Listen "Celebrating 50 years of life, triumphs and miracles: 5 decades, 5 people, 1 God. "
Episode Synopsis
Send us a textThis is a special episode that includes guests from Amy's life over her 5 decades. While many more could have been chosen for this episode, you will enjoy these interviews with the seed planters, people who worked the harvest of a life decimated by trauma and loss. These are people who made decisions that turned out to be life altering, perhaps even life saving.Contact AmyFirst up is Sharon Reynolds. They planted the very first seed with a simple invitation to church, then to Sunday dinner and ultimately in the hearts of the entire Reynolds family. Sharon is on the show to talk about 10 year old Amy, and at the end of her interview surprises Watson with a piece of her own she wrote. There were tears!Second up, Gayle Dunning (Vandenberghe) is on the show. Gayle and her late husband, Ray, along with their 3 children provided literal shelter for 18 months keeping Amy out of the traditional foster care system. Gayle also is the first person to report to child protective services. After having not seen each other for 30 years, Amy and Gayle have a precious conversation and Gayle serving as another memory keeper.Third is Jackie McGowan, "Mom McGowan" to all who have been lucky enough to have her in their lives.Dr. Lindy McGowan and his wife, Jackie, founded the children's home where Watson spent eight years, often described as the best eight years of her life. In a rare interview appearance, she shares her memories of a teen aged Amy and pushing into the college years. Fourth is Dr. Kristen DeWitt. Kris was Amy's resident advisor at Clearwater Christian College and has remained a steadfast friend for over 30 years. DeWitt, a professor of psychology at Cedarville University, brings some perspective to mental health as well as a gift to Amy at the end of the interview.Finally, Crissy Loughridge (no stranger to the podcast) brings us home with a special message for listeners and for Amy.This is the Wednesdays With Watson podcast 50th episode just "happened" to fall on Watson's 50th birthday.Sir, we would see Jesus, always."Little Is Much" song referenced: Songwriters: Kreiger Conrad / Kreiger Donna / Suffield F W Mrs"I Am"By Nicole NordemanPencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tallYou scattered some monsters from beneath my bedYou watched my team winYou watched my team loseYou watched when my bicycle went down againAnd when I was weak, unable to speakStill I could call You by nameAnd I said, Elbow Healer, Super HeroCome if you canYou said, I AmOnly sixteen, life is so meanWhat kind of curfew is at 10 p.m.You saw my mistakes.And watched my heart breakHeard when I swore I' d never love againAnd when I was weak, unable to speakStill I could call You by nameAnd I said, Heartache Healer, Secret KeeperBe my best friendAnd you said, I AmYou saw me wear white by pale candlelightI said forever to what lies aheadTwo kids and a dream, with kids that can screamToo much it might seem when it is two a.m.And when I am weak, unable to speakStill I will call You by nameShepherd, Savior, Pasture MakerHold onto my handYou say, I AmThe winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around usSo we find a foothold that's familiarAnd bless the moments that we feel you nearerWhen life had begun, I was woven and spunYou let the angels dance around the throneAnd who can say when, but they'll dance againWhen I am free and finally headed homeI will be weak, unable to speakStill I will cal You by nameCreator, Maker, LifeYou ARE:SEEN KNOWN HEARD LOVED VALUED
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