I spent this morning at Forrest General E.R. with Jon Brent and Ally. Not because of any emergency, but because they both started running a fever during the early hours of the morning. Ugh. Our normal pediatrician's office was closed today due to it being Christmas Eve. I chose to go to the E.R. due to the fact of a dear friend who works there and she assured me we'd be in and out quickly. I wanted to get the kids started on an antibiotic ASAP!
As I waited for the doctor a perfect stranger walked in the exam room. She was from the business office and was just doing her job by making sure all information in the computer was correct. For some reason, it wasn't noted in the Forrest General computer system that Jason was not living. I quickly informed her that Jason died in July here in this very hospital. I must admit that I was a little frustrated over having to go into this with her, but quickly my attitude changed. The kind representative began to apologize over and over. After getting the pertinent information and signing all necessary forms... by the way, I think I have signed these forms enough because of Jason that I could sign them perfectly on the designated line with a blind fold on! Anyway, as she left the room this Forrest General employee said, "Mrs. Weathers, it's because of Christmas that you'll see your husband again!" Wow.
A truth I knew, but at that moment I needed to be reminded of it. Throughout today I have thought of that statement,"It's because of Christmas..." Although in many ways I'd like to totally skip Christmas this year, it is because of CHRISTmas that I CAN press on during this nightmare I am living. It's because of CHRISTmas that He has brought me HOPE of a future that is to come! It's because of CHRISTmas that Jason and I even ever got together almost 16 years ago. It's because of CHRISTmas that we were blessed with these precious children. It's because of CHRISTmas that I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family encouraging me through this journey. It's because of CHRISTmas that we all have Easter. He had to come as a baby so that one day He could die as a man on a cross. Not only would He die, but He would raise again so that DEATH was forever conquered. What a God we serve! So, it IS because of CHRISTmas that one day not only will I see Jason again, but I will see HIM, the King of Kings and Lord and Lords and spend all of eternity with them both.
Dear ones, Merry CHRISTmas! Although this season is most difficult for me, I am so thankful that it does take place. I pray you and your family have a most blessed CHRISTmas! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. May God bless you all!
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15 comments:
I am so glad I checked in before turning in tonight(or this morning). We all need to remember that because of CHRISTmas we will see our loveones and our LORD in Heaven. Thank you for sharing that Stephanie.
Hope the children are better. And that Santa leaves lots of toys.
love, hugs, and prayers
MERRY CHRISTMAS
boy i'm glad i stopped in to see if you'd posted... praying still! l gonce
We are praying for you and your family always but especially at this time of the year.
Merry Christmas Sweet Stephanie,
I love you girl and you have been extra heavy on my heart this week. I am praying you through my friend and my heart hurts for you even more now than in the first days after Jason left. And you are so right that it is "Because of Christmas" that you can even do this. I am hoping the kids are on the mend and enjoying this morning with you. I will be thinking of you all day with much love.
Laurie
I have prayed lots of special prayers on your behalf and your children's behalf. I know this season has to be so difficult but I know, just like this post, God has shown you the HE is very much in charge and right beside you!
I pray that you feel Him just like HE were sitting beside you holding your hand!
Because of HIM!
Christi Cave
Sweet Stephanie,
I have thought about you so much during the last weeks, each time lifting a prayer that God would wrap His comforting arms around you. I can see by your post that my prayers were answered! You have such a sweet spirit and you encourage me more than you could ever know! I pray that you were able to find joy and peace on this CHRISTmas day...and that they will be your constant partners through the coming year!
Much love and prayers!
Kara
This post has by far been my most favorite Christmas story of 08. That hospital employee had no idea how many her simple statement would affect. I have retold it several times already. It's also made me realize that sharing the Good News is much easier than we make it out to be -- no outline needed, just share as God moves.
I know this season has been difficult for you. As 2009 is just around the corner, I pray that JOY is also.
I haven't given up on New Orleans. Let's make it happen soon if you're still in. Did you talk to Kristen?
Love you,
Amy
Haven't figured out how to leave a message yet. Have tried several times . . . maybe this time!!
What a beautiful CHRISTmas message!! It is only through Him that we can have that kind of Joy. Praise God. I continue to think of you and the family, and pray for your strength and peace. God bless you all.
What a awesome reminder that lady gave to all of us! I hope she has shared that comment w/others along the way as I know I will!
Love and joy and prayers for your momma next week!
Hugs too....Debi
And thank you for beginning my day today with your powerful blessings. How I have prayed you all through this week, and tried to call Peggy as this past week began, just to let her know how much you all were on my heart. I know that the One that has carried you thus far certainly kept you uplifted through this Christmas week, and though I am sorry that you ended up in the ER with the children on Christmas eve, I can see the blessing that resulted from that little detour - just a reminder from a total stranger that it is because of Christmas that you can get through the really tough times such as I know this holiday had to be. I am praying for God's very special blessings of peace and joy for you and your extended family for 2009.
Please continue to bless us with your therapy sessions and infinite wisdom. Love to all, carolyn laster
Thinking about you this morning Sweet Stephanie and praying for you too. You have my heart this holiday season and beyond and I love you so much.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Hi Stephanie,
What a great message on Christmas eve, I wish I would have checked your site earlier. One, to pray for your dear children. The other, to hear that responce from that employee, just says it all. I will share that with others. You always have the right words, that are so simple and speak so much to my heart. I'm continuing to pray for your family.
My son turned 7yr. on Dec. 26th, we had a surprise party for him and he was very surprised. I can't beleive he's 7yr. Its a challenge to do birthday and Christmas together, but what a blessing.
Diana
Sorry to hear that they have been sick and hope they are feeling much better. Sorry also that you had such a time and we pray that you all had a Merry Christmas but most of all a Christ Filled Christmas. We continue to pray for you all even though I have not responded much lately and I missed Anna Lea's birthday but I sent her a note on the birthday post and I probably should have put it on this one but maybe you can let her look back at it. Love and Prayers.
Dave and Sharlene Burgess
sburg321@hotmail.com
Belton,SC 29627
Wow I needed to read that today! It is because of Christmas...Thanks for sharing this with us. You have no idea how important was that for me today. The right timimg. The Lord is never late.
Praying for you
Marielvis
Just stopping by to wish you and your family a Happy New Year Stephanie. I have been praying for you and hope that everyone has been feeling better. I miss your visits and comments but understand that life is busy at your home. Praying that this new year brings many blessings and healing to your heart my friend. I know the healing part will take much time, but I ask the Lord to continue carrying you through each and every day. I love you girl.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
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