A Shake account from a Newbie!

Hello Mojoy followers! I’m stepping in to “guest blog” today, in which I’m more than honored!, I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated to step into Mo’s GREEN shoes, but I’m give it a whirl! The real question is “How could I NOT want to share the wonderful experience I had this weekend! The Shake for Jake weekend was one I have anticipated for quite some time. It’s like waiting to “jump in” during a game of “jump rope”! You’re excited and know it’s gonna be fun, but you’re not sure just when to JUMP IN! Well this year, ladies and gents, SNEKCIP jumped in!

To condense my personal account of such a magnanimous weekend was no easy feat. I could sit back and give you a visual of everything, but I believe Mo has covered that quite well. I have to admit though pictures and descriptions provide a “good visual” , but actuallybe there in person is by far the BEST! As we were welcomed with open arms, Bree and I felt like family from the time we set foot in the convention center. I had to laugh because my husband thought I was crazy to drive 5hours to meet and stay with people, that I had never met in person before. What’s even worse, I was taking our 4yr old!! I have to give him a little credit, he does trust my judgment, just sometimes…it’s questionable!


However, after following this family thru Jakes illness and on thru MoJoy, I knew in my heart of hearts this was where I was suppose to be! Boy oh boy, was I spot on!! I never anticipated the enormity of the “Shake” or the timeless effort that the Raborn/Massey family and volunteers put into it. I was equally in awe of the close-knit community of West Monroe. From teens to Seniors! Everyone donated of their time! How awesome and rare is that!!! There is no stone left unturned in this awesome event! From the beautiful cylinders of black/green sand at the entrance to the stage crew inside!


I told my husband it was like a scene out of “Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” ! The one where “Charlie gets the GOLDEN TICKET and is invited to the factory”! That’s what it felt like when I had the “SHAKE FOR JAKE” ticket in my hand! When I entered the “Shake” I was simply in awe. I just wanted to sit and “absorb” the evening. What humbled me mostly was the huge smiles and the caring hearts of Don and Staci’s. To not be angry and remorseful was hard to understand BEFORE I attended this weekend. Now I know the reason they smile, I know the reason they continue to do what they do, and most importantly….I BELIEVE!



There is no doubt in my heart that next year will be even more spectacular, because of the dedication of The Raborn/Massey clan and the wonderful community of WM! Thank you again for making me a part of such a wonderful cause. Special thanks to Jin-Jin for the accommodations, and Mary Allison for the babysitting service!! Bree STILL talks about you!! Mo, you are simply awesome and even more engaging in person. Thank you for the personal tour of THE BAH (it is awesome)! Gabbi and Ellie you girls are more beautiful in person. The saying is “We do everything in TEXAS big” well I think there is a small community in LOUSIANA can make that a questionable statement! Thank you for the honor of being there and I most definitely will be back NEXT YEAR!!

Dawn "Dee" Pickens
(snekcip in comments section!)