McGaughey Family

April 2011 Update

2011-04-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Dear all:

Our last letter was at Christmas and it just seems ages ago! Already it feels like summer here in Florida and time is flying by fast. Our January was loaded with fun as we hosted a little boy and his father from Ghana. Clement and Baba came to the US with missionary/nurse Wendy Nyhus so that little Clement could receive a life saving surgery to close a hole in his heart. Little did we all realize that he was closer to death than everyone, even the doctors first thought. But God is good, and they arrived here just in time for all the procedures to be done.

God put the whole deal together through a dear friend of mine, Amy Hayward. From there, it just exploded. None of us knew one another, but as we began to get acquainted and make our plans for their arrival from Ghana and stay in Jacksonville, we found that we had SO MUCH in common. Wendy and Greg Nyhus are from Kansas City and are missionaries sent out by INMED (a KC based ministry) and Abundant Life Baptist Church where our dear friend, Phil Hopper pastors. That was just amazing when we figured that out.

Since Wendy was able to accompany Baba and Clement, her family wanted to see her, so they also came and stayed with us, along with friends over the 2 month period. The McGaughey household was truly "filled to over-flowing" and we all loved every minute. The local news covered the story and we were just blown away by all the kindnesses shown to this family. It was an experience to remember and we miss them all so much. Literally, we started out to help change their lives but they in turn changed ours!!

My mom was here the whole time as she arrived December 11th and then didn't go back home until February 14th. We took a trip to Kansas City to see the "KC kids" since we spent Christmas with the "DC Kids." Honestly, we stopped adding up how much we were spending on airline tickets....to us, it's all worth it! During the last of all the company, God opened up an opportunity for me to go back to work. I wasn't looking to do so, but it just seemed like God was laying this particular job "right in my lap." So I asked my girlfriends to pray with me - and they seemed to think I should do it right away! After much thought and considering everything, especially since I do work for East Pointe too, Mark and I decided this would be a good move. At least, we could give it a try.

So on January 24th I began my SECOND job with The Regency Group and Chartwell Capitol working for Bobby Stein. Their family founded Burger King, Steinmart and many other businesses. They sold Burger King for "umpteen gazillion"dollars and have invested all over Jacksonville and many other places. They are a fabulous family to work for and I'm really enjoying the downtown area of Jax. I'm in the Modis building right by The Landing and have sweeping views of the city - just gorgeous! I will have to say, that I am super busy with all I have going on and all the visitors that come through to see us...but Mark and I both feel fortunate that we feel great and so far, we are holding up health-wise.

Mark stays busy with the church but recently has gotten involved in the prison ministry here in Jacksonville. He's even been asked by one of the police officers at the main jail to be the chaplain to the officers that work in the facility. Seems everywhere we live, we become swift friends with lawyers, cops and firemen! He loves it though and when he has any free time...he's fishing! The water is getting warm enough now that we can take the jet ski out so we are both looking forward to spending time on the water! Just recently,we went out with friends on their boat and the weather was just fabulous. Living on the inter-coastal and beach does have its priviledges.

Neal, Amy and London will be coming to see us the end of the month. We are excited to have them. We had hoped to have the boys and their families at the same time, but Neal's job and his upcoming adventures didn't allow for it. Then Ryan, Megan and the kids will come in June. We're just glad we get to see them! Megan is due in August with our new little grandson. Ryan continues to work and do well at Double Check in KC. Farrell and Kennedy are in school and love it, though Farrell is a little mischevious and all boy! Neal still works for "we can't say" and both he and Amy are going to school . She also works on the weekends at a nice restuarant so they stay extemely busy and they both feel like school is going to be the death of them this year! I think it's because they have a toddler at home and trying to study while he's awake is like....well...you get it!!!

We love all of you, think of you more than you can possibly know and hope that we might be able to see some of you in the near future. Mark and I will come to KC in August when the baby is born but outside of a trip to a B&B and a July trip to Captiva with the Horsley's...we'll be staying right here in Florida. We do hope to go to Jamaica at some point, but we just don't know when.

Let us hear from you...and always, if you are close or just passing through Jax, please let us know. We'd love to have you stay with us or catch a bite to eat together.

Our love,

Cathy and Mark

PS: Many of you ask about my mom and she's doing good. She will probably come when the kids are here but she has been staying busy in Texas working on her house and reconnecting at church and with friends. There are days when she overwhelmingly misses my dad - we all do, but she is dealing with it great and one day at a time.

January 2011

2011-01-22T08:56:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone:

We are all doing good. My mom has been with us since December 11th. We had a fabulous time with Neal, Amy and London in Washington, DC and stayed the holidays at the Gaylord Nat'l right down in the middle of DC. It was beautiful...we even got snow!

Our newest adventure can be viewed here:

Hi people! I want you to Check Out First Coast News

We are having a blast and I start a new part-time job in downtown Jax this Monday. I'll be working in the famous MODIS building on the 31st floor and I'm excited about where God is leading me. I'm still doing missions and special projects for the church and yes...it seems I like to stay busy! My mom and I will be in KC Feb 7- 14 so I hope to some of you then.

Mark is feeling really good and strong. He's preparing for our Vision Conference and a Men's conference in late February. Fishing is not so good right now because of the cool temps, but kayaking is great so he's a happy man!

Our love to all of you.

Cathy

December 2010

2010-12-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone:

What the heck happened to 2010...seems it has come and gone so quickly, yet so much has happend throughout this year.

We enjoy beautiful weather year round here in Florida. Both Mark and I make the most of it. He loves to fish and kayak and I love to fish and bike...I kayak too, but he goes out the most! We love being on the water whenever we can and have the ocean and intercoastal waterways to explore. It is simply gorgeous along our coast line...you should come and visit, finding out for yourself!

Many of you know that I lost another aunt (my mom's oldest sister) this year and then a few months later, my dad. He really struggled in his body with his muscle disease, but his spirit was always strong. He had the best home-going a person can have with my mom by his side. All of us, including our boys were able to go to Texas for the funeral and we had a wonderful time being with my mom and all my dad's family. We miss him, but we are all so grateful he's in heaven with no more suffering. When we remember that, we find deep comfort and we smile alot. He absolutely gave us so much to laugh and remember about him.

Ryan and Megan are doing great and have wonderful jobs they love. They both continue in ministry at Kansas City Baptist Temple as student ministry counselors - among many other things. Kennedy (5) and Farrell (3) are getting so tall and smart. Soon they will have another little brother or sister as we have just found out that Megan is expecting their 3rd child. The due date is in August. So exciting!! My mom and I will go and visit them in February and then all of us in August...of course!

Neal and Amy are finally together in Washington DC. Amy finished her contract with the Marine Corp in July. She packed up her and London's things and Neal moved them up with him -- they have really enjoyed being together as a family! Neal loves his work and Amy starts college after the holidays until she leaves for her training to become a federal police officer. She'll actually train in GA very close to us so we may be able to get our hands on that sweet boy of theirs a little more next year! London is two now and as busy as he can be! We are meeting them in Washington for Christmas - we plan on getting our snow fix and head back to the sun!

We pray your year was full of more joy than sorrow. We feel blessed to be alive and able to live everyday to the fullest - serving God here in Jax. We have had many visits from dear friends and enjoyed everyone. In January, we will get the chance to help a family from Ghana with some housing and love while their little boy receives medical attention here at Wolfson's Hospital. It's incredible to be able to go on mission trips but just as exciting to participate in opportunities that God brings right to your front door! We are amazed by His perfect ways and timing.

We hope to hear from you this season. Until we do, remember that we love you so much, we think of you more than you know and we pray for your safety and happiness in 2011.

Our love,

Cathy and Mark

August 17, 2010

2010-08-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

Where does time go? It seems I just boarded a plane for Texas but in all reality, I've landed, attended my dad's funeral celebration, had sweet times with our family and now....10 days have passed - whew!

Many of you have written, sent flowers, cards, food and your love to us during this time of loss. We sure miss my dad but we have had some of the most wonderful moments just talking about him and laughing at all the times we shared while he was with us.

All his brothers and sisters were present at the funeral celebration and it was a lovely event. My brother, Mark, Ryan and Neal spoke at the funeral along with Bill Sizemore who is their pastor. My uncle Eddie (dad's brother) spoke at the graveside and everything was just beautiful. We couldn't have asked for a better day. There are great pictures on Neal's Facebook site - if you are not friends with him he'd love to be friends so you can view them. If you aren't on FB, then I'll try to post them here on the blog at some point. You can also view them on my facebook page too - Cathy O'Neal McGaughey.

Mark returned to Jax on Saturday and the kids all left on Saturday morning back to KC. Thank goodness Rhonda came with them so they weren't all packed in the van like sardines!!! She was a big help and I was glad to have her here for the week...what would we do without best friends! My brother left Friday and we all had the best time being together. The kids all got to be together and enjoy some of the "Texas Life."

My mom and I are now working on getting all her business in order. There's lots to do, but hopefully, I'll be able to leave here with all of it complete so she doesn't have to worry about it. I'm staying in Texas until late September. What a gift that I can do this and my sweet husband supports it. Though, he has already been fishing since getting home! I'm sure he'll get his fill of it while I'm gone! We have great family and friends in Jax to help entertain and take care of him.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write us notes, send food, cards, flowers and just....all kinds of stuff. Every gift great and small meant so much.

I have a wonderful powerpoint of my dad that I'll try to post so you can see it. Megan put it together for the funeral and everyone loved it. My dad was just the best!

Keep praying for us and my mom...she's doing great but I know she sure misses my dad's company.

That's it for now...until next time - we love you so much,

Cathy

Update on my dad

2010-08-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Today about 30 minutes ago, my dad went to be with the Lord. It was a peaceful passing and my mom was with him...exactly what my dad wanted. I am leaving for Texas tonight. James, Tracy, Jasmine McConnico and Ruth Jackson will be arriving my house here in Jax within the hour. It will be good to see them -- barely, but they'll be here for Mark. Mark will come to Texas on Monday.

