FW: Cherokee Legend-----DAD'S HIP SURGERY IS DONE--HE'S NOW ON THE MEND.

Dear beautiful family & friends: We arrived at the hospital shortly before 7:30 AM for a 9:30 AM surgery. Dad had struggled the night before-fighting off a cold, with a slight problem of stuffed up nose. When we arrived, his temperature was taken and it was normal---RELIEF! Apparently, Dr. McCarty's first surgery took longer than expected; as Dad didn't get into the operating room until about 10:23, surgery didn't start until 10:47 and was finished by 11:45. Even though we had each had an epidural, the time in recovery is still relative long. Dr. McCarty called after the surgery was finished and said the surgery went fine and Dad was doing well. I didn't see Dad until they brought him into his room, which was right next door to where I'd been, now just 7 weeks to the day ago. We are both soooo relieved that the surgeries are behind us and the recuperation and return to better health ahead of us. We have been asked to speak briefly about our CES missions to Australia as a senior couple for approximately 20 minutes shared time, the night before our stake conference, which will be a broadcast conference with many other stakes, just as Kris&Troy, Heather &Robert & Shauana and Jason have recently had. Thank you all for your most loving kindnesss, support and prayers. This is when it pays off having 9 "Kids", lovely mates and 33 grandchildren. WE KNOW your prayers and thoughts helped so much. Love you all so much and want you to know you are always in our prayers. More than half of you called before I could call; you all enrich and give us the most immense joy as you raise your beautiful families. Thanks for your support. IF time permits read the Chrokee Legend, I'm forwarding from Helen; it reminds me of the tender mercies and supports we not only receive from our families, but from our beloved Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, our Savior. Love you all, Mom & Dad, Grandpa & (ma), sis/Pat     > Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:29:31 -0400 > From: hebormann@zoomtown.com > To: tmbormann@yahoo.com > Subject: Fwd: Cherokee Legend > CC: cincygal@fuse.net > > > To: Barbara_Husbands@csgsystems.com > > Subject: Cherokee Legend > > Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 10:07:53 -0400 > > From: omadonya@aol.com > > > > Cherokee Legend.....? Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's?rite of Passage??? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and? leaves him alone.?? He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not? remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun? shine through it.?? He cannot cry out for help to anyone.? Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.? He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.? The boy is naturally terrified.? He can hear all kinds of noises.?? Wild beasts must surely be all around him? Maybe even some human might do him harm.? The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but?? he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be? the only way he could become a man!?? Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he?? removed his blindfold.?? It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the? stump next to him.? He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son? from harm.? We, too, are never alone.?? Even when we don't know it,?God is watching over us,?? Sitting on the stump beside us.? When trouble comes,? All we have to do is reach out to Him.?Moral of the story:?? Just because you can't see God,? Doesn't mean He is not there.? ' For we walk by faith, not by sight.??????? > > >

Dad's surgery is now set for this Monday, March 23rd at 9:30AM

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 5:07 PM Dad passed his cardiac stress test yesterday and is now scheduled for hip surgery this Monday, just a week later than originally planned. Mariah, Art and kids fly to Cancun, Mexico this coming Friday, March 20th--for a well deserved vacation. They haven't been on vacation since visiting us in Australia, during Thanksgiving time in Nov., 2007. Hope this finds you all well. Even though we sound like a broken record--we appreciate your prayers on behalf of Dad and his surgery. Miss and love you all. Mom/grandma/ pat __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar MARKETPLACE Are you Einstein smart? Take our Fun Quiz and get your IQ score today at Quizyou.net. From kitchen basics to easy recipes - join the Group from Kraft Foods Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity Visit Your Group Yahoo! Groups Auto Enthusiast Zone Love cars? Check out the Auto Enthusiast Zone Yahoo! Groups Cat Owners Group Connect and share with others who love their cats Group Charity One Economy Helping close the digital divide . __,_._,___

