Fred Davis began his life in Enumclaw nearly 16 years ago. Like many stories, it began tragically; and like so many who suffer from misfortune, Davis has decided to chronicle all of it in a book.

“Through Stormy Waters: God’s Peace in Life’s Storm” is the true account of an accident, the miraculous healing that came afterwards and the grace of God that allowed it all to happen, said Davis.

In 1997, Davis was a pastor in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he lived with his wife, Judy.  He received a job offer for senior pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Enumclaw and was tying up loose ends to prepare for the move. One of those loose ends involved selling a school bus owned by the church.

A prospective buyer and his mechanic met at the church parking lot to see the bus. Davis stood at the front end of the vehicle to show the mechanic what was under the hood, while Davis’ friend showed the interior. In an ill-thought out moment, certainly not a malicious one said Davis, his friend decided to start the engine. The bus lurched forward, pinned Davis to a truck in front of it and then drug him 40 feet across the parking lot.

The doctors didn’t believe he would walk again. Both of his daughters got married the year of the accident, and despite the earlier prognosis, he was able to walk them each down the aisle. He now moves with approximately 90 percent mobility.

The book also includes four chapters from his wife Judy’s point of view. Davis said Judy shares her view of the traumatic event through a unique set of lenses. After several weeks in the hospital, Davis began to regain lucidity and realized Judy had been by his side every single day. The experience strengthened their relationship and their faith in God, he said.

It was then, after facing a near-death experience and spending weeks in the hospital, that Davis asked Judy to marry him again.

“It was our 25th wedding anniversary. I was in a wheelchair, uncertain if I would ever walk again but it was exciting and wonderful,” he said. “Judy was dressed up. She looked beautiful. She really meant it when she said in sickness and in health.”

Years later, Davis has made a life preaching on the Plateau. He said that the loving and open-armed congregation at Calvary was an integral part of his healing and the joyous years that followed.

He also belongs to a jazz group called By Committee, where he plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. He enjoys boating and spending time with his three grandchildren.

Davis and his wife are celebrating their 41 year wedding anniversary, as well as their retirement this year. They plan to live the majority of their time in Arizona but during the summer months they will sail their boat, named Providence, around the Puget Sound.

He hopes to release his book soon but an official date hasn’t been set. “Through Stormy Waters: God’s Peace in Life’s Storm” will also be found in many eBook forms. For more information about the release and book signings, please visit Davis’ blog at www.twoextrashots.blogspot.com.

The trauma of being run over by a bus is far behind them, their beloved days in Enumclaw are coming to a close and the Davises are ready to sail into the next phase of their life.