The McKees

The Nashville, Tennessee Mission President and his wife, Bill & RaNae McKee have been very special to this mission for the past 2 years. They are remarkable people, and have worked so hard to build the church in this area. The missionaries and everyone who meet them just love them, including me! My office is just upstairs from the Mission office, so I got to see them all the time, and in my callings with the Stake had several occasions to interact with them. As well as having her play for me to sing a few times!

They have TEN children, FIVE of whom are on their mission with them. They are an awesome family!

 

 

Long story short, last Thanksgiving weekend (2012), Sister McKee suffered two strokes, and a heart attack, and had three surgeries for all of those within FOUR DAYS. Everyone was surprised that she could even go through surgery, after such severity! Every day she survived was a miracle.

 



Dr. Webber, (Area) Elder Hymas, and Russell M. Nelson with Sister McKee in December 2012.



 

There is a long story of faith and miracles that tells of her recovery, and she is now doing very well. She can walk, talk, play piano, speak, travel around the mission to train missionaries, etc. Prior to her sickness, she was an extreeeemely accomplished pianist (when she played for me, and I was amazed at her talent!), and she is still building back up to that skill level, but she is playing very well! She is a little unsteady on her feet still, and her left eye is struggling to stay straight, but improving with therapy.

 

 

You can read more about their experience, and see lots of photos featured in the Deseret News when you click HERE .

 

Although she is doing miraculously well, she and Brother McKee were released and sent home at the end of June, a year early. They have been through so much here, and I'm grateful she will be able to focus on her health and recovery. But they were very sad and surprised to be leaving when she seemed to be doing so well, and it was very difficult for them to leave all the work and missionaries behind and to go home!

 

They held an open house/fireside for them in Nashville the end of June, and I was pleased to go and listen to their talks and testimonies one last time. Although I know the Lord will send another awesome mission president and wife, we will really miss them! Some people just touch your lives and hearts in a way that is very special. The McKees are two of those people.

 

Sister RaNae McKee and Me

 

They have been incredible examples of faith, love, service, gratitude and latter-day miracles! I hope to keep up with them on their blog (click it): The McKees in Tennessee