Fw: [DPMacFamily] Doug & Pat American surgery schedule

--- On Sun, 3/8/09, mac9pcom mac pherson <mac9pcom@msn.com> wrote: From: mac9pcom mac pherson <mac9pcom@msn.com> Subject: [DPMacFamily] Doug & Pat American surgery schedule To: jtjk.mac@msn.com, mrtsubaki1@yahoo.com, tmbormann@yahoo.com, atsubaki@hotmail.com, fernquist@charter.net, shaunajohns@yahoo.com, kevinmac202@hotmail.com, kristinetx@aol.com, jay.s.macpherson@l-3com.com, rob@ssipeo.com, addiephil@yahoo.com, meganrf@byu.net, ryan.macpherson@us.hjheinz.com, mgiometta@gmail.com, mac4boys@att.net, dpmacfamily@yahoogroups.com, hebormann@zoomtown.com, troynkris@aol.com, mac4twins@msn.com, anniemac@xmission.com, emilymcphrsn@yahoo.com Date: Sunday, March 8, 2009, 9:46 PM HI family & friends: Pat is doing great as far as the PT's (Physical therapists are concerned) but I do struggle sleeping well many nights. But Dad has been thru this before and says, this to will pass. I feel strongly that because of the many prayers of our grandchildren on behalf of my errant knee---the therapy is going exceptionally well. THANK YOU BELOVED GRANDCHILDREN.  I wish I could say, I feel terrific--but I can't--but have hope it will finish/pass sooner than later. Last weekend while up in Michigan--we were blessed to attend the baptisms of Jacob & Makayla (Zach and Lori's twins) and the baby blessing of Spencer (Mariah and Art's now 5 month of baby boy). It was an exceptional weekend--especially Saturday. THere was a special sweet spirit there. We were blessed to have 4 of our sons, one daughter and 20 of our 33 grandchildren there. The weather was generally bitter, but the joy of so much family warmed things up. Even Great-Grandma was able to travel up with us. I had my appointment with the surgeon, last Tuesday, for a final check-up. I have PT twice a week in their office. Dad was with me and talked with the doctor about his hip and Dr. McCarty suggested he have x-rays since he was already there. Upon showing them to us, the doc said Doug's hip was shot--kaput. So, Dad, is now set for hip surgery on Monday, March 16th. He also will have surgery for cataracts at the end of this month. Art had previously said it might be better to use this surgeon we both trust and admire his work--especially the speed of his operations-- means less time under. So, we're both a bigger mess than originally planned on. Also, Art's Dad has a very serious health problem also; that still has to be checked out more, etc. so Art certainly has a full-plate. Will you all be so kind to pray for Doug/ Dad surgeries as well as for Art's Dad; it would be so appreciated. A couple of days ago, it was so nice--I could walk outside with Mariah for a short while. She walked her whole neighborhood and I walked just the easier/shorter part. It felt great. The past several days have been wet, cold and bone chilling to us old timers. We so appreciate the great, kind and loving family that you all are. We miss you. Some of you we haven't been able to see yet and we miss you all the more. Bear with us and we hope and look forward to seeing you as soon as possible. Love you all soooooo much. Love, Mom/ grandma mac/ pat and Doug       __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity Visit Your Group Give Back Yahoo! for Good Get inspired by a good cause. Y! Toolbar Get it Free! easy 1-click access to your groups. Yahoo! Groups Start a group in 3 easy steps. Connect with others. . __,_._,___

