I’d like to introduce you to my nephew, William Floyd, affectionately called “buddy” by his older brother Sam. William and his twin sister, Lily, were born almost four years ago to my wife’s younger sister, Julie, and her husband, Floyd, who live just north of Atlanta.
William is so special, with a spot reserved so deep in my heart that not many are allowed to go there. You see, William has been diagnosed with Barth Syndrome. Never heard of it have you? Don’t feel alone. This deal is so rare that my doctor buddies haven’t even heard of it.
What is it? Barth is a very, very rare genetic disorder that affects only boys. To date only 100 boys worldwide have been diagnosed with it. Little boys with Barth have decreased heart function, are very susceptible to infection, display muscle weakness, experience growth delays and battle extreme fatigue after performing the simplest of everyday tasks.
Ever since the day William was born, he and I have lived a close bond. I’ll never forget walking outside with William when he was little so we both could escape the hustle and bustle of our home, enjoying the holidays so he could rest. I believe that even the excitement of Christmas wore him out.
William has always looked at my deer, elk, bear and other mounts throughout the house with wonder and wants to know how I killed them all. He has always been especially drawn to my bear mounts and how they were hunted.
Naturally, William and I started planning a “hunt” together when they came to celebrate Christmas a couple weeks ago; I couldn’t wait. To make it even better, he was given a toy gun complete with flashers, sirens, lights and machine gun audio!
Almost four years old and weighing only 30 pounds, even walking wears William out, so I knew that he would only be able to sit in my lap for a very short time. The plan was to go sit in a shooting house on a food plot about an hour before dark and hopefully see some “deers”!
As a matter of fact, William was so excited when he got to our house to open gifts, he asked what time we were going hunting and he let me know that we could skip the presents... he wanted to go to the woods!
After we had been situated only 10 minutes in the blind, God answered my prayer and four does came out to feed on the far side of the food plot. Not sure that William could see them I decided to go for broke.
With his “gun” in hand, I begin walking across the plot while carrying William straight towards the feeding deer. Miraculously the does didn’t lift their heads. We managed to get within 50-60 yards of the does before they looked up and saw us.
I set William on the ground and he started shooting his gun at the deer. I can honestly say that I’m sure these deer have NEVER been shot at quite like this!
Well, after the sirens and missles and flashers did their job, the does lifted their tails and disappeared. William looked at me with a big smile and said, “I shot those deers!” This was my greatest Christmas gift of the year.
But don’t tell Ginger. The checkered socks were kind of nice. Sort of. If you want to learn more about Barth Syndrome go to www.barthsyndrome.org
Wow! I almost didn't know what to say when I read this. I am very moved by such a simple, but very loving and caring act you did for "Buddy". I'll bet he never forgets you taking him out there. Your a good man and you both are in my prayers. God bless you both.
David I read your blog all the time and i see who you are on the inside and out. It makes me proud to say you are my hunting brother and brother in Christ. You know David the Bible says that we shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover not maybe but shall. Remember this God cannot lie its not in him. I will be praying for you and buddy. God Bless.
Rodney
David,
That was a very moving blog. That gave me goose bumps. I don't know what to say other than I bet your "Buddy" will never forget that moment with you. That was an awesome thing you did. Ya'll are both in my prayers. Talk to ya later.
God Bless both of ya'll.
Kristle Oberlander-GA
David, what a great story and a very touching one as well. Will also be praying for your nephew.
Keep up the good work. Wish you were speaking again somewhere close to Dalton.Really enjoy hearing your testimony and how God works in your life. - Craig Dilbeck
Great story Dave!!! I forwarded this to a few hunting buddy and some ladies, I know the'll all love it! May Gods favor, blessing and love swollow your whole family everyday in everyway!!
Forest
David,
Thanks for taking the time to write such an incredible story about Buddy. This not only brings out the best in you but shows him that Family,Friends and the Outdoors go Hand in Hand. You have created a memory that can be cherished forever for both of you.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
-- Helen Keller
Take Care, Tommy Daigle - JMD
I'll admit I'm not too big of a fan of hunting. However, this hunt certainly tugged at my heart. Thank you so much for sharing it.
David,
I'm a very old friend of "Floyd" and this was such a great tribute to William. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!
LP