Pray for our family...we are at peace and have wonderful memories of my sweet dad. More later,

Love always,

Cathy

August Update

2010-08-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

August 5, 2010

Dear ones:

Mark and I are both working from home today. I thought I would update you as best I can about my dad's situation.

First of all, thanks so much for all of your prayers for our family. It means the world to know that you pray, take the time to write, call or text us. We feel your love around us as we go through these last days with my dad. My mom is the hero. She has been by his side endlessly and would have it no other way...though it is hard for her to watch him leave this world. She is at peace and ready to release him into the hands of God.

For those of you who may not know or remember, my dad has Multisystem Atrophy which is a muscle disease that mirrors Parkinsons but has no cure. You lose control of all your muscles. It started with my dad’s legs and has worked up. He fell on my deck in KC in 2006 and broke his hip, that’s when the disease started to speed up. Seems like that fall just set things into fast motion. My mom and I flew to Texas for 2nd and 3rd opinions and he’s been in a nursing facility for the last 6 months. He has his full mind and has been in the best of spirits through all of this…his mind is alert but his body fails him…it’s been tough. He’s only 74 years old.

Earlier this week, it seems he has taken a turn where we are within days of his home-going to heaven. He opens his eyes sometimes, but cannot speak or swallow. We trust God in all of this and praise Him for the wonderful life my dad lived.

I have been praying about whether to continue on with a mission trip I had planned earlier in February for our church. I know God knew when my dad would have a major change in his health and God also laid it upon our hearts to go to Mexico...during the same time. I have been reminded of the verse:

'A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps' (Pro 16:9).

I want to be sensitive to all God is doing and not jump ahead of Him. Isn't it true that through trials, everyone involved is/can learn something?! I am praying fervently today for God to let me know about going on this trip - would you pray with me about this (many of you already are doing this and I am grateful). I am fully willing for the Lord to re-direct my steps...just praying HE will show me soon! My plan is to stay in Texas and help my mom for a longer period of time - I love her so much too.

My dad and mom first took me to Mexico as a teenager on a mission trip and now 35 years later, I'm still going on trips to learn and see all God is doing across this globe. I'll always be grateful to my parents for creating that love and intrigue in my heart of God's mission. So many have built on that foundation since then - for both Mark and me. We consider ourselves most blessed for all we have seen and done and what GOD has taught US through it all.

Thanks for your friendship and love. I'll keep you posted on my dad's passing...it's coming soon for him....what an amazing thought that soon, he'll be in the presence of Jesus...I just can't imagine the AWE he will experience.

Love always,

Cathy

May 2010 Update

2010-05-27T12:03:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone:

We are having some beautiful weather finally. Seems our winter was somewhat longer this year...but not like the winter our KC and Texas friends had...our weather was still great compared to them. We did lose some of our tropical plants but others weathered the cold snap and are blooming out in full now.

We had company almost all of April - lots of my girlfriends came to Jax and we had a great time while they all were here. My parents are still doing well. My dad has good spirits but his muscles are failing him more and more...it's just a slow process but at times, we can see the decline a little more. My mom spends every day with him and they always find something to laugh about!

Mark has been fishing some and we've been on the water with the jet ski. Ryan and Megan were here with the kids for about 9 days and we had lots of beach days. We visited Univeral Studios and Seaworld...the kids loved that. It was great to see them and hated to see them go. I'll be going to KC in June to keep the kids while Ryan and Megan go to High School camp with the church. Maybe our paths will cross while I am there - it would be great to see some of you.

Neal will be with us for Memorial weekend and Amy and London will be in KC with her mom. It's only a couple more weeks until Amy is out of the Marines and will be moving to DC with Neal. We are glad she is finished and we are praying she gets just the right job in DC. London is growing fast...he's so tall and such a sweet boy. So, if you see him while they are in KC, give him a big hug from Mimi!!

I stay busy with lots of projects at home and at church, working out at the gym and hosting company. We are happy to say we are both feeling good and don't take good health for granted! Later this summer, I hope to take a mission trip to Mexico. In September, I'll go to Texas for a wedding and to see my parents. Mark and I are going to try and take a trip (just the two of us) sometime this summer...Key West or Captiva, maybe even the cruise out of Jax. We haven't decided yet -- but we are hoping to get away and see some more of the Florida/Caribbean scenery!

Hope you have a great summer and maybe we'll even get to see you at some point....until then know that we love you and think of you all often.

Cathy

February 2010 Update

2010-02-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

February 2010

Dear friends and family:

Happy Valentine's Day/Weekend! We are going to go out to dinner at a nice place here in Jax called the Chart House and I'm really looking forward to it. It has beautiful, sweeping views of the St. John River.

We are doing great and hope you guys are too. I was able to visit my parents in early January and it was really cold in Amarillo! In fact, it's been really cold in all the places where we have friends and family....and even cool here in Florida with lots of rain. So I know all of us are looking forward to warmer temps!

We have a busy Spring planned. We are going to take a short trip to see friends that will be speaking at a conference in Savannah. Then in March, I am going to see Amy in NC and later in the month, Mark and I both will go to DC to see Neal. They are hanging in there living apart while Amy finishes her term. She should be able to be out of the Marines in July and we are all excited for that final day for her! London is growing and gets into everything....he loves to be inquisitive and adventurous! Amy is busy as ever with her work and London. Neal is working his new position and going to college. They both love Washington DC and can't wait to be together so their family can be under one roof for awhile!

In May, Ryan and his family will come to spend some time with us in Florida so we are very excited about their visit. We went to Kansas City for Christmas and had a great time with them and celebrating our 32nd anniversary with friends. Kennedy is so smart and we love talking to her on the phone -- she could talk for hours, something we think she got from my mom! Farrell is two now and if he can get the phone from his sister, he talks with us too...he's so cute and his first sentence is always "I love trains" and he talks all about his Thomas the Train. Boys!!! They are growing up fast but we've been blessed to see all of our grandkids/kids at least every 6 months if not before. Ryan is finishing his masters course and Megan graduated from her internship and is now officially a Registered Dietitian. She completed her studies even though she had broken her neck earlier in the year! Incredible.

Mark and I continue to just love Florida and our life here. The church is doing well and we are beginning to start our small group ministry. This summer, we will take a couple of mission trips and we are excited to get back into a little traveling overseas. We work hard but we play hard too....we can't wait until it is warm enough to get out on the water. The fishing has been good and our fruit trees have even produced fruit the first year. I had 26 oranges and 33 lemons! A friend started a pineapple plant for me so in about one more year, I'll have grown a pineapple too!! You can dig a hole anywhere down here, plant something and it will grow...I love that.

Hope you are having a good year. We feel like we are growing all the time in our journey...experiencing life's highs and lows teaches us how to be better people and friends though it isn't always easy. We are excited about 2010 and hope we get to see some, all or at least most of you during this year. But if not, know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers when we do think of you.

Love from sunny Florida,

Cathy and Mark

December Update

2009-12-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone:

It's about time I posted a new update on the blog site. With FaceBook, I stay connected with everyone and forget about the blog!

Since August, we have been enjoying the weather here in Florida. We been picking oranges, lemons and grapefruit. I have lemons/oranges in my backyard and they are all so delicious. Next year, I should have my own pineapple...so far, I've managed to keep it alive and healthy.

The church is growing and more and more of our church family are getting involved with discipleship, service and ministry. Next year, we kick off our small groups and we are excited about that.

Here's whats been happening lately:

September:

We went to KC to visit the kids and had a nice time with all our friends celebrating Mark's report of no cancer. Of course, he gets tested from time to time during this first year to make sure the report stays good -- so far, so good! It was great to see everyone and catch up on life with them. Its always good to spend time with Ryan, Megan and our grandkids.

I celebrated my 50th b-day with my girlfriends while in KC and what fun that was.On the 29th, I had a b-day party here in Jax with our friends. We had great food and fellowship and my cake was so delicious!

October:

During October, it seems I went back and forth to Jacksonville, NC to help Amy. Neal left for DC and his new job in September, Amy got really sick with e-coli so I went up to see about her....then right when I got home, London got sick, so back to NC! I'm really blessed to be able to go and I love being with them.

We also took some time off with Connie and Kevin to do some 2010 planning for the year. We went to Boca Raton and while there, spent some time with Mike and Shannon Horsley...we always love seeing them.

November:

We've had people visit every month, but during November, Patrice, Julia and their boys got to stay a couple of days with us. That was a pleasant surprise and we loved entertaining our French connection!

Neal, Amy, London, Irma and Margaret came for Thanksgiving. We had a great meal together and then celebrated London's first birthday on Friday. But....on Friday night, London started to get really sick and by Saturday he was in the hospital at Wolfson's Children Hospital here in Jax. He had a horrible viral infection but after 5 days in the hospital, he was dismissed and quickly regained his strength. We felt bad for Irma and Margaret having to spend their time like this at the hospital, but all of us felt blessed to be together, being able to help the kids and we did get a lot of family time!!! Amy and Neal (Neal had to leave Tuesday evening) were able to extend their stay, London got great care and on December 5th, Amy and London returned home safely.

December:

Mark's parent's are here with us now and we are glad they were able to come and visit. On the 15th, we'll leave Jax and travel across the state west to Destin and have a big McGaughey family reunion with Mark's sisters and some of his aunts, uncles, neices and nephews. We are looking forward to staying at a big beach house altogether.

I entered a contest here in Jax that is doing the 12 days of Christmas drinks - so I entered one I make called Jingle Juice - and won! So I'll get to be on the Good Morning Jacksonville December 15th and make my drink live...isn't that hilarious! Mark fishes whenever he can and seems to always catch fish! We enjoy life here for sure.

Megan graduated from her internship on Dec. 4th and we are so proud of her...she finished her courses dispite having a broken neck! Ryan is finishing his masters in his field of work. Kennedy and Farrell are running the place while their parents go to college :)

Neal and Amy are both busy with life. Neal loves DC and is going to college while working and Amy is looking forward to getting out of the Marines in July. They will spend Christmas together in DC....what a beautiful place to be during the holidays....our nations capitol!

