FEBRUARY 5, 2006; "AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME" NEWS

What do you think this group of individuals are smiling about? It was Wednesday, 2/1/06, and it was Hawk's last radiation treatment. This is the "A" team that were with Hawk through his 30 days of radiation. Starting at the left top, the individuals in clockwise order are Matt, Mona, Daphine, Lindy, Hawk (full of laughter), Trish and Pa (who is always talking). This group of people were terrific and really helped Hawk and his family. AWESOME

Thursday, 2/2/06, Hawk and I were in town getting our hair cut. We received a call from Jo Clemons Smith from the Lebanon radio station WANT FM 99. MJ was on the air till 11 AM and they wanted to do a live interview with Hawk. We drove to the station, arriving about 10:30. MJ interpreted her broadcast immediately and spent the rest of her program talking to Hawk and getting out information on the benefit concert and silent auction. AWESOME.

Thursday night, 2/2/06, was very special for Hawk. We told Hawk that we were going to Demo's in Murfreesboro with Henry, his best family from the Learning Center, and Henry's family to celebrate the radiation treatments being completed. (Henry's parents, Deana & Derek Elwell had donated the 300 picture frames that had been sold for financial support for Hawk.) This was true. BUT, we were also there to celebrate the granting of Hawk's Make-a Wish. We were joined by Victoria Thoman, Wish Grantor, and her husband, Charlie. Hawk was going to Disney 2/7-13/06. Hawk was so excited. He had not expected to be able to go till mid March. He will be staying at Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit resort built to create Magical memories for special kids. We are expecting wonderful memories to be created for Hawk. AWESOME

The silent auction and benefit concert held Friday night, 2/3/06, at Watertown High School ("WHS") was a wonderful success. The doors opened at 6 PM for the silent auction and the concert started at 7 PM. We got there about 6 PM and had a hard time finding a place to park. The place was packed. When the concert started, it was to standing room only. Hawk and Lindy were introduced to the attendees by Anita Christian and Cheryl Ellsion, Watertown Elementary School Principal and Asst. Principal respectively. On Hawk's behalf, we want to thank all the individuals/businesses that donated so generously and the individuals that bought the items. Watertown and Wilson County have the best people in the world. The performers were wonderful. Jason Meadows, who placed second in the Nashville Star contest last year was the feature performer; with support performances by Carolina Rain and Hillary Scott; and local entertainers Timmy and Ramsey Goolsby, Doug Collins and Chance West. Ms. Marilyn Willoughly, the Music Teacher at Watertown Elementary School directed several songs by the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. A special song was written for Hawk and performed by all three grades. Hawk and Skyla had a wonderful time. By the end of the night, they were both on the gym floor with other kids playing during the live performances. We want to give a special thanks to Ms. Anita, Cheryl, Marilyn and to the many, many volunteers that did some much work to make this event as special as it was. We also want to give a very special thanks to all the individuals that gave the family hugs and told us of the prayers that are being offered to God for a miracle. (Note: The Lebanon Democrat had an article on the event in the Saturday 2/4/06, edition and the Wilson Post had individuals there taking pictures and doing interviews which will probably be in their Wednesday, 2/8/06, edition. Please refer to the papers or their web sites for the articles that tell a better story than I can write. AWESOME.

In the last update, 1/31/06, you were informed of the small miracle of us being able to buy a house close to us that Lindy is going to be able to refinance and own. We also shared that the house was in need of a lot of fixing up. I had shared the good news information of finding the house and its condition with Gayle Hooper, Director of the Learning Center ("LC") on Monday. When I returned to the LC Tuesday to pick up Skyla, I was met by Gayle; Jo Ann Vastola, the Learning Center's Sec.; and a group of the teachers and parents of students. They were so excited. They had talked to their husbands, their families, their friends, businesses, etc., and had plans to fix up Hawk's New Home-"Extreme Home Makeover", Wilson County style. They have contacted businesses and already found sponsors that donated some items for the entire make over. Sherwin Williams on North Cumberland donated all the paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths. Designer Carpets on West Main donated all the carpet and vinyl floor coverings. Vulcan had donated two loads of gravel for the driveway. They had already started a list of skilled craftsman of various trades and many more individuals that just wanted to work on the house.

On Saturday morning, 2/4/06, the work started. It was cold and snowy outside, but very warm on the inside. There were 11 people there to work, including two small angels Hallie Vastola and Shelby Fox. By the end of the day, all the old flooring had been removed from the entire house; all the trash was cleared out (no small task), the old wall paper removed, and the kitchen stove and refrig. spotlessly cleaned. The Lord is active in Wilson County in the generosity of so many people. Awesome

On behalf of Hawk and his family, may I say again in closing that we are living in a very special place. The love, support and especially the prayers are from the heart of a very special community. It is some wonderful to know you and have your hugs of support. May the Lord Bless as you are Blessing us. AWESOME

We also learned Friday that Papa, Mike Smith, has prostrate cancer. Bone scan and Cat scan testes will be performed this week to learn how the cancer has spread. Please keep him in your prayers along with Hawk. Thanks.