Markedia Wells and her sons Javaris and Jalex received a special surprise from David and Erin Robertson and High Socks for Hope! The following is copied off the Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa's website:
"Markedia Wells is a 30 year old native of Tuscaloosa who works at Southern Medical and Surgical Associates to support her two children, Javaris (Jay) and Jalex (Big). Markedia says she always puts her faith in God, and on April 27, 2011, Markedia’s faith was rewarded when she and her two children were spared.
The day of April 27, Markedia was in Alberta City picking up Jay and Big from her mother’s house to take them home. Markedia was going to take a nap while Jay and Big played, but the tornado was moving fast toward Alberta City. The three of them rushed into the boys’ activity room because it had the fewest windows. The wind was blowing through the house rearranging the furniture, fortunately relocating a couch over the three of them that protected them.
Markedia said that all they could do was pray and ask God to deliver them. Their prayers were answered; they had been saved. Sadly, the family’s dog Mister, who would not come inside, was taken by the monstrous tornado.
Markedia removed herself and the boys from what was left of their house. All she could see were trees, and she thought that her house was the only house that had been destroyed. Markedia soon found that not only had her home been destroyed, but almost all of Alberta City was destroyed.
Markedia, the boys, and her mother walked a considerable distance to the Belk Center where they were picked up by Markedia’s brothers. Markedia, the boys, and her mother stayed at a family friend’s home with two other family friends for weeks without any electricity.
Markedia was approved for a Habitat for Humanity house sponsored by Major League Baseball, State Farm, and Player’s Trust and is now a new home owner in Alberta City. She says being approved for a new home is like the American Dream. She wants to thank Habitat for Humanity, Major League Baseball, State Farm, Player’s Trust and High Socks for Hope for this opportunity. She says it is the best thing in the world.
“We were battered and bruised, and we lost material things but more importantly we walked away with the most important thing: life, and life more abundantly glory to God,” Markedia said."
Javaris is an excellent baseball player who has loved the sport since he was four years old. He is an all-star player with dreams of playing for the Yankees like David Robertson.
When David made a trip home in November 2012 he spent some time with Javaris and Jalex. David showed Javaris and his team at Kentuck several techniques that will help them play ball better.
After their home was finished High Socks For Hope furnished the home and we made sure Javaris and Jalex had their favorite themes in their new bedroom!
Markedia, Javaris and Jalex have lived in their home for a year. David and Erin decided this summer that they wanted to give Javaris and Jalex the experience of a Yankees game and bring them to an event with the Trenton Thunders so on August 28, 2013 the three of them boarded a plane for New York for a once in a lifetime trip. The trip included a Trenton Thunder's game, New York Yankees game and a sightseeing tour around New York City. Javaris and Jalex got to hang around their favorite MLB player and mentor David Robertson with his family and even attended a birthday party for Luke Robertson, David's son.
Thank you David Robertson for a once in a lifetime trip full of special memories!