We hope all of you are doing well, staying healthy and finding ways to use your life to extend the love of Christ. This Christmas season, our church is doing the 12 days of Christmas and each day beginning December 13th, we'll be doing a project and giving back to our community. It's going to be fun and a time to give back to those who need encouragement or a helping hand "up"!

We miss seeing those of you who are far from us, but you're never far from our hearts and minds. We pray that you'll have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Let us hear from you too.

Big hugs to all.

Cathy and Mark

PS: My mom and dad send their greeting to all of you....my dad keeps hangin' in there, he's about the same, but has days where it seems he is slowly getting worse...keep them both in your prayers. His spirits are always good and you know my mom...she's the best!!

Update August 2009

2009-08-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

Dear everyone:

Just a note to let everybody know how things are going with us. Megan continues to heal from her broken neck. You can read the previous post to catch up about this, but we are all so glad that her neck seems to be healing fine and she didn't have to be put in the "halo."

We went to see Neal for his birthday July 22nd and while there in North Carolina, my aunt Johnnie passed away (Cathy's aunt). She battled a brain tumor for 18 months - she was a tough fighter, but God allowed her to enter heaven peacefully.

Before leaving Neal's, Mark and Neal were able to do a little fishing/kayaking around Neal's home. Amy, London and I spent time together too...it was a good visit. Amy will be moving into a town home sometime this month as Neal prepares to leave Jacksonville, NC for Washington DC. We are still praying that the military will change their minds at some point and allow Amy to go with Neal. Washington DC will be their home for the next 3 years.

We left Neal's on Saturday, flew out to Texas on Sunday so that Mark could speak at my aunt's funeral on Monday - then Tuesday we came back to Jacksonville, FL. We were both able to share fun stories and celebrate my aunt Johnnie's life. It was good to see my family too. My dad is hanging in there...still home waiting on a room at Texas Veteran's Home. My parents have had family visit this year - cousins, sisters, brothers and he really enjoys that alot. They are an amazing couple - my mom is so strong and my dad is just the best too! Mark's grandmother, our only living grandparent now, is 91 years old and was just put in the nursing home. Alta has had an incredible life and just until recently has been able to function completely on her own while living with Peggy and Bobby - Mark's aunt and uncle. It's sad to see your loved ones age...but it is part of the process and makes us realize so much more that death is not our FINAL destination...for us, Heaven is!

Cody Rapp and April Brinkley were married this last weekend here in Jax so we had a house full of company and got to participate in all the festivities of the wedding. Lots of fun catching up with friends, sharing meals together and laughing...lots of laughing. Randy, Mark and Larry (a close friend here in Jax) all went fishing on the kayaks one day and Randy caught his first fish ever....so we have it all documented on Facebook if you want to see it. All the girls...well, we spent out time at the beach in the sun.

Our church is growing and it keeps us working smart! We have almost 200 involved in discipleship - when we came here 16 months ago, it was just 14 so this was a big growth. Our attendance is up and thankfully, we are making it through the tough financially crisis.

We are now working on plans to break down the membership so that everyone gets good care and no one falls through the cracks. We really want to be responsible to help people grow in their spiritual walk and we want to grow in ours too. We'd love to have you visit us anytime and experience our worship with us.

Mark and I have a trip planned to KC in September. I'll celebrate my 50th birthday there with my girlfriends and we'll also celebrate Kennedy's 4th birthday. This Saturday is Mark's birthday, he'll be 53 years old. We are going to meet Neal and Amy halfway and pick up London and we get to keep him until September 1st. What a great b-day present for Poppy!! He looks like a little Marlon Brando doesn't he?!!!

Hope you guys are all well and enjoying the last of the summer. We think of you often and try to stay in touch the best we can. Of course we long for the day to see many of you face to face!

Oh, and Mark wanted me to send this - the Dolphin has now been mounted and so far, we think it may be a state record for this year!! We mounted it on our back porch wall but here it is with Mark and Mike holding it. It was 70 inches and 69 lbs - took him 45 minutes to reel it in and he was beat after that but the catch was worth it!!

Let us hear from you too. Until next time,

Cathy and Mark

Family Update

2009-07-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Love you guys and thanks for all your prayers. Mark is doing great and got a good report from the doctors and they believe they got all his cancer - so he is cancer free and gaining his strength back everyday. I'm so proud of how awesome he did...I would marry him over and over 1000's times!!! Above is a picture of Mark, me, Ladonna and LW. LaDonna is my best friend from high school and we had a great time while they were here visiting. Mark and Kevin got to play the TPC course at Sawgrass...they loved it, but the course was hard!! They didn't care at all...just enjoyed the whole day.

My dad (Cathy's dad) is doing about the same, but he is not going into the nursing facility yet….right now we are on hold. My dad and mom are dealing with things great….they have a nurse that comes now 6 hours a day and someone comes for one hour each night and helps my mom get dad in bed. This is working well….but probably by the end of the year, my dad will be in Texas Veteran’s Home in Amarillo. It is a very nice place and we were glad to find something where my dad can be happy…he’d love to stay home, but that is just not going to be possible. Through it all, he has been the BEST!!!

Neal got the assignment in Washington DC and will be moving there in later September. Pray they let Amy go with him. They are both very excited about this exceptional opportunity - he worked hard to earn it. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing them soon for Neal’s birthday.

We just got home from fishing….so I’ve got to go help Mark clean the fish. This is not my first fish to catch just my first Red. We miss you all and would love to hear from you too. I have posted more pictures on my Facebook if you want to browse them.

Talk with you soon,

Cathy

PS:

Megan was sitting at her desk when she had a very sharp shot of abdominal pain, within 5 seconds she passed out. That is when her body went down, hitting her chin on her desk and then falling the rest of the way to the floor, hitting a file cabinet on the way. Her co-worker saw it happen so was able to explain to the doctors quickly, thank goodness she was at a hospital!After many tests over the last couple of days, they have determined she has a very bad fracture in her left vertebra, C2, I believe they call it. This particular type of injury is often referred to as the Hangman Fracture as it is the same type of result that used to happen when people were hanged. The doctors are amazed at #1 what a short distance she fell and sustained this severe of an injury and #2 that she is not in a worst position considering the fracture. For the next 8 weeks she will be in a neck brace. Here is an update she just sent out regarding her progress:

To all my amazing family and friends: Just wanted to send out a quick update on my status. A brief paragraph of what happened to me last week is below in red for those that haven't heard yet. I just cut and pasted from an email Angi Rigot sent out last week since she put it so well. Thanks Ang:)Anyways, I am one week out and had a follow up today with my neurologist - no I don't have brain damage - although Ryan may beg to differ due to my moments of altered mental status (likely 2' to narcotics:). I just see a neurologist because the injury is so close to the brain and spine. He had me get another xray this week and is so far very pleased that no further damage has been done and it looks like I am doing well.

The fear is if I don't heal up as I should I may have to get a Halo brace - google that and you will really feel bad for me:) It looks like I won't need that though. Because I am young and otherwise healthy, he has every reason to believe I will heal just fine in my current "collar." Yes, that sounds like something for the four legged variety, but it really is called a collar. Below is a picture of my "Miami J Collar," so you can get your laugh on before you see me and may be tempted to laugh. I won't be offended. I would laugh too. That is not me in the picture by the way. I feel pretty good as long as I take my pain meds - thank God for narcotics! The pains should lessen in the next few weeks and I will then ween myself off of the meds.

We have a wonderful nanny, Jessica, that is here during the day to take care of the kids since I am unable to lift, turn or do much of anything besides rest and type an occasional email. The plan for now is to focus on healing. I plan to take off work likely for 8 weeks, and my internship will be on hold for that time as well. Hopefully after 8 weeks I will be ready to hit the ground running and get back to normalcy. More than anything, I feel blessed. A little uncomfortable and inconvenienced, sure, but have nothing to complain about.

God is good and has provided for us more than we could have even imagined. We absolutely without a doubt have the best family and friends ever. I am thankful for each and every one of you and how caring and giving you all are. Thank you for feeding us, organizing meals, home made ice cream, taking me to doctors appointments, for encouraging cards, emails, phone messages, for offering to help clean, mow our yard and so many other thoughtful things. I can't tell you how much we appreciate that. We will probably take our first outing this weekend, hopefully to church and Sam's club. I will be using a motorized cart as I get woozy if I walk too much. Ryan will probably be embarrassed by me, and I may just accidentally run over his toes. Just kidding. But I will use the cart.Thank again for your thoughts and prayers! Hopefully I will see you soon. ~Megan

Again...thanks so much for loving and praying for our family. Write us when you can!

May 5, 2009

2009-05-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

Mark went to the doctor today for some follow up visits. They are happy with how he is doing and he only has a couple more visits and one test before he is released - at least until next year for the yearly check up he will have for the rest of his life!

His immune system has hit the bottom and finally, he feels like it is getting stronger. He had a spot pop up on his face during the radiation treatments (by his eye), but it was not cancer. He had it removed last week with no problems.

They say radiation is like "scorching the grass so that new growth can eventually come forth". It can do weird things to your body, but we are thankful for the treatments and doctors that cared for him. I know Mark has felt the "scorching" but because of your prayers for us....he has come endured and God has been good to us over and over through it all.

Although his energy level has been low, it has not kept him from work or play! The church is doing great and growing in every area. We are really blessed to be here and love what we are doing. Even with all the work, we manage to find time to see friends, enjoy the water and rest while viewing the beauty around us.

We just returned from a visit to Boca Raton to see Mike and Shannon Horsley. Rhonda Medlin and Deb Molder were also flying in to see them, so we decided to go and surprise Deb and Rhonda. It is only about 4.5 hours from us...so off we went! Teresa Moore came to Jacksonville earlier last week and went with us...it was a huge surprise and you can see all the pictures on Facebook. We had a great time and even got to enjoy a dinner with Ken and Sharon DuCasse as well. The girls relaxed out by the pool and the boys...well, they relaxed their way...fishing.