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009

Belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, 2009!-from "Down Under"   We are into the last week of our actual service/ mission among the wonderful Australians we have met with, taught scripture classes and marriage classes too, broke bread with and have grown to love more than I could have ever imagined. We have predominately served among the YSA's (young single adults 18-31++) along the high school age "kids"(aged 14 to 18) and young married adults. One of our YSA's would always remind us, here in Australia, "it's all about food, thus the break bread privilege. Just this Monday night we had several YSA's for dinner at 6 PM, they didn't leave until 11 PM. I remember shortly after we had arrived, I told the CES Coordinator we report to, nobody told us, this would be so much night work. We have been saying goodbye for the past several weeks, as we received invites for dinner; and then it really dawned on me(us), that it was going to be much harder to leave these fun loving, sensitive to the Spirit, warm, kind and so incredibly loving people than I expected or anticipated. At one of our missionary meetings we attend weekly, which generally is with the young 19-21+ year old Elders and Sisters, one of these young Elders commented that if when he returned home, if he was met at the airport with an ambulance to take him to a hospital, he would  know he had worn himself out in his missionary service and that it would be acceptable to the Savior. At another meeting, we heard, that missions are the very least we could do. Well, although, we both feel a bit worn out-we don't think we will need an ambulance—and are just hopeful it won't be a hearse to meet us. JUST KIDDING. We typically would pray daily, especially for these beautiful young people and prayed that by small means, we could help to uplift, encourage and edify them. Don't have to tell any of you, life can be hard and the challenges for young people probably were unimaginable years ago. This week has already been a full-out time with them. Up early, go to bed late, but worthwhile. When we came over here, now close to 18 months ago, it was sooooo hard leaving our family and grandchildren, but we knew we would be going back to them. Here, it is almost harder. We are excited to go home and see two new grandchildren we haven't even held, along with our other beloved thirty one grandchildren. But, as we say these ongoing goodbyes, we are aware as we leave, we may or most probably will never see most of the older people we have met & loved  and even many or most of the young people. We feel, as Aussies are truly world class travelers, we may see some of these choice beautiful young people in the U.S.. Our mission has been mostly good, just as life is mostly good with just a few disappointments and frustrations along the way. Our second son, Rob, his lovely wife, Annie and four grandchildren will fly into Sydney this coming Sunday, Dec. 21st and we are thrilled they will spend an Aussie Christmas with us and we will all travel together. Just recently I read again, having read this statement before: "…not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive & nonexistent future when you will have the time to do all that you may want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey-now. What a bittersweet journey this has been in Australia, busy, productive, meeting such wonderful people who are so easy to love and now somewhat bitter leaving them. We wish you a most lovely Christmas with family & friends. A couple of weeks ago, a lady talked about Christmas and gift giving and the fact that as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, He's the only one who doesn't receive gifts. She suggested we think of ways we can give gifts to the Savior:such as services and kindness toward to others. Thus the saying: This is the Reason for the Season.      Love, Elder & Sister MacPherson   aka Doug & Pat

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a most beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Shame on me, I've already lost several attemps at sending e-mails and the've gotten lost out there in cyber-space. The reality is our e-mail is the next slowest thing to snail mail. Oh how I've missed having high speed internet. I need to let Elder Mac, no high speed internet, no future missions. Actually, if I'd have know prior to our mission, I would have said it then. Hope you and your families are well. Rob, Annie and GRANDCHILDREN will be here in just days now. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends when we return. Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma & Grandpa, Doug and Pat, aka sis & elder mac Recent Activity Visit Your Group 10 Day Club on Yahoo! Groups Share the benefits of a high fiber diet. Everyday Wellness on Yahoo! Groups Find groups that will help you stay fit. Get in Shape on Yahoo! Groups Find a buddy and lose weight. . __,_._,___

Am not totally trunky, but in saying goodbyes, it is tougher than I expected.

