The morning of August 13th began just like any other morning….

I passed the Canadian Redimix, where John has worked many years. As I was headed to work at Canadian Elementary, I passed EMS on the bridge as they were headed to save his life… as a major work injury had occurred. That day seems like a huge blur starting from officer Mrs. Jerrilynn Ortega walking the hall headed straight for me. I knew at that moment … it was John that the EMS were so rapidly responding to help. She let me know my worst fears were true, and that he was alive and responding and had not lost consciousness, but the helicopter was on its way to take him to Amarillo. I just couldn’t breathe. After prayer, a friend drove me to get to John as quickly as possible. 

God has watched over him daily, and for certain especially diligently on this day, for John is our MIRACLE. That’s what all the doctors we have seen since, tell us. The doctors haven’t seen anything like this, where the person doesn’t have brain trauma and/or spinal cord injury. Once stable, John immediately had major back surgery. We were in the hospital, then acute rehab a total of 17 days. John has made so much progress and I’m so happy and grateful that he is very determined, strong and healthy. With that being said, he is on the road to recovery now and I am taking a leave of absence from work to be here and care for him. I am determined with his strong mindset and our faithful God, that in time … all the healing will take place as we know God is in charge. My focus is on John and being here by his side as he has always been for me and the girls. John is the most giving and kind person. He is a wonderful provider and would do anything for his family. He and our daughters are my world. 🌎 John has never met a stranger and shows kindness to all... a trait I love about him. He’s very selfless and would do anything for anyone. 

We are thankful and grateful to officer Jerri-Lynn Ortega for being the amazing person she is, keeping me calm and just being the light she is to our community! We are grateful to the EMS crew that were there to stabilize John as the helicopter was on the way. We are thankful for the medical staff on the helicopter, and the doctors, nurses and physical and occupational therapist that helped us in Amarillo. It is in the works for John to continue physical therapy here at our local Physical Therapy department.

 Thanks so much to all of those that have prayed for John. We feel all of the prayers have helped sustain us daily. If you have felt led to donate to his medical fund, I also want to thank you so much for your support. God Is in control and He is doing amazing things in our lives. We are so thankful for our John! Prayers are continuing to flow as John is getting better by the day.

A fund has been set up at Happy State Bank in Canadian Texas to cover medical costs not covered by insurance. The telephone number there is 806-323-2265. Love offerings may be made at a “Benefit for John Shields Medical Fund.” Their mailing address in Canadian is: Happy State Bank, P.O. Box 97, Canadian, Texas 79014.