Mark caught a huge dolphin (also known as Mahi Mahi) and it was just 3 lbs short of the STATE record. Incredible. You can read about it here: http://www.sun-entinel.com/sports/other/sfl-florida-fishing-report-05050sbmay05,0,3909432.story His story is being printed in a couple of magazines so he really thinks he is a star....and Mike keeps posting the picture of himself holding the fish - making it look like he caught the thing!!! And yes, we are having it mounted - it was to great a catch not to give it an honored place in our home!

My health is better but they still can't figure it all out....women over 40 must be hard to diagnose but all in all, I feel really good.

Of course, we always love to hear from you and we appreciate your prayers for us. At some point, I am sure we will have a party to celebrate all of this because I have a personal belief that parties (given right) can be curative. I am a party girl at heart (and I mean that nicely). I get this from "my people", just as sure as I got my brown eyes, my loud voice, my big hair, a love for great shoes and my tendency to touch people I am surrounded by or talking to...just look at the pictures -- seems I am always hugging or touching someone! You learn alot about yourself when time seems it could be taken from you much to early! Mark and I have experienced, learned and grown so much together through this cancer journey....NOW, on to other things that God has for us.

Love you much,

Cathy

April Update 2009

2009-04-06T08:01:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family:

We can hardly believe it is true….but we have now been in Florida one year. April 4th was our one year anniversary here at East Pointe and really, we feel like we have been a part of this church family for much longer. They have been so good to lovingly accept us into their fellowship plus, we have made great friends with our neighbors too.

Mark finished his final treatment on Tuesday of last week. He will have a test run in about 30 days to confirm if they got all the cancer. Ryan, Megan and the kids were here in Jax with us so we all decided to celebrate and go to Magic Kingdom. We had such a great time there and stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on the Disney property….it is beautiful and the kids had a wonderful time. Phil and Kathy (Megan’s dad and stepmom) flew in with them to Jax as Phil had business in the area so we were able to have a nice lunch with them -- they also got to see our home and that always helps give a frame of reference when our kids are talking about Florida. Now, we just need Greg and Pam (Megan’s mom and stepdad) to come and also Amy’s mom!!! We know one day, they will get to visit us and we will show them the town!!

Mark and I will be seeing Neal and Amy in April. They have moved into a nice home and Neal is waiting on final papers for his acceptance into NAS school. So sometime, this Fall, they could be moving to Washington DC. Just pray when all is finalized with Neal, that Amy can get transfered to go with him. They are pretty confident that she will be able to go, but with the military, there is always the possibility they would have to live apart for some months. They are committed to this move because it is an awesome opportunity for Neal and his military career. London is growing and is so cute and just laughs all the time. They send us pictures through from their phones often…thank goodness for all the ways we can communicate these days! We can’t wait to see them again.

Over the last year, we have had many visitors and that has helped us to stay connected to friends face to face and then of course, we stay connected through all mail types! We do miss our friends and seeing them often but the Florida weather makes up for a lot. We continue to work within the church and I just finished DIRECTIONS with Candace Warren. This week, I will begin with 3 more girls, two of them are Navy wives whose husbands are on deployment at sea. Mark continues to cast vision and work the discipleship ministry. We have some clear goals for this year and our church is very excited about all we are doing -- it has been a good year and we are thankful to God for His blessings.

Last night, we attended THE PASSION at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville…that is one giant church! They did an amazing job and we enjoyed the play, the music and orchestra. Once again it reminded us that it is only the power of God that lays us down at night and wakes us up each morning!

Enjoy the pictures and let us hear from you,

Love,

Cathy and Mark

March 7th - Update

2009-03-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone:

Mark has now completed two weeks of his radiation treatments. Only 3 weeks more to go. He was assigned 6am in the morning to get his treatments everyday...and believe me, it comes quickly. He gets up at 4:45am and begins to drink 40 ounces of water, then leaves the house at 5:25am to make his 6am appointment.

He's home most mornings by 6:45am -- then off to work. He has been tired through this and some of his medicines were making him feel awful, but they have adjusted them and he is back to normal...well, as much as a person can be anyway!

I got my own kayak a couple of weeks ago but haven't been able to get out on the water until today. It was beautiful here and the water was really nice so we went out on the intercoastal. We have met so many people in the area on the water so launching out is like going around and visiting everyone. Some members of our church live on the water and their houses are on the path out to the cove -- we just yell at them as we pass to see if they are home. There are people on the water that have oranges, grapefruit, etc....and they are always willing to share with us. Just today, we have a place to go and get grapefruit (thanks to Larry and Jan). There are just so many things to love about Florida and our life here. If you have visited us, you understand what I am saying.....and of course, you are invited to come and see us anytime. I caught a fish today and we ate it for supper....nothing like fresh fish!

The kids will be coming to visit (Ryan, Megan, Kennedy and Farrell) the last of March. Amy and Neal may get to come Easter. The Keatts are coming to stay with us in August as we will all be attending the wedding of Apryl Brinkley and Cody Rapp. We are excited about this event. We miss Cody being around Jacksonville, but he had to move on to his assignment in Washington state.

Things at church are really moving forward. It is very exciting being a part of the ministry at East Pointe. We love our church and the excitement they have for discipleship and ministry. We are quickly advancing the goals of our vision and it keeps us moving. The team we serve beside are the best and we have enjoyed serving with them.

As always, thanks for your prayers and especially those for Mark as he finishes up his treatments. It has been amazing how well he is doing and though there have been some rough spots, we are truly thankful for the strength he has had to endure it all. We know it is God enabling us and carrying him careful and gently through it all...but again, thanks for your prayers on our behalf...we know we couldn't make it without you beside us.

Let us hear from you...we love it when you write, call, text or email.

Love and miss you all,

Cathy and Mark

February Update

2009-02-16T09:27:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day...we spent our evening at a lovely restaurant in St. Augustine and the food was delicious...5 course meals are not calorie friendly but it sure was good!

On February 2nd, I left for Texas to visit my parents. We had a great time together as well as working through all the paperwork for my dad. He continues to lose muscle strength and my mom hopes that he can stay at home for 2 more years before having to go into long term care. I am not sure what the future holds, but we are preparing all things so that when the day comes, my mom, dad and those who care for them can be in the best position possible and not be caught off-guard. They are doing good and dealing with all the day to day blessings and struggles. Rhonda Medlin and my daughter-in-law, Megan came to Texas and stayed 3 days. The kids came as well...and my parents really enjoyed them being there and we laughed alot...it was good for all of us...not to mention all the cooking classes we got from my mom for southern banana pudding and chocolate pie!

While I was gone, Jimmie James came to Jax keeping Mark company. They had a great time together, of course doing a little fishing and checking out the local sites. I was able to visit KC shortly before returning home.

Ryan, Megan and the kids are all doing great and continue to follow their dreams in life. Megan is preparing for an internship, leading a small group of girls through bible study and being a great mom. Ryan works hard, leads their small group of couples from church and a guys bible study as well as loving his family! We love spending time with them and miss them a bunch. The kids are growing so fast and they keep us laughing all the time...they are so cute.

Neal and Amy will soon be in KC (Feb 23 for one week or so) and I know her family is so excited to get their hands on that sweet baby London. They are both looking forward to the vacation as they work many hours in the Marine Corp...but love what they are doing. Neal just finished 4 years of his contract...so only one more left for him unless he gets a great offer to work for the government or re-enlist....we'll see what God has in store for them. If you are in KC, I hope you get to see London, he is adorable and has the sweetest lips!

Mark will begin the last of the radiation for his cancer. He will have 5 weeks of radiation where he will go everyday - Mon/Fri and finish this process. We are praying he gets a good time assignment and not one during rush hour!! But whatever, we are almost done and he has really done great through it all.

I am working for the church doing some administrational things and getting missions going. I do it from home so for now, it works out great. Rhonda is coming this week to stay the weekend and we have a lot planned. Ryan, Megan and the kids will come the end of March and Neal, Amy and London may try to come at Easter...we are blessed that we get to see each other and we don't take it for granted. We love our Florida life but miss our kids immensely and our friends. Thank goodness for free long-distance and email/Facebook, right?!

Let us hear from you and how you are doing...again, we cannot thank you enough for your prayers and love to us.

Visits from Bob Weston and Rick and Becky Johnson

2009-01-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

We had a nice visit with Bob, Rick and Becky this last week. They were all here to speak at our Vision Conference and it went great. Rick enjoyed some golf and visiting the TPC Course and Bob of course, went fishing. We are taking a trip to Jamaica with our church sometime this summer and there is alot of excitement about being able to visit that field and work with someone like Bob and his team.

Mark continues to progress along with his treatments. Soon, he will start the 5 weeks of additional radiation therapy. After that, he should be all done. We are thankful that he has done so well, thanks to our doctors and many prayers on his behalf.

The weather here has been nice, but not long ago we got a bit of a cold snap...not too bad but everything turned a little brown...it is beginning to change and turn green once again. I will be traveling to Borger to see my parents next week and then have a short visit in KC before coming back home to Jax! Hopefully, I may get to see some of you.

Thanks for your love to us.

New Cancer update on Mark

2009-01-21T08:33:00.001-08:00

Mark has now had two follow-up visits to his surgery and things are going well. He continues to work/play/fish as much as ever and with few side effects...pain meds are great the few times he does need them.

We are currently getting ready for our Vision Conference at East Pointe. This is the first one they have ever had of this magnitude so it is very exciting. Rick and Becky Johnson will come and be with us as they have a little history with this church in first bringing discipleship here years back. Then we will have our beloved friend, Bob Weston and we are excited to see him again. All of them are staying with us at our home and we are just going to have a good time of catching up while they are here....and probably eat ourselves silly with fresh fruit and fish! We will post pictures when we can.

Some of you will be glad to know that we have had to endure a little cold weather...it was 22 degrees this morning here in Jax -- we had a little cold snap but the sun is out and it is warming up to about 55 already - they always say "winter is over in Jax about 11:00am" and it seems to be true. Everytime I write what the weather is here...all you northern or midwest friends have some "snappy" comments to make, proving all the more that the warmer you are the friendlier you are!! Ha...just kidding. We wish you were here to enjoy this warm weather with us.

