Don called me to book a fishing charter for his two sons and their friends. We decided on the 6 hour deep sea fishing charter. It was the best charter for the boys. It offered them a lot of action without having to be on the water all day.
The boys, Hunter, Hayden brought their friends, Raley and Tyler with them. Zach who just graduated high school also joined the family. Zach spends more time at Don's house than he does his own, so Don claims him too! Sounds like a great family to be hanging around.
We headed out to sea today, south of Orange Beach, Alabama and checked three reefs to see if the fish had moved in yet. They had not. We moved further offshore and stopped on a reef where I knew these teenagers would have a blast. They were all surprised when everyone was catching fish, almost every drop of bait.
They caught Red Snapper, Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper and Amberjack. Everyone caught some really nice fish. Zach surprised us all with a whopper of a Red Snapper.
It is days like this that makes me the happiest.
Let me back up a minute. This morning on the way to the boat, I prayed that I may touch someones life and make a difference. I asked to remain humble and for Christ to shine through me. To my surprise, today was when I was humbled again and someone made a difference in my life.
Don began to explain how he had lost his 4 1/2 year old son to cancer in 2007. He told me his name was Jake. As I listened, I did my best to hold back my tears of sadness for this family. I kept listening. This Jake was no ordinary child. Evidently, he was a character. He had a rare liver cancer and spent over two years at St. Judes in Memphis and battling for his life. Jakes brothers told me how wonderful a person he was. He never acted like he was sick. He held on and made everyone else smile.
Don and his wife created a foundation that is amazing. It is called the Jake Owen Raborn Foundation. It is a testiment as to how to Pay it forward. Please visit their website and enjoy the video clip from youtube about Jakes life.
After spending a day with Jakes dad and brothers, I feel like I know him. I hope this family's story will touch your hearts and encourage you to live one day at a time. Believe. Make a difference in someone elses lives.