Hi beloved family and special friends: ELder Mac and I spoke in two wards today and the members were exceptionally kind with their hugs and gracious things they said. We continue to know that life is indeed bittersweet. I missed our family and friends for longer than I expected to, when we were in the beginning months of our mission/ service. Now I find it is harder again to leave these extremely loving and kind people who really know how to party in church activities. I second guessed each time how bitter it was to leave behind our family (okay, grandchildren for sure). Now I  know  how bitter it is to leave so many of these warm Aussies--pure and simple, because when we left our family & friends behind, we knew we would come back to them/ you. There are some of the young Aussies, that we feel will look us up in their many travels. If you ask an Aussie if they have been to the states, the will many times say yes-- several times and more. Even though our service was mostly  with the seminary and YSA's, the longer we were here the more we got closer to many of the older members. We will have so many sweet memories of the members here. When we were baptized into the church 45+ years ago, it was in a Milwaukee ward. I cried when we moved away, after having our 2nd and 3rd babies there. I remember thinking, I will never meet people as special as the saints were in Milwaukee. By time we left Madison where Doug finished his master's degree--it wasn't as difficult as I KNEW we would be meeting wonderful people as we had known in Milwaukee and then Madison. Well, the church is the same, I believe wherever we go in the world. Wonderful members who are so loving, kind and such kindred spirits, who are the next best to family. I am so grateful for the gospel in our lives; as the gospel totally connects us as brothers and sisters of our Loving Heavenly Father. One of the sister's here who happens to YW President in the first ward we spoke at, came up to me when I was at the back of the church. She is blessed with 4 young children under the age of 8( this sounds like Mariah's life, right?) Anyway sometime in September she asked how soon before we were going home and it took me off guard and I remember thinking, the members have had enough of us. Of course, all the young missionaries are only here for short times and frankly up to  6 months is a long time. Also the young missionaries, even if they stay, may have new companions. Anyway, they've had us in their midst for the whole time, NO TRANSFERS AND NO COMPANION CHANGES! But getting back to this YM president, she is really tall, incredibly slim and actually very beautiful. As she hugged me, she said I always made her feel good or better about herself. She's such a beauty and with a lovely family and then she has an incredible singing voice, I was surprised how I could make her feel any better about her self. But I knew she was being very sincere and it dawned on me, we all deal with certain flaws and shortcomings and need to encourage one another. Even when we think others have it all together, they may not as much as we perceive. Her hug and loving comments sure gave me a boost. Years ago, I came to the conclusion-- really only 3 things really matter in our lives: our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, our beautiful families and great friends. I'm not going to pretend it has been like a bowl of cherries over here all the time, because there were a few difficult times here and there; but just as life is mostly good, so has our mission been. I do KNOW it has been a privilege to serve and it has been the least we can do. Contrast the Savior's mission which was a mission where He did the most he could do perfectly. We have worked diligently and hard, but the blessings have truly been out of this world. Remember the neat saying I believe, by Erma Bombeck, which was; if life is such a bowl of cherries, how come I feel like it's the pitts every so often? At this most special time of the year when we commemorate the birth of the Savior in such humble circumstances, I KNOW that our Loving Heavenly Father sent His beloved Son here and that they each love us more than we can comprehend. May you all have a blessed Christmas and enjoy being with your family's & friends. Love and miss you all, Mom/ grandma mac aka sis mac  Recent Activity Visit Your Group Y! Messenger All together now Host a free online conference on IM. Yahoo! Groups Stay healthy and discover other people who can help. Weight Loss Group on Yahoo! Groups Get support and make friends online. . __,_._,___

Down under is done

12/10/08 Dear friends and family; We are done! No more classes. Last night we had our last Institute class and  many YSA showed up. We are teaching Doctrines of the Gospel and the class was on prayer and its great importance in worshiping God, and there was a great spirit there.    The summer institute class takes a Christmas break that will last until the 2nd week in January. As we leave on the 4th of January, some one else will finish the course, which lasts until the 2nd week in February. Rob and his family come a week from Sunday, and in the interim we have much to do. The mission has decided to keep our flat and move some young missionaries into it. I believe we told you that the church has decided that no more American CES missionaries will be sent to Australia.  They have been advertising for an Australian CES couple but there have been no takers. Though we are done teaching we still have a pre-seminary teachers training  class tonight for the new teachers that will start teaching in Feb. However, the CES coordinator is coming down from Sydney to teach most of it. After that  all there is are the  "goodbye dinners"  we are putting on to have one last ministering shot at some of the YSA who are struggling, and also 3 ward and stake Christmas parties. This is the party & food part of our "CES, Food & Party: mission. Many under estimate the power of food has to draw people closer to the gospel. One of the YSA's who has fallen away and we have only seen once or twice in months, called us yesterday and asked if we were still  going to invite him over for dinner before we left,  as we had promised months ago, when he basically rejected my plea to come back to church. Mom said "We loved to have you over, if you will make your famous Pavlova dessert." He willingly agreed. During this time we have to get ready to leave and be semi packed as we only have 1 day  between when Rob's family leaves and when we leave. This has been a bitter sweet time for us. Gradually saying goodbye to people we will probably never see again. Yesterday we returned from Sydney where we met with ½ the missionaries in the Sydney South Mission in a giant combined Christmas zone conference. We said goodbye to a lot of good young missionaries that we have worked with in the past and who have been transferred outside of Canberra. Some of the YSA have returned home for the summer and many of the adults are going on their month long summer Christmas holiday and we will not see them again. What is sweet is that a lot of people have come up to us and said they will miss us and many have thanked us for our work here. We will take a cruise for 2 weeks starting Jan 4th along the east coast of Australia and then all around New Zealand. We end up in Auckland on Jan. 18th and fly out the same day and arrive at O'Hare Airport 1 hour before we leave as we are a day ahead of you. Could you all please pray that spring comes to Rockford by Jan. 18th, as we have not experienced any snow and real cold for almost 2 years  and would be unable to tolerate it.        Thanks &   Love Elder and Sister  MacPherson