Visit our website to see the things we are doing...our websiteis a work in progress at EPC but we are getting there! Everything takes time doesn't it...but it is worth doing to reach people for Christ.

Love you all. http://www.epcjax.com/

Curt and Kathy's visit and Mark's update

2009-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying having Curt and Kathy with us. Kathy, David and Steve's dad passed away on December 27th but they delayed the funeral until all the kids could come to Savannah. The funeral was beautiful and they were glad to reconnect with each other and the extended family.

Curt and Kathy flew into Jacksonville and drove to Savannah so on their way home, they stayed over a night with us. We were able to see Steve and Candace too as Candace is in the Jax area singing with Life Action. Steve has to return to Savannah sometime early next week and then on home to Idaho.

But before they left, we ate fresh seafood, visited St. Augustine for a bit and then this morning, the boys went out fishing on the intercoastal and Kathy and I went for a bike ride and Starbucks stop...great fun!

Mark went to the doctor yesterday for a follow-up and everything is good. He has had minimal side effects and for that we are grateful. Thanks again for all your prayers and encouragement...its the little things that mean everything.

Love you guys and enjoy the pictures.

Cathy

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone:

We hope you have gotten all the decorations put away, stopped eating all the sweet stuff (well, not so much anyway) and slipped into a managable routine for 2009.

We enjoyed having our kids here in Jacksonville, and then going to Disney together. Though it is the busiest time of year there, we were able to ride everything we wanted and loved being a part of the crowd. The weather was amazing, but then again, it is Florida.

Things are going well for us. Mark continues to adjust to his radiation treatment -- he's been a little fatigued this week but honestly, we are not sure if it is the radiation or just calming down from the holiday events. Nevertheless, he is trying to rest a bit more this weekend to gain his strength back. Today, we walked the beach and hunted for shells - very relaxing.

We'll post some new pictures - I am just learning how to do this on the blog so keep checking. Thanks to all of you who have emailed and called us during the holidays - we enjoyed hearing from you.

Have a great new year and stay in touch.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T11:31:00.001-08:00

We hope all of you are having a Merry Christmas. It is 82 degrees here and Mark, Neal and Amy are out on the kayaks, leaving me with London :) It's a great day for sure.

Mark came through his surgery great. He is up and around and the only thing that really bothered him was the tube down his throat. But even that is getting better. Thanks for all your prayers...keep praying, it is not over yet. The radiation is working and then he will undergo more radiation treatments for 5 weeks straight - everyday - starting in February. It is good to finally be on the journey because the sooner you get started...the quicker you can be done!

Tonight, Megan,Ryan and the kids arrive here. Then on the 27th, we leave for Disney World and all the madness there. We are looking forward to it and spending the time together as a family...and I personally will be glad to get a new family picture.

We love you - let us hear from you this season and take care.

Mark and Cathy

Mark's surgery

2008-12-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today, Mark and I will leave for the hospital at 1pm and he will have his surgery at 3:45pm. They will insert about 80-90 radiation seeds into his prostate to begin treating the cancer. They fully expect this treatment process to get all of it -- but our journey begins today. Thanks for praying with us.

Neal and Amy have been with us and baby London. We have had a great time. If you have facebook, you can go online and see pictures of Neal and Mark fishing in the kayaks. Neal caught a big red - about 3lbs and was so excited...they had a nice calm day for fishing on the water.

More later.

Diagnosis of what was found in Mark's back.

2008-12-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is the medical term for what was found in Mark's back...we are glad it is not cancer and this hemangioma will not cause him any problems in the future as well. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

Here’s what I found out about my situation (from Mark)

Bone hemangiomas are benign, malformed vascular lesions, overall constituting less than 1% of all primary bone neoplasms. They occur most frequently in the vertebral column (30-50%) and skull (20%), whereas involvement of other sites (including the long bones, short tubular bones, and ribs) is extremely rare.
Bone hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic lesions discovered incidentally on imaging or postmortem examination and mostly encountered in the middle-aged. The symptoms are largely nonspecific and depend on the site, size, and aggressiveness of the tumors.1, 2
Hemangiomas are slow growing, and malignant degeneration is virtually unknown. Rarely, locally aggressive growth patterns are recognized; hemangiomas with these patterns can mimic malignant lesions.

New Cancer update on Mark

2008-12-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been praying with us regarding the news we received that Mark had Prostate Cancer. During his testing to get ready for radiation treatment to address this cancer, they found a spot on his back. Yesterday, he had a spinal biopsy on this spot to see if it was cancer as the doctors were very concerned that it could be.

We got the results today and he DOES NOT have cancer in his back...we are truly grateful for this news. He can now begin the radiation therapy to treat the prostate cancer. They caught it early and feel this treatment he will go through will get it all....we are praying for this.

We appreciate all your notes, calls, emails, facebook messages and texts to let us know you were praying with us...it is humbling. Even as they announced the good news at our church tonight, there were two men in the audience who have terminal cancer so though you are glad for your news...it still makes us feel so humbled because we feel their pain. Each of us have our journey with God and even if Mark would have had cancer in his back, we would have to praise HIM. We deserve nothing, but are thankful for all we get and are allowed to experience on this path.

We still need your prayers as Mark has a road before him with the radiation treatments for the prostate cancer. They should begin on December 22nd. We are ready to get that all started and will keep you updated with the progress. Feel free to share our news/story with those you know who will pray. We have a world map with all the places marked where we have friends and family praying for us...what a wonderful visual on depressing days...just looking at it cheers you up!!

Thanks again for your love, care and prayers on our behalf...keep it up, I swear, we have the biggest prayer group ever!! And the best people in it!

Cathy and Mark

Family Update

2008-12-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone:

It has been awhile since I sent an update but so many things have been going on – and finally, I am getting to sending out a letter.

Most of you know by now that Mark was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in late October. After the initial shock of hearing the word CANCER….we came back to our senses and began a plan to see the best doctors we could. Of course, God worked it all out and used friends here to help us! What in the world would we do without friends and family to help us “live” life?!

On December 9th, Mark will also have a spinal biopsy on his back. During the process of getting ready to treat the prostate cancer, they found a spot on his back and they are concerned enough about it to see what it is. So…we are preparing for this test and hoping for good results. On December 11th, Mark will start his radiation therapy for the prostate cancer. It is a good option, one of the most aggressive but with few side effects….he feels really good about this treatment plan. The men at church have been a great support to him/us so even though we are not near those of you in KC, God is providing new friends to us that give us great love and care….our family is growing once again and we are blessed.

Speaking of family growth, Neal and Amy had their baby boy, London Kai on November 23rd. Amy did great…so did Neal. I hope you enjoy the pictures – he has the most adorable fat cheeks. We spent Thanksgiving with them and it seems cliché’ but we were very thankful for so many things.

It just worked out this Christmas that all our kids will be with us. We just can’t believe it and still find ourselves pinching one another to see if it is true! Neal, Amy and London will come around the 17th, then on Christmas evening Ryan and family will be here. On the 27th, we are all headed for Disney World to make some memories this season! We plan on enjoying every minute.

We hope things are well with each of you….thanks to so many of you who write, pray and call about Mark and just to see how we are doing. It means so much. We think of you often and when we do, we pray for you too. I will keep you updated through the process with Mark.

Love ya lots,

Cathy

September update

2008-09-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

We are all doing fine. Most of you already know that Neal was able to stay in the US. His command worked hard on his behalf to allow him to stay and work on the base at Camp LeJeune so he can now enjoy the last 3 months of Amy's pregnancy with her.

They both work on the base, Neal is training a new team that will be deployed soon and Amy works in Administration. She will work all the way up to her delivery date November 24th unless the baby comes earlier. Neal has been putting together baby furniture and they are getting the nursery all ready. Amy had a baby shower in KC on September 20th and it was a lot of fun.

Ryan and Megan are doing great with their family. Ryan is continuing to work at Double Check and Megan at St. Luke's on the Plaza. She has applied for an internship at Mayo here in Jax so we will see if she gets it. We should know by November 17th. It would be great to have them for 6 months, but we are just praying for God to lead in this opportunity and trust His guidance in all of it.

The kids are great...Farrell is growing and talking loud..though you can't understand a word of it. His sister, Kennedy is another story. She talks and talks and you CAN understand her...boy she has some stories. We were with them for a week and had lots of fun celebrating her birthday and seeing friends in KC too.

Mark and I are beginning to settle into our schedules somewhat. We have started to work out again...it is much needed for sure! In fact, at the gym today, we are finding out how weak we really are...hopefully, in a few months, that will all change. He does enjoy fishing and kayaking here. Neal and Amy should get to come for a visit in October - Neal's first since returning home...so they will be out on the water for sure.

I enjoy being at home and working on projects I like - leaving behind those I don't....it is nice to have a time in your life where you can choose!! Probably won't last long but while it doesn't, I am enjoying it. We love the church and their desire to grow and have made quick friends with many. Just last night, they had a family night on our property (it was an awesome fall evening with great temperatures) and families came with camping equipment, set it all up and the kids ran wild, they showed a movie on the side of the building, had a big cookout and all the camping fun stuff. I bet there were 400 people there - it was amazing and our neighborhood just loves it. It was a great idea.

Again, if you are ever through the Jax area...let us know...and let us hear from you how you and your families are doing.

Love,

Cathy

Two Cuties (Grandkids)

2008-09-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Neal Update

2008-08-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

Just thought I would send an update....though we really don't have any NEW news! Neal is safe and still out in the field. Hopefully, in about two weeks, he can return to the main base. He is well, his spirits are good and he is staying healthy...with just a little weight loss but that is expected when out in the field for so long.

He goes on a long patrol tonight/today (not sure when) so keep him in your prayers today. Here is a picture that one of the newsmen took while embedded with Neal's group. PBS did a whole big report on his unit as well.

He is getting your mail and packages and says "thanks all of them for me, it is the highlight of my day to get mail and stuff...especially some of the snacks!". So...we thank you all.

