6.26.2009

A New Life!

I started with my company in 2002 with hopes to catch up on a few bills and start chipping away at my debt. I realized quickly that it was a good fit and I was able to "be myself" finally. After Carissa and I found out that she was pregnant with our first child, Kaitlyn, I took things a little more seriously. I worked hard and after we were married and Kaitlyn was born, I was transferred and promoted and we started our long life together with baby in tow. It was a long road but I "moved up the ladder" and made many friends within the company. In the seven years with Tradehome Shoes I was able to pay off more than $25,000 in debt and looked forward to finally be promoted to the Home Office level. I would be able to travel to different states, work with different people and customers everyday, and have more weekends off with the girls. Then the devastating news of Avery Mae hit us without warning and my focus and priorities changed. I would really have to make some sacrifices and life changes.I unfortunately had to step down from my position as District Manager in February and last week gave my notice to the company that has taken care of us for all these years. I have been in my Fayetteville store for five years to the month and will miss the familiar faces of customers and merchants I have grown to love. It was surreal to turn off the lights and walk out for the last time last night at 11:00. My supervisor and I had a long talk yesterday and everyone there supports my decision and is trying to understand the painful road this has been. We talked about God's will and how it is hard to understand His purpose for me at this moment. I will go to work for my mothers construction company so I can have flexible hours to help when we FINALLY bring our sweet baby home to her nursery. We will try and sell our house this summer so we can move closer to Children's for little Avery. This post is very healing for me and I am usually not a writer, nor a reader!(I just watch many action movies) I want those of you who know me personally or have shared the sales floor with me to know that it was a very difficult decision to leave and it is scary and exciting all at the same time to start this new life! Thanks for sharing- Shane

24 comments:

  1. Shane, Just know that you are a wonderful example of a great father, husband and a man loving GOD and following GOD. I am praying for your family everyday.

    April
    Huntsville, Arkansas

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  2. There should be more fathers like you !! You and Carissa are strong parents. Just follow your heart and GOD will help with the rest.

    Christy Michel
    mommt to Drake
    2-18-08 to 4-6-08

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  3. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    You only get one chance, one life to live with your beautiful girls... there is a price for everything ~ and it seems like you figured that out. Some prices just aren't worth paying, especially when it comes to time with your children. It sounds like you have made the right decision! I can't wait to hear about when you take Avery home for the first time... sell that house, and get the nursery ready at the new house for that precious angel!

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  4. May God Bless you on the decisions you have made for your family. May he show you his peace and presence in this day. Know always that he is in control. Still praying for healing for your sweet little Avery. God Bless your family!

    Sissy
    Nashville, TN

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  5. You are a remarkable man Shane. Some parents can't figure out how to make time for their kids when they have completely normal circumstances. I am sorry that you had to make that choice, but I am glad that you did. I am praying for you guys!

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  6. I'm gonna miss by beer sharing neighbor :( Now who am I gonna talk over the fence to?

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  7. I know this must be a hard decision, but oh my how it shows what and incredible father and husband you are to your girls! I wish you all the best on this new life and please know that my prayers are with your family and baby Avery every single day!

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  8. Mommy_of_YaDaJune 26, 2009

    Shane- I commend you for you courage. Everything for the family...what a great husband and father. I been praying for Ms. Avery and now will pray for you. May God give you peace in knowing that you are doing the right thing. Your precious baby girls will be forever thankful. Change is good! God is great!

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  9. Shane, praying for the new beginning you have chosen to be filled with many blessings for years to come. You are a strong man and what a great father and husband to make these decisions. I wish you the best with the changes that will take place, but hold on to that beautiful family and everything else will fall in place. Still praying for Avery.

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  10. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    I know that this decision was hard but, as parents, we make many sacrifices during our lifetime for our children and each are worth it. This is a good thing. We will continue to send up daily, even hourly, prayers for continued healing for Avery. God has made her a fighter and he will be with her every step of the way. You all are such a remarkable family and I pray for the day that you can all be at home together. Shane you have been such a good friend and you will certainly be missed.

    DeLynn

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  11. Shane, some people go their entire lives without figuring out what you have thus far. God, your family and friends are all that really matter. We may sometimes feel the price is high, but the rewards are greater! You've made the right choice for your family. We are sad to see you guys go, but are so excited for you also. May God bless all of you in this new adventure your family is beginning!

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  12. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    I have to think about how awesome it will feel when Avery comes home and how therapeutic it will be to make her a nursery, starting fresh in a new place. That will be a special time for you all. Think of you guys as always!
    Rachael

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  13. If you are praying, He is listening. You are a strong and amazing husband and father and God will be faithful. Keep pushing forward, I am holding you all in my heart.

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  14. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    I'll call you this weekend and give ya Aarons number & ya'll maybe hang out from time to time, all that best bro!

    Jason

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  15. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    Shane I know how hard it was for you. I know everything has a reason and that god has a plan. You have always been a person I have admired for many reasons. This just adds another to the list. I know you will have many sucesses in life. But your first sucess was as a husband and father and always will be.
    your friend ....amanda

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  16. You are a wonderful father. Making true sacrifices for the good of your family is to be admired. We wish you the very best and can't wait to see you bring sweet Avery home.

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  17. All I can say is "I am so proud of you." You have always been an amazing guy! Best of luck in your next chapter.

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  18. I just found your blog...You have a beautiful family and I hope for the best for you all!

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  19. AnonymousJune 27, 2009

    My Thoughts and preys our with you ...I prey God will help you as get yalls feet set up

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  20. Alison StrojnyJune 27, 2009

    You are doing the absolute best thing for your family. I respect and admire you (as always) for making such a difficult change. Your wife and family need you,...that is priceless! PRAYERS & STRENGTH TO YOU...Sincerely, Alison Bradford Strojny.

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  21. AnonymousJune 28, 2009

    Through Travis I learned of you and your family. Through coming to your store, I got to see you in your role as a businessman. Through your blog I have gotten to know your family and have gained great inspiration from each one of you. You have been in many of my conversations and my many prayers. Many people have become educated through the long hard battle your family has had to face. Though sacrifices have been many, God holds each of you in the palm of His hands and loves you dearly. He will continue to bless you and yours forever because of your faithfulness and love for Him. Thank you for teaching me so much through your blog and through your example. May all of you have a long happy and healthy life together. Goldie McGarrah

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  22. Hey guys. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. It's been crazy with the twins, and I'm finally able to catch up on the blogs a little. Please know I think of y'all often, and I'm still praying for sweet Baby Avery.

    Much Love,
    Stephanie

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  23. AnonymousJune 28, 2009

    I have all the respect in the world for your family. I will indeed miss you guys so much. Ever since we first met 4 years ago you and your family have always been there for me. I hope to be able to be the type of person to everyone that you were to me. I love you guys a lot and you are always in my prayers!

    Travis McGarrah

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  24. AnonymousJune 29, 2009

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have some life changes too. Thank you for the post, I don't feel so alone now. God bless you and your family. Lots of love and respect to you.
    Lilly's Nannie

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