Celebrating 50 years of life, triumphs and miracles: 5 decades, 5 people, 1 God.
This 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.
First 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 Nordeman
Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn’t always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
You watched when my bicycle went down again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said, Elbow Healer, Super Hero
Come if you can
You said, I Am
Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10 p.m.
You saw my mistakes.
And watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I’ d never love again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said, Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And you said, I Am
You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is two a.m.
And when I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am
The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that’s familiar
And bless the moments that we feel you nearer
When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they’ll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will cal You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am
Yes, I Am
Songwriters: Pat Bunch / Shane Teeters
I Am l