Amy is doing good with her pregnancy and continues to work and set up house before Neal returns. He is scheduled for an October return. Hopefully, she can get some leave to go home to KC for a visit soon. Later this month, I will go and spend some time with her - probably over her birthday on the 29th. We are really proud of her and how she is doing during this time without Neal...it is a lot to manage by yourself and no family in town to help, but she gets it done!

Mark and I are enjoying the life/work/ministry here in Jax. Just yesterday, Mark went out fishing on the kayaks with his brother-in-law Laird (Linda, his sister's husband) and caught his first big red....27 inches long and it was a fighter! They all caught fish so it was a good day! Linda and I lounged at the pool....after a 1.5 mile walk in the heat - but hey, it was nice! We still ride bikes down at the beach and love it.

Next week, Megan and the kids are coming for a visit. Poor Ryan has to stay home and "bring home the bacon and hold down the fort" so if you see him next week....give him hugs from all of us - we wish he could come but it just didn't work out this time. We are excited to see Megan and the kids. God has been good to us in that we have AND will get to see each other quite often for the remainder of this year. In these things, we are humbled by His goodness to us!

Let us hear from you....that is, if you haven't burned up from the heat - WOW! Our love to everyone,

Cathy and Mark

McGaughey Update

2008-06-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Amy's
new pet,
Dolce

Dear everyone:

Just a quick note to let you all know that Neal is doing well. He made Sergeant on Monday and will be pinned on July 1st -- he is very excited about this and has advanced quickly in his career. Also on Monday, he and Amy found out that they will have a baby boy! They both really want a son so they can't wait to see this little boy come into the world. God has been good to them for sure.

We are doing fine here in Florida. We actually do get to fish, bike, kayak and enjoy the ocean...what a waste it would be to live here and never enjoy God's handiwork. The ministry is growing and we love it. Kevin does a good job with teaching and he and Mark make a good team. It actually seems like we have lived here longer than 3 months (as of July 4th). We know God has "grafted" us into this church family very quickly and we have grown close to many of them...seems they have been friends for years. We still miss all of you in KC and long to see you face to face. I will be in KC July 11-21 and will be staying with Rhonda for a few days and the rest of the time with my kids, Ryan and Megan...can't wait to see those cute grandkids :)

Below, is a link and a note from Neal and if you go through all the pictures you will see Neal towards the end. Let us hear from you and how you are doing.

Love from sunny Florida,

Cathy

From Neal:

Here is a link to a website that has photos from Tyler Hicks (New York Times); he was attached to my team and Alpha Company for about two weeks. There are tons of photos from Alpha Company's invasion into Garmser and our firefights. I made one of the photos, second to last one on the page.
Military Photos

Family Together in Florida/News of Neal & Amy

2008-06-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

2 months ago: US soldiers with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) pray during Easter celebrations at the Kandahar aire base on March 23, 2008. Seventy thousands western soldiers are stationed in Afghanistan.

Photo from Getty Images by AFP/Getty Images

Dear everyone:

We have had a great time with Megan, Ryan, the kids and my parents being here in Florida. Amy was with us for one of the weekends and it was good to see her. She is barely even showing and she is having a nice normal pregnancy. My brother and his family joined us for two days as well.

We have heard from Neal from time to time in the last 12 days, the last time being this morning. During that time frame, he called once and told us to keep praying for him because he had "seen the hand of God so strong". On that day, a rocket was fired at him, hit his boot, stopped, but did not go off...he literally thought for a second he was going to die.

On another day, shrapnel flew within 10 feet of him...and there have been many other stories he has told us. He found a dog....really liked this dog as it followed him everywhere, so that gave a bit of "normalcy" to his difficult days. A few days later, the dog left. Neal was really down about it - he had saved his cereal to feed the dog. Sometimes, we can judge situations like this, but we all decided (our family, since we were altogether) that if we were Neal...we would be glad to have a dog for any amount of time too...just to have your thoughts be on something other than death/bombings/killing. Anyway...before he left that area, the dog came back so at least Neal was able to see it before he loaded onto the helicopter for another mission.

There have been many missions...and he has seen much...we could tell in his voice and even sense his spirit at times - he was exhausted, hungry, thirsty, dirty...yet, they still move forward and do the best job ever. We are amazed at the stamina of our military men and women. No wonder when they come home many of them just fall apart - I really don't know how they process all they see or do...but then again, I am a girl!

They have cleared the Taliban out of the areas where they were doing all their missions. He even thinks his unit will be in Time magazine next month...we will just have to watch for it. I have attached a link for you to see a picture of Neal and Amy. This was taken in Afghanistan before Amy was sent home and they were at church for Easter service.

Photo from Getty Images by AFP/Getty Images (Neal & Amy at Easter Service May 23, 2008

You can also see many more pictures on this site if you go down and put marines in Afghanistan in the search box. It will bring up pictures of the 24th MEU and you can see how they have had to life for the last 2 months. He has gotten his combat commendation and some others...I can't remember them all :) His team has done a great job and that is one reason they are still out there, they keep sending them on more missions. Right now, they are in a safe place and the Afhan farmers are making them a big feast tonight and killing a lamb. They are thrilled to have the Taliban out of there area so they can farm, live and work just like regular people. Neal was excited about them fixin' up some good food! Plus, as we were talking with him, the mail truck was arriving so he was hoping for some mail.

Again, we thank you for your prayers. We know they are working and Neal for sure knows they are working and that God has certainly protected him this far. We all pray for his safe return and that he gets to return to Kandahar soon for a nice shower and rest. You guys have all been a great encouragement to him and he appreciates all the packages and letters....many of them, he will get when he returns to the base and it will be like Christmas!

Our love to you all,

Cathy and Mark

update on Neal

2008-05-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Please keep Neal and his unit in your prayers.....they have had two losses this week....Neal was talking with one of these men just 2 hours before he went on the patrol that took his life. It has been a hard week for them. If you look at the link below, you will see how one of the team members just missed being shot. Thanks for your prayers for all of these brave men. They have been reporting all of this on the news this morning. Of course, when we talk with him, he always sends his love and thanks to all of you....he really misses everyone and home.

Love to all, Cathy

The latest identifications reported by the military:
_ Marine 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante, 35, Athens, Ga.; killed Tuesday in Kandahar province Afghanistan during combat operations; assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejuene, N.C.
_ Marine Cpl. Kyle W. Wilks, 24, Rogers, Ark.; killed Tuesday in Kandahar province Afghanistan during combat operations; assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejuene, N.C

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356574,00.htm

Note From Amy May 18

2008-05-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

hello everyone!

Im sorry I haven't been updating y'all.
Well this is Amy by the way.
I sent 2 pictures of me and neals baby!
Im 12 weeks along. The baby is doing just fine.
Neal and I are praying for a boy so hopefully
our prayers get anwered! If not a girl would be lovely
too. I live with a friend, Amanda, she is 7 months pregnant and
her husband is also deployed. When she has her
baby I will be moving out.I work in a office now and have wonderful hours.
I work 730-400. There is only 4 people in my office.
Im hoping a girl will come and work there too so there
wont be just guys. I've joined a baptist church down here
first baptist church of jacksonville and the people are
so nice. I attend a newlyweds class and its very fun and
lively there. For memorial day weekend Im going down to
Mark and Cathys so that will be wonderful.
Now about Neal...
Please pray for Neal he is still out on a mission
and will be staying there for another month!
Its so horrible and he gets no showers and he
is in a very dangerous place. His friend
just got shot yesterday but thankfully,
he got shot in his bullet proof vest and
didnt get hurt. Neal is very sad and wants to get
back to Kandahar soon. He eats these HORRIBLE
meal ready to eat and its like eating the same thing
again and again and sometimes they dont have
water. I miss my Neal so much please pray that
he stays safe, that he leaves his mission earlier
than expected, and that he comes home early
like end of september time frame.
Thank you for all your care packages to
Neal he really appreciates it.

Thank you for your prayers and support,
Amy

2008-05-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

Good news....Neal called Amy this morning and he is on his way back to the base in Kandahar....a shower is in his sight!!

The other night, he was having to sleep on the ground without a sleeping pad or bag and it was killing his back so much he was not able to sleep. So Amy and I said we would pray that someone would just give him a blanket or something to break the hardness of the ground...he didn't know we were going to pray. The next day, he called again and told Amy that he couldn't sleep so he got up to walk around. At the location where he was there happened to be a surgeon (he was at a new mission site). This guy was up for some reason too and asked Neal "what are you doing up so late" so Neal told him about his back.

The guy said "hey, come with me" and he gave Neal one of those memory foam mattresses....Neal said he had the best night of sleep that he has had in a long time! Isn't that so great...that God answers the smallest of our prayers. We just want you to know that all your prayers for Neal matter too....God has given great protection to Neal because of all your prayers...he has a lot of stories, some he will share and some he cannot.

He also mentioned that at one of his sites, he had an officer he was working with that looked just like Randy Keatts...body build, mustache, voice, everything - he said it was amazing!

One more thing: Hopefully, when Neal arrives at the base, Kelly Sapp will be in Afghanistan. He is going to try and find Neal. We didn't think this would be possible since Neal was out in the field beyond the wire, but now...it may happen. Please pray that Kelly will be able to make contact with Neal...what an encouragement that would be. Neal loves Kelly and they were in Africa together about 3 years ago...so I know Neal would be so surprised.

He has lots of packages waiting on him once he is back on base...thanks to all of you who have sent them. When he opens them up, we'll be sure to share his thoughts with you.

Amy is well and is going on a retreat this weekend with the 5-6th graders of her church - it will be at the beach in cabins. Pray for her as she gets involved in her church. She misses Neal so much and he is REALLY missing her, family and home.

Our love to all of you,
Cathy

Nightly News msnbc.com

2008-05-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Success Spreading Marines Thin

US Marines Launch Afghan Offensive

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit - May 7, 2008

2008-05-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit try to take shelter from a sand storm at forward operating base Dwyer in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
(May 07, 2008)

Neal Update

2008-05-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I just sent everyone on the distribution list for Neal and update but wanted to post here as well. Neal called and is safe. They are still in the field and all the dust, sleeping with sheep and laying out in the opium fields has seriously affected his allergies. They gave him a shot at the medic station but he is back out in the field with his team.

