What does “McKemey Strong” mean to you? Here’s what it means to me:
I sit by and watch the McKemey family and close friends. They are so visible. They are so inspiring. They are family to us. They are us. They are McKemey Strong!!!
Every morning, I go to the YMCA, faithfully working hard to maintain physical fitness so I can live a long healthy life for my two small boys. I used to see Karin there most every day. I admire her faithfulness and dedication. I never realized, watching her perusing her goals, like me, that she and her family would be the focal point of my family’s prayer time. I am inspired by her strength. We wish I were McKemey Strong!!!
I have watched as my sons have fallen off of their scooters, bikes, Healies, diving boards, water skis, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, chairs, tables, countertops, and anything else they can manage to ride and crash. All of which is expected with two very active boys. As much as those bumps and bruises hurt our boys, you all know how the blood, bruises and black eyes and tears hurt Mom and Dad even more. We’re learning to be McKemey Strong!!!
Along comes Connor McKemey…McKemey Strong as a Bear!!!
Who would ever think we’d have to help our little pumpkin fight for his life. This doesn’t happen to us. That’s the kind of thing that happens to someone else, somewhere else. And yet, as a community, we watch this family, the McKemey’s. They have been given a challenge the likes of which NONE of us could understand. Everyday, they find a way to move forward. They have altered their lifestyle, their schedules, and their living arraignments, everything they have come to know as a family. THIS is McKemey Strong!!!
I read the Caring Bridge pages, I watch the news, I look for a chance-sighting of one of the Mckemey family members, I talk to friends, I go to the blood drive, I pray with my wife and little boys, I donate anyway I can. I realize how fragile our lives and families are and realize that no matter what, this is what really matters…Family…Friends…Faith…McKemey Strong!!!
This family and our own Connor have endured so much. They are worthy of our support and love. I am honored to have been touched and inspired by this family. Dearest Connor, Karin, George, Tripp and Quinn, though I have never met any of you or your family, I am so inspired and encouraged by you and you are so close to all of us every minute of every day. I suppose it must be hard to understand that we love you so. You must know by now that if you as much as raise your hand, we will be there for you with whatever you need. We wish we were McKemey Strong!!!
Thank you, McKemey Family, for the inspiration, lessons, love, faith and strength you have brought to our families. God is using you all in a way you could never understand or we could explain.
I wish we all could be McKemey Strong as a Bear!!!
With much love,
Your friends and neighbors,
The Shirley Family;
Scott, Michelle, Noah and Blake
Click to go to the McKemey Strong website: www.mckemeystrong.com
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