Randy Shaw

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

John 19:25-27

This verse in Scripture holds a special place in my heart. Imagine Jesus, hanging on the cross, bearing unimaginable agony and torment — torment we cannot even fathom —yet in the midst of his own suffering, he was looking out for others; he ensured that his mom had a place to call home. Jesus came into this world to serve others, die for others and even in his most excruciating moment, he continued to embody selflessness and compassion, thinking of others before himself. To me, there is nothing more profound and awe-inspiring than witnessing someone, amidst their own turmoil, prioritize the needs and well-being of others, mirroring the boundless love and compassion of Jesus.

Randy Shaw demonstrated such Christ-like love in his final days.

We met Randy at Dr. Proefrock’s office. Every time I saw him, I knew he was in a great deal of pain. He could hardly speak, but he always smiled at William and myself. I began to form a friendship with his wife Laurie and soon learned that Randy was fighting for his life against cancer.

Laurie and I would often talk before or after William and I would do a dive in the hyperbaric chamber. I could see and feel the pain in her eyes and her voice, but every-time she praised Jesus: come what may, she praised Jesus.

Randy passed away soon after in April.

During that time Travis and I had Learned that our insurance had denied our appeal for more therapy for William. And not only did they deny it, but they took a couple thousand from us claiming that they paid for too much therapy as it was. My dad made of the reference of Gideon and his army and how God continued to take even more men away, just so we knew who was doing the providing.

We didn’t know what to do, but we trusted God to provide.

"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

2 Chronicles 20:12

Later, we returned to Dr Proefrock’s office for more hyperbaric chamber dives and that’s when he learned what Randy and Laurie had done.

Randy had some money left on his account at Dr P’s office and he chose to transfer that money to William’s account.

The front desk told us what the Shaw’s had done and we all broke down in tears. So did the front desk staff.

Randy and Laurie going through hardship I can’t even begin to imagine we’re thinking of others! Randy had pulled Laurie aside at one of his last appointments and pointed at William; Laurie already knew what her husband was thinking, “give him the money.”

Randy, bearing his cross still thought of others, just like Jesus.

Thank you Randy and Laurie for demonstrating a love and thoughtfulness that could only come from Christ.

I hope in my most tumultuous of times I take a lesson from Randy and Laurie and I act like Jesus.

Randy Shaw, I know you are dancing with Jesus today and I just want to say, you are missed and never forgotten. William will know your name and in Heaven He will say, “Thank you!”