Auld Lang Syne

(Scott here. I am ghost writing for Steph today.)

Everyone knows the song we traditionally play on New Year's Eve as a new year dawns, but the song's title is translated into English with different meanings. The one I like today is "days gone by." With young sons, nieces and a nephew, I am learning that time goes so quick you do not need to wish a moment away. But, so long 2008. In many ways, I wish I hardly knew ye.

January 6th, 2008 was the beginning of a tough year for our family. I will never forget the moment. We came in from church and lunch when my mother in law called. She said, "Scott, this is Ms. Melinda. You need to call your parents. They think Jason has leukemia." My world seemed to temporarily stop, but my mind and thoughts roared. Who is they? And, he just had a little fever. Leukemia? The first tear of the year followed soon thereafter, and I shed more in 2008 than probably any other year in my life. They still come, and it is usually at really weird times. Just last week, I was putting up some laundry. I was folding my tshirts, and wham. Lost it. Jason had turned me on to the brand of undershirts I now wear. Then, I found a pair of socks that were his. My mom did Jason and my laundry when we were both at her house, and this pair of socks had made it into my "pile" the Christmas before the ugly l-word. Strange thing to bring such powerful emotions.

Through the heartache and tears, we also experienced joy. In February, God blessed our family with a healthy "Baby Lally." Allyson Laine Weathers - a spitting image of her daddy - was born healthy and whole. God allowed Jason to be healthy enough at the time to be there when she was born. In May, God blessed us with my second son - Anderson Grady Shows. Anna Lea was baptized (she was saved in 2007) and is a child of God assured to see her Daddy again one day.

In 2008, we saw a community come to our aid in such a way that it was overwhelming. A number of people have told us they came to know God or turned back to God in watching Jason and Stephanie glorify Him during their suffering. And, let's not forget that Jason was healed. He's not sick, he's not suffering and he is not facing another battery of treatments. He is completely healed and with his Savior.

In 2008, I found a good friend in Cheeseball - a.k.a. Brad. ReRe got baptized and can now eat the wafers. My dad found facebook. My mom found out she is spry enough to be a mother of three when needed at the young age of 60. Mr. Jon Mark and Ms. Peggy now can visit all their immediate family by going to one street since they live next door to each other now. Ashley got another neice that adores her. Jon Brent found his hitters. (long story, but Caringbridge alumni may remember it.) Anna Lea has her own bedroom and enough Barbies to man a war. Ross got a full set of drums. Anderson and Ally (Chunky Monkeys) have never missed a meal.

God's blessings have accompanied our heartache, and we are aware and most thankful for them. Jason is missed mightily, and I still don't understand why such a good man had to go. But, God has been faithful to this family. It has been and will be tough for Steph and the kids, but we rest assured that God will provide and get them through the darker days when they come.

As you auld lang syne a new year in today, try not to dwell on the "days gone by" but focus on the blessings. The future is a mystery. The past is history. Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

We are looking forward to a better year in 2009, but should the valley's present themselves, I pray that all of us can approach them the way J did. His first public words came on January 10th, and this is what he said:

"First of all I want to express my heart-felt thanks for all of your love and support. Your prayers, food, cards, phone calls, visits, and emails have all been blessings to me during this time of uncertainty and confusion. I know my God is great and I know His plan and purpose for my life is perfect. I know this "bend in the road" is a part of that perfect plan. I may never know why, this side of heaven, but I rest assured because He is omnipotent God. All glory be to Him who is above all, knows all, and is all!"

What a man! I will forever be thankful that God blessed me with J as my brother in law.

Please continue to pray for my sister and their children. Your prayers are as coveted on January 1, 2009 as they were on January 6th, 2008. Thank you all for loving my sister. We are forever indebted. God bless.

Scott