This AM he called Amy and he is still very sick and there is no medicine out there for him. The supply line did make it to their group so they are getting water now. Keep him in your prayers that he would get some relief from all the congestion and thanks for your thoughts and prayers on his behalf.

AP report on Neal's group/unit

2008-05-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

A Day Of Skirmishing For Marines In Southern Afghan Town Saturday, May 3, 2008APBy Jason StraziusoGunfire zings in near Sgt. Dan Linas' patrol, pinning his squad down against a dirt berm. The Marines peer across the field to their left, at three mud huts and a grove of trees, searching for the muzzle flash. Then they cut loose with their M-16s.

The sun is barely up, but for the men of Bravo Company's 2nd Platoon, the firefight proves just the first in a series of skirmishes Friday that will see Marines unleash earsplitting barrages of machine gun fire, mortars and artillery, most of which land just 600 yards away.To the east, north and south lie bountiful fields of opium poppies, to the west an unseen enemy.Airstrikes and artillery have thundered around this southern Afghan town all week, since several companies of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit took the offensive before dawn Tuesday and swept into Garmser, which sits in Taliban territory where no NATO troops had ventured.

The British military is responsible for Helmand Province, but its 7,500 soldiers, along with 2,500 Canadian troops in neighboring Kandahar, hasn't been enough manpower to tame Afghanistan's south. So the 2,400-strong 24th Marines have come to help.The push into Garmser is their first mission since arriving from the U.S. last month, and it is the farthest south that American troops have been in several years. Most of the 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan operate along the border with Pakistan.

Some of the men in the 24th Marines have seen combat in the toughest parts of Iraq, and their commanders hope that experience will help calm the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.British forces are mainly in the northern part of Helmand, which is the world's biggest producer of opium poppies. Britain has an outpost on Garmser's northern outskirts, but NATO has had no presence south of that.The Marines in Garmser do not plan a long stay. They will leave the poppy fields be. Their only mission is to open the road for a Marine convoy that will move through town. They sit and defend the 10-foot-wide lane of dirt.After returning fire from the berm across the empty field, the men under Linas - a 21-year-old from Richmond, Va. - jog 100 yards to the platoon command center, where Marines in the lookout post provide covering machine-gun fire.

The platoon mortar team then dials in coordinates and fires off shells in high arcs toward the suspected location of Taliban fighters, throwing up puffs of smoke in the field. There is no way to tell if any militants are hit.In the foreground, perhaps 40 yards from the Marines' post, a half dozen Afghan men work in their illegal poppy fields, slicing the bulbs to coax out opium resin that will be used to make heroin. They look up as the mortars boom out, then go back to work.The 24th Marines served in 2006 and 2007 in Ramadi, capital of Anbar province in western Iraq. The vast region was al-Qaida in Iraq's stronghold before the militants were pushed out in early 2007.

Compared with the dense population centers where they fought in Iraq, Marine artillery and mortar teams have much more freedom to fire in the open spaces of rural Afghanistan, where the Taliban operate.But before more mortars are fired, 2nd Lt. Mark Greenleaf, the 24-year-old platoon commander from Monmouth, Ill., asks his observers if any civilians are in danger. "What's the collateral damage beyond the tree line?" he barks.

The expanse to the Marine post's west has been empty for days, even as farmers have worked with their poppy plants in all other directions - an indication the Taliban have a heavy presence to the west. But the company commander, Capt. Charles O'Neill, decides he's not interested in an all-day mortar battle with the insurgents.Mere moments later, the Marines hear the whoosh of a rocket being fired in the distance. Everyone rushes for cover, pushing themselves up against mud walls or down into trenches. The boom of exploding missile rattles the outpost but it's a couple hundred yards off target.A wave of gunfire rings out as Marines react, until sergeants shout for the men to cease fire.

One Marine infantryman with a team still on the berm states the obvious: "They missed."But Lance Cpl. Matthew Cato of Simpsonville, S.C., 21, says: "I don't care, it scared the ... out of me.""I hate hearing those things go off because then you're just sitting here going, 'Oh, man,'" adds Cpl. Keith Manley, 23, of Ilion, N.Y.The heat of the noon sun settles in. Marines - and militants - put down their weapons and hunker down in any shade they can find.The countryside stays quiet until a convoy of Humvees pulls up in midafternoon to evacuate a Marine with a badly swollen ankle from a sprain. As soon as the Humvees stop, incoming fire starts up.The gunner atop one Humvee opens fire with his .50-caliber machine gun, and Marines with M-16s also blaze away. After several minutes of heavy gunfire, which kicks up clouds of fine sand that sift down on the Marines, squad leaders yell for their men to conserve ammo."If there's too much ... smoke to see the target, then don't waste the rounds," yells Sgt. Chris Battaglia, 28.

An artillery post outside town then joins the skirmish, sending round after round exploding only 600 yards away. Marines yell for everyone to stay down, in a case a shell falls short.O'Neill, the company commander, says all-day potshots by Taliban fighters are little more than nuisance attacks. The militants use binoculars and have forward observers with cell phones to try to aim better at the Marines, he says."This is pure asymmetric harassment," he says. "They'll pop out of a position and fire a rocket or mortar."

The Marines don't move into the field to take on the Taliban at close range. Their mission is to open the road that goes through Garmser, and nothing more. NATO troops are not authorized to eradicate poppy crops, and the Marines have assured farmers their fields won't be touched.At the end of the day, no Marines are hurt or wounded. The Taliban casualty count is not known. But the Marines living in the mud-hut compound under Greenleaf are buzzing from a day filled with adrenaline."I thought it was fun," says Cato. "I know I'm doing my job. It's just a good feeling."

Neal called May 3rd at 10pm EST

2008-05-03T19:57:00.001-07:00

Dear everyone:

Ryan and Amy both heard from Neal tonight (about one hour ago 10pm EST) and here are the highlights:

1.They were short calls

2. He is sleeping in opium fields with sheep - Amy could hear them :)
3. He has had only 7 hours sleep in the last 3 days - lots of work and he is in the helicopter most of the time
4. It is hard to get water - though you hear on the news they have dropped in water for them. No showers or bath facilities...but that's nothin' for military guys in the field!! Pray they get the job done and get back to camp soon.
5. He says "keep praying, they are doing well and wanted you to know that your prayers matter" and "thanks for all you are doing and he loves us all"

Just so you know, www.msnbc.com has the best updates that we have found. You just go to that sight and click "nightly news" then look for Afghanistan reports or under world news. Neal is with that reporter that is embedded with them...so what we see on the news, he already knows! David Woods from the Baltimore Sun has moved to another location with a new group.

Mark is doing well in Egypt and says that Wagih is really doing a good job in Cairo. He'll be home on Monday night. Thanks for all your prayers.

Love,
Cathy

Neal Called

2008-05-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know...Neal called Amy today at 3am. He is safe and still on the mission and was able to make a short call on the satellite phone. It was good to hear his voice. Keep him in your prayers...he really appreciates them and wanted you to know that he loves all of you. More to come as we hear from him...next time :)

Following News Reports

2008-04-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Tues, 4/29: Marines Battle Insurgents During Major Operation in Taliban Territory in Afghanistan

Sat, 4/27 US: 80 Killed Taliban Killed in Southern Afghanistan

David Wood, national security correspondent for The Sun, has reported on war and conflict from around the world since 1977. Follow his blog as he reports on the marines in Afghanistan: Baltimore Sun Military Watch

National News Tonight

2008-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the sites on Neal's team... This was on the national news tonight, sounds like there may be more on the news tomorrow about it. Amy talked to him for a while earlier today, because he has his own personal satelite phone, and he was talking about the raid that will start tomorrow.

US Marines Deploying in Afghanistan

Megan McGaughey

Neal called today

2008-04-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

It was nice to hear from Neal today. Again, the first thing he asked for was prayer. The work starts on Sat/Sun and will be intense. There are many things about his work that cannot be shared - knowing that alone makes us pray more. It was so cool because he talked about meeting David Woods, the reporter with the Baltimore Sun. I have been reading his blog for about 2 weeks now and have it linked here (look at the side bar to the right and click his link) so you can read about what is going on right where Neal is located.

This reporter is embedded with Neal's MEU. I thought it was amazing that Neal got to meet him and beyond that, Neal will be giving security detail for this guy when they begin their work! Wow. The "abundant life" is amazing....even in Afghanistan. God has really been so good to him and all of our family and we are thankful for His love toward us.

Amy got her job assignment and she will be working in an office with 4 others...she is thrilled and also....she got her due date of November 24th - but we women know, that baby will come when it is good and ready! She really misses Neal but she is doing great. I think she will be with our family again on Memorial weekend when Ryan and Megan are here--my parents will be here too. My brother is even going to come up from Tampa...what a reunion this is going to be -- it will be good material for "Blue Collar Comedy" if they needed ideas!!! You just have to know my brother...and most of you already know my mom -- both of them together make for a hilarious time.

And to all my friends out there who are secretary's and admin's....happy admin/secretary day! It is weird to be on this side of that day, where I am neither....well, except to my kids and my husband! I called Cox in KC and told him I wanted to come home for the big celebration at KCBT! He was so sweet and said if I was in town...he would let me go! Those events were awesome.

Enjoy the new pictures we posted - you can get to them from the side bar....love ya.

McGaughey News

2008-04-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

We were able to spend all day Saturday and most of Sunday with Amy and her friend Amanda here in Jax, FL. It was so good to see her. The girls flew down here late Friday night so Amy could get Neal's car. They both went to church with us and we had lunch....showed them the city (at least a little of it) and walked on the beach. They both made it home safe to NC Sunday evening.

This morning, Amy checked in and she will be working in an office with 4 others and she likes her new assignment. This was a big answer to prayer. Probably this week, she will visit the doctor and then we will know what her due date is though we think it is around Thanksgiving.

Neal is good...he has a phone now so he calls more often. This week, his missions start so keep him and the team in your prayers. We don't expect to hear much from him for at least one month...this will be the hardest....especially for Amy.

