February 28, 1998

February 28, 1998

2.28.98 - A date I will forever cherish. Just thinking about the day makes me smile, but at the same time it also brings great sadness. I never imagined I'd be spending our 11 year anniversary alone. Jason and I started dating our junior year in high school. I knew immediately after we started dating that this was the man God wanted me to marry. Oh, how thankful I am that God chose ME to be the wife of Jon Jason Weathers. I will never get over that blessing.

Out of all the firsts without Jason, this has been the toughest. Part of me wanted to block out this day yet I couldn't do it. You see, February 28, 1998, was the happiest day of my life. It was all I prayed and dreamed it would be and so much more. Jason and I wanted our wedding ceremony to be a time of worship and to only glorify our Savior. We wanted every song sang and every word said to be God honoring. I believe that was accomplished.

I remember as I stood in the back of the church awaiting the appropriate time for me to enter the worship center, I truly worshipped as Brett and Alesia Valentine sang "You Are Awesome in this Place." I was totally overwhelmed with His presence at that very moment. As I walked down the aisle and I saw ALL the many people who came to share in this time of commitment to our Lord and each other, I became even more emotional. I held tightly to my dad's arm yet could not wait to get to the alter so that I could take Jason's hand.

Jason joined me with being somewhat emotional on this day. As we said our vows, we both cried tears of joy in that God had brought us together. "In sickness and in health, until death does us part..." Wow. I thought "sickness" was referring to the common cold, the flu, stomach virus, etc. I thought the major sickness might possibly come in our 70s or even later. Leukemia? Never crossed my mind on 2.28.98. Death? Obviously, I never dreamed death would come at 33. I just knew we would grow old together and celebrate this day for MANY years.

As we left the church after my dad had pronounced us, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Weathers, we were both ecstatic. I remember as we drove to the reception we both kept looking at our hands and saying to each other, "I can't believe we are married!" Of course, then we were saying, "did you see...?" "Can you believe ... came?" It was so exciting for us to be at our reception and have so many come in support of our big day. So many that came had a profound impact on who we were in Christ. So many of these same people walked with us through the most difficult days of our life and marriage while Jason battled leukemia.

An ironic part of our day was that one of Jason's groomsmen and great friend, Stephen Hatten, was battling leukemia himself at the time. He had been so very sick and prior to our wedding had gone through a bone marrow transplant. His mom reminded me not long ago of his determination to be in our wedding. He was weak and frail, but he made it. Stephen met Jesus face to face less than 3 months after we married due to a relapse of his leukemia. Even in my pain today, I rejoice in knowing that Jason and Stephen are worshipping our Savior together right now...live and in person!

I opened a devotion book today that I do on occasion and this was the verse:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-22

This verse just so happened to be one of the verses that Jason and I had chosen for our wedding program. Coincidence? I think not. Here is what followed the scripture:

"Instead of raging against the Lord for the way He manages our lives, let us carefully consider all the benefits He bestows. Take a piece of paper; sit down alone in a quiet spot; write down one by one all the good things - the delights and the pleasures He has made possible for you. List everything - the sound of music, the laughter of children; the sunrise/sunset, the scent of a rose, the clasp of a friend's hand, the loyalty of a dog. If one is honest, there is no end to the list." (Phillip Keller)

Hmmm... a word from the Lord? Absolutely! Yes, our Lord chose to take my Jason home at 33, and I certainly don't pretend to understand His ways. Even still He gives me many things to be thankful for...at the top of my list are the 3 little Jason's that sleep soundly right now. 2.28.98...I never dreamed then I'd be the mom to these precious children. Thank you, Jesus! May I be found faithful to our Lord as I parent them without Jason! So, as I close this 2.28.09, I am very mindful of the great love our Lord has for me...even in my grief. He is faithful. I say this over and over...His grace is ALWAYS sufficient. Today is no exception. "...to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, for ever and ever!"