Walking that Gethsemane Path...

To wonderful family and Friends,

Today is the Sabbath day again and I am looking through these hospital windows thinking that we have been in the hospital now almost two months (54 days). It all seems like a dream at times but there is no doubt that the Lord is molding us daily to be like Him. I have been thinking this week how my prayers have changed a bit. When in deep crisis and knowing that Sister McKee could pass away at any moment, my heart was strong begging the Lord for her life but always ending with “Thy will be done”. I have read the scripture in Matthew over and over where the Savior was pleading to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane as He was coming to the realization of a portion of what He would be going through “And he went a little further and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt .” (Matt. 26:39) This has given me peace to know that the Savior of the World prayed to His Father asking Him to remove this cup but always “if it be thy will”. I have prayed that prayer so many times early in this test. As I started to see some improvements in Sister McKee I am amazed at how quickly I turned to the “natural man” and my prayers did not always contain “Thy will be done” over the past few weeks but had turned into “my will” again. I found myself saying,”Now that we are approaching a time where it appears not so life threatening then let’s get her well so that we can all get back to work. I know that she could heal a little faster”.

I repented quickly and turned my prayers back to “Thy will be done”. The Lord has His own timing and I am learning that I get to adjust to that timing as well. The natural man in me wants to have it my way again. For each of us the Path of Salvation will at some time go through the Garden of Gethsemane. In order to follow Him we all must experience that Gethsemane Path.

I noticed that the Father allowed His very special Son to experience that path even though I am sure that He wanted to take that suffering away from Him. Each one of us will become “more like Him” as we experience that path. Every experience will mold us to be more like our Heavenly Father, if we let it.

Sister McKee continues to progress while we walk that Gethsemane Path. She continues to suffer with headache pain and nausea but is learning to adapt. She has been placed on oxygen at night now as her oxygen levels have not maintained while she is sleeping. She is walking with a walker and support every day and tells me that Jared(our son and physical therapist) is like the energizer bunny as he pushes her so hard every day far beyond the therapists here. I know that the day will come where she will appreciate this but it becomes taxing at times now. Jared has made it possible for me to go and do interviews this week. I will interview 170 missionaries in 8 days and be with Sister McKee at night. We all love and appreciate our family for this help.

Sister McKee is putting things together in her mind much like putting a puzzle together and pieces new information each day. Some days are so clear and other days a bit muddled but she is beginning to recognize the difference. We have included the piano as part of her therapy. Each day she becomes stronger and stronger in this area. We have discovered that she always sees double or triple and are working with an eye doctor now. When we patch one eye she can read music and small print. We are hoping that her eyes will start tracking with each other as that would help her so much in all other functioning. Overall we are so aware of the miracle that we are experiencing. One of the nurses from our former hospital has come by twice to sit with her, bring her special foods, share in the spirit and build up her confidence. This nurse is such a gem and a true friend. We are so blessed by her kindness and friendship. She reminded us that every day the nurses would come to work and peak in to see if Sister McKee was still with us or if she had passed away during the night. She is helping as well to piece the puzzle back together for Sister McKee.

Thank you again for your love, faith and prayers. As we go about the week may we all look for opportunities to lift others  and bless their lives.

“Brethren, If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.

Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galations 6:1-3

We love you and appreciate so much your cards, letters and kind gifts. We have all been so blessed by your love which truly exemplifies the love of the Savior.

The William McKee Family