shelby successfully delivers a baby boy, jackson jr., but soon shows signs of kidney failure and starts dialysis. she celebrates july fourth, around the time jackson jr. turns one, by successfully receiving a donated kidney from m'lynn, allowing shelby to seemingly resume a normal life. four months later, on halloween, ouiser, clairee, truvy, and m'lynn throw annelle a surprise wedding shower, as she is now engaged to sammy. shelby is unable to attend due to a conflicting schedule with her nursing job, which, along with her medical condition, is causing her great stress and fatigue.