| An
Open Letter from Kathy Watson (formerly of the Speer Family and the Chuck Wagon Gang) |
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On September 22, 2000, my sister, Kathy Watson, formerly with the Speer Family and the Chuck Wagon Gang, was in a very serious life-threatening auto accident. So many of her friends and fans called and sent cards and gifts, we wanted to give you an update on her condition. |
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Kathy was in intensive care for 3 weeks, intermediate care for another two, and in a regular hospital room for a time before transferring to a rehabilitation hospital for 6 weeks. She was released just before Christmas, 2000, and she has continued in outpatient physical therapy in Cullman, Alabama.
That first day in Carraway Hospital's Intensive Care Unit in Birmingham was spent praying
and waiting. We had been told if she could remain stable for 48 hours, Kathy might have a
chance for survival. I don't really think the doctors expected her to hit that mark, but
they were trying to give us some hope. What they didn't know was that the God of Hope had
been with Kathy all the way, and He would see her through, step by painful step. |
Kathy is a warrior, and I've watched her fight incredible battles to regain full use of her faculties. She still has work to do, but she is an inspiration to everyone around her. Her physician has now taken her off all the scores of medications she's been on since her release from the hospital, and he continues to be genuinely astounded at her progress. There is no permanent damage of any kind. She's walking a mile a day and is conquering the mountains, one at a time. Kathy wanted to express to each of you her personal thanks for the prayers, cards and gifts that poured in while she was in the hospital and have continued while she's recouping at home with our parents. |
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As a family, we cannot tell you what you have meant to us during this time. People we didn't even know gave us courage and uplifted us with their prayers. So many people love Kathy and shared that love with us. We received calls and cards from literally all over the world, from New York to California; Canada, Switzerland, Germany and several countries in South America. It was amazing.
Continue to keep her in your prayers, and may God's richest blessings be on each of you;
and may He reward your faithfulness. |
 . Harold Timmons (Memory Lane Gospel) with Kathy when they were both traveling with the Chuck Wagon Gang. Photo taken at Chapel Grove Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC |
| SPECIAL THANKS TO GENE WRAY FOR THE PHOTOS | |
NOTE: The Inspirations count the Watson Family among our earliest and dearest friends. We first met them somewhere around Gardendale (Birmingham area) when Shirley and Kathy were very young ladies (we were just kids, too! LOL) Also, Shirley left out a few salient facts: namely that all the Watsons sing, (better than a lot of the "pro" groups) and they have the beautiful harmonies that only close families can create. To know that Kathy is not only recovering beyond all expectations, but is exceeding the doctor's expectations, is truly an answer to many prayers. |
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