the back seats; "Dad, can we shoot the rifle when we get home? Dad, can we look at it again before you put it up? Dad, can we shoot a deer? Dad, can we go rabbit hunting? Dad, will you take us hunting tomorrow? Dad...Dad....Dad....". Chance took Cody & Clay (Carson was busy) to the tank (pond) in the back pasture and the picture shows the frogs they got with dad's help. They were able to sneak upon a rabbit too. No, we did not have frog legs for supper. :)

Children's Medical Center's Plastic Surgery Department has asked if Clay would be one of their co-captains for Children's Red Balloon Run & Relay in October. The name of the team is "Fantastico Plastico". If any in the Dallas area are interested in the run/relay, we'd love for you to be a part of our team. 100% of the proceeds raised by the team will benefit Children's Medical Center's Plastic Surgery Department. redballoonevent.org

I did not intend for this to be so long. Hope all is well with each one of you. Thanks again for your care. ~The Fite Family (Chance, Deidra, Carson, Cody, & Clay)