The next Sunday dawned cool and clear, with bright sunshine promising a warm afternoon. The Turner and Clarke families were exceptionally turned out, predictably ensconced in their usual pews at the All Saints family service. Shelagh's voice rose and, next to her, Patrick's anchored one of her favorite hymns:

Great is Thy faithfulness

Oh God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not

Thy compassions they fail not

As Thou hast been

Thou forever will be

The truth of the words touched her anew and she felt her spirit soar. Earlier, Hannah had rushed up to her on the church steps with the news that Emily's test results revealed she had not inherited their genetic disease. Shelagh hugged her tightly, sharing in her friend's joy and God's providence.

Pardon for sin

And a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer

And to guide

Strength for today

And bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Now the words of the old hymn reinforced the foundation of her faith as she confidently trusted God to guide them through the path of Angela's unknown health history as well as a new concern that had recently surfaced: how their family, and May herself, would cope with having to separate in several months time.

Summer and winter

And springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars

In their courses above

Join with all nature

In manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

As Hannah glanced back and smiled, Shelagh thought of her own personal knowledge of the Lord's faithfulness, in their past trials and triumphs and the ones yet to come. She reached out to gently hug Angela and May to her side just as she saw Hannah place a hand on the head of each of her own beloved children. Leaning into Patrick, and Teddy who was in his arms, she caught Tim's eye where he sat at the piano, waiting for the organist to finish. As the morning light streamed through the stained glass window above the altar, Shelagh closed her eyes and thanked God for his steadfast love and care as she sang the hymn's final words of praise:

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness

Lord unto me