Things are good here at the house. We keep unpacking boxes and painting but it is really coming together. Rhonda will be coming this Sunday for a week and I can't wait. Also, East Pointe is giving us a reception on Sunday too...very nice! There are lots of lizards (small ones) around here and we have a small alligator in the pond at church...we actually saw him the other day! So far...no gators in our pond :) This city is spread all over because of the intercoastal and Atlantic ocean so today I have determined..I am getting a GPS finder! I have to be able to get around and this will be a quick way to learn and not get lost so quickly.

We cruised the beach (in an old 1981 souped up blazer named "Bonita") area last night...so much to do down there and also we found some private places to park and walk on the beach (thanks to some of our new friends here in Jax). I am also going to get a bike to ride on the beach and through the streets down in that area...it will be fun. I miss everyone, but I sure do love the Florida life!

Mark is busy at church with Kevin and the team. We do love the church and when you visit us, we think you will too. We have two services on Sunday AM, no Sunday PM and we have dinner and bible study/classes on Wednesday nights.

Pictures to come soon....love all of you,

Cathy

Seeing Amy Soon!

2008-04-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone:

Amy landed in Jacksonville, NC today. Finally...she made it home. She will be living with another girl who is 5 months pregnant and Amy went to boot camp with her. Also, her husband is serving in Iraq so it is a good match. Hopefully, she will be with us this weekend or next here in Florida. We have Neal's car and she is going to need it.

Neal continues to ask for your prayers. The base was mortared the other day and one was close to him at 100 meters. Two guys from the 24 MEU were killed yesterday outside the wire...so things are heating up. Pray for their safety. He can't talk about any of what he is doing but we know it is serious...especially if we ask questions and he is silent...we know he can't answer.

They both send their love and thanks for the packages and have needed everything you have sent. If you are needing ideas - here are some new ones that I got from Thao and some from Neal and his buddies there.

leather NBA basketball with a pump

gatorade packages to add to your water in water bottle

insoles for boots and shoes - Neal is a size 10 1/2 to 11

aqua coolers - (you wet them and wrap around your neck - crystals inside kerchief keep them cool)

Cards and letters - Neal says he wants more of these so when mail call happens, he gets them but again...he loves the packages too. Oh...and he said send pictures - he told me to tell this to Ryan and Megan especially!

Bug Spray or cooling spray

Pop up Hampers

Plastic gallon zip locks to store stuff so the dust and critters don't get it.

Lysol stick ups

I hope these ideas help. Thanks for sending the kids mail and stuff...again, it means so much to them and they love getting something at mail call.

Mark and I are doing fine settling into the house. We have a lot to learn about Florida and we love the weather.

Write us when you can,

Mark and Cathy

Amy Address:
4066 Lilja Court
Midway Park, NC 28544
910-478-8498

Neal & Amy Front Page Florida Paper (JD News.com)

2008-04-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Amy McGaughey and her husband, Cpl. Neal McGaughey, say there is a little pressure on them serving together in Afghanistan, but they ‘know the rules.’

‘Like Christmas every day’

JENNIFER HLAD

April 7, 2008 - 12:24AM

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of an ongoing series of reports from Afghanistan by The Daily News writer Jennifer Hlad, who is embedded with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit there.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - For most Marines, deployment means long months and thousands of miles away from spouses and other loved ones. But for Cpl. Neal McGaughey, deployment means working 20 yards away from his wife.

McGaughey and his wife, Lance Cpl. Amy McGaughey (pronounced muh-goy) are both attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's command element. The two grew up together in Kansas City, Mo., and married Oct. 6, 2007.

And they aren't the only married couple in the MEU.

Cpl. Tyrone Griffin and Cpl. Melissa Garnett-Griffin, both of Combat Logistics Battalion-24, met during the MEU's last deployment and were married Dec. 8, 2006.

The couples say they know they are lucky to be able to see each other during deployment, but it is not the same as being together at home.

Griffin said other Marines and sailors give him a hard time "every second of every day."

"It is not so much what we say as what we do," he said. "If we go to chow together or just want to go sit by a bunker and talk, people get ‘that look'."

Garnett-Griffin said no one gives her a hard time, but there is "a constant reminder."

"There is a little more pressure on us, but we know the rules," she said. "It is hard. It is easy to see him every day, but if I wanted to hold his hand, I can't do that. Or if I wanted to give him a peck on the cheek, I can't do that. ... We hold ourselves to a higher standard. But I can see him, and I am happy with that."

It can be difficult, Amy McGaughey said, when the two are walking together and she has to fight the urge to hold her husband's hand.

"You've got to be professional," she said.

It also seems unfair when other Marines are missing and calling their spouses, Neal McGaughey said, since he is able to see his wife every day.

"It's an awkward situation," Neal said. "But would I trade it? No."

Though Garnett-Griffin knew she would be deployed at the same time as her husband, she was happily surprised when she learned she would be able to see him every day. The couple would have been separated on different ships if the MEU had deployed on ships as originally planned.

Working at the same camp as her husband is "like having Christmas every day," she said.

The McGaugheys were excited to learn they would both be deployed with the MEU. Originally, they thought he would go with the MEU and she would be deployed to Iraq. But the pair prayed about it and a week later learned that Amy McGaughey also would be deploying with the MEU.

Still, the McGaugheys "try not to spend too much time together," Neal McGaughey said, "just because of the looks of it."

They see each other about an hour a day and eat together a few times a week.

But he said he feels lucky that he can see her at all.

"It is definitely a big privilege," he said.

Contact Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or visit her blog at http://fromafghanistan.encblogs.com.

http://www.jdnews.com/news/daily_55906___article.html/hlad_reports.html

April 11, 2008 McGaughey Update

2008-04-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone:

Nothing seems to slow down in the McGaughey family! If you haven't heard by now.....Amy is Pregnant and on her way home from Afghanistan. We are all so very excited and the kids command has been very supportive to them as well. Amy will be stationed back at Camp LeJuene for now. We think her due date is sometime around Thanksgiving and she and Neal were able to have the first ultrasound together at the Navy Med Center in Afghanistan. Amy will be living with another soldier's wife in Jacksonville, NC and she (Amanda) is 5 months pregnant as well. Her husband is in Iraq. They have a lot in common and they will be good friends to each other.

Neal will start his missions next week. He has asked all of us to really pray because it is something big and that we can watch the news next week as well. That's about all we get out of him for information, but you can tell the seriousness in his voice when he asks us to pray....so we continue to do so!

The house here is coming also well. Our friends here in Jacksonville, FL planted a palm tree in our front yard for our arrival. Since we have unloaded, we have been painting, landscaping a bit and unpacking boxes. It will probably take us a couple of months to get everything in place...at least, that is our plan. Today, I just got my computer and email back -- so I feel much more connected. We have a home phone now and I will list it at the bottom of the email for you.

Mark has already gotten busy with work and loves it. The team here is wonderful and we look forward to working with all of them. Kevin and Connie (the Senior Pastor and his wife) had a great time in KC and loved meeting our friends. They are all anxious to meet you when you come to visit.

Ryan, Megan, Kennedy and Farrell are all doing good too. We talk with them often and that Kennedy is quite the conversationalist! She talked and talked on the phone with me and with Poppie just the other day about everything...it was hilarious. We miss them so much.

I will try to send pictures later and add them to our web page on www.kcbt.org. If you go to that site to get updates, you click the missions tag, then North America. Once you do that, you will see our name and click it, that should get you to our page so you can keep up with us.

Thanks for praying for all of us...and for those on the calendar sending packages, Neal and Amy have LOVED getting them. Thanks for loving our kids and showing it!!

From sunny Florida,

Cathy and Mark
12547 Kernan Forest Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32225
904-524-8059

816-365-4629 Cathy's cell
816-365-4053 Mark's cell

mmcgaughey@epcjax.com Mark's email
cmcgaughey@kcbt.org Cathy's email - I will use this one until I set up my Jacksonville email.

Updates from Kandahar Afghanistan

2008-04-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings from halfway across the world!

Well, A LOT has happened since my last email I sent out. All very good but sad at the same time. Amy was feeling sick and noticing some health changes the last two weeks and she looked into it, and well…she’s pregnant! The both of us are so excited but also got pretty sad too because we both knew that she would have to head back to the states. Right now is around 7 weeks; we even got to do an ultrasound before she took off. It was so amazing, definitely doing it in a combat hospital here in this country. The other night I helped Amy put her bags on a C-130 plane and we kissed goodbye on the plane. The aircrew was trying to figure out why two Marines were making out on their plane. Lol. Right now Amy is in Qatar, a small country neighboring Saudi Arabia. She is safe, staying on an Air Force Base with a lot of nice accommodations. She will be flying commercially from their to London, onto Charlotte and finally to Jacksonville, NC. As for me, well truthfully I am so lonely right now. My best friend had to go, and I miss seeing her beautiful smile every day. Amy and I have been side by side for the longest time and the distance is new to us; I am not fond of it. I am leaving next week to do my job, and all I can really say is…watch the news in about 2 weeks ok! We are working hard right now and the reality of war is hitting home more than ever. My interpreter is a very nice man, and we get along great. My friend in the Marines will also be by my side and he knows the local language. We appreciate everyone’s prayers and miss you guys soo much. Please pray for our baby and that Amy continues to stay healthy and get home safely. Thank you and we’ll be returning those prayers back to ya!

Love in Christ,

Neal

Thank you so much for the letters, packages and material! Deeply appreciated.

hey guys well Im stuck in Qatar until Monday...unfortunately.
because of my weapon Im not allowed to fly on a commercial plane.
So I will be departing around 9 o'clock p.m. on tuesday.
because of their regulations on phone use here i will only be able to keep
in contact through email. The administrative office here is being very
graceful and letting me use the dsn phone to calls neals dsn phone.
I appreciate all your prayers. Lately since the day I have left food hasn't been settling in very well. Other than that this place is not that bad Im just
lonely without Neal. Well I think nextweek ill be going down to Florida to see you guys and get the car and ring and stuff. Thank you for all your support I love you!

Amy