Good morning all. My mom, Aunt Betty and I went back over to the hospital last night for a brief visit. Dad was the most lucid he's been yet. We were able to carry on nearly full conversations with him. He wanted to know once again what happened that got him to the hospital. We explained the situation and he's able to recall most everything up to dinner on Friday evening. I also got the chance to share your comments with him by reading each and every one of them to him. He was moved to tears to know that so many people care so deeply for him and are praying for him. I know I keep saying this -- and I don't know how to put it any other way-- but you'll never know how much your love, prayer and support means to us-- all of us.
So, we turn our focus to today. Our number one objective is to talk with both doctors back in NC and get them more involved in the situation. We really need them and their expertise in the situation. We need everyone to be praying for us to be able to get in touch with these doctors, for them to be able to understand the situation and for them to begin to take as much control of the situation as possible as they are some of the nation's leading experts on melanoma and neurology. Will you please pray for us to be able to speak with these doctors and for them to get involved to help?
Beyond that, we are beginning to have to think about what we need to do for accommodations beyond Thursday night. We are staying in a hotel in the tourist area (where the convention is being held) and the rooms are a little on the expensive side. If it looks like we're going to be here for an extended period of time, we may need to find some alternate arrangements. But we have no idea what we're going to do or how we're going to do it. So, please pray for clarity on what we need to do in that situation.
Lastly, Josh (Cassie's husband) is catching a flight home today. I'm taking him to LAX around 9:45 so he can begin the trek back across the country. It has meant a lot to Cassie and all of us to have Josh here with us during this time. Please pray for safe travel for him.
Once again-- thank you for your love and support. Please continue to pray for healing as God is the great physician and if it is in His will that this cancer be eliminated, we know it will be.
Much love and many thanks.
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Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI talked to my cousin who lives in Artesia,Calif. That is 20 miles from Longbeach. She has a very large home with many bedrooms. She has offered to open her home to you. I gave her your cell phone number and yesterday I gave Cassie hers. Her name is Ruth Punt. Her number again is (562) 881-8329. She also has a friend who is a physical therapist at St. Mary's. She probably will be stopping by. Ruth also was going to call a nearby church that she used to attend so that they can be a resource for you. We are praying without ceasing here for Norman and for all of you. We love you.
Believing God,
Kay Morgan
Jon-
ReplyDeleteMy family's thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and your family. I have also added your dad, you, Melinda and your entire family to my prayer group at church. There is much love and support in Atlanta for your dad!
Love, Lisa
Thanks for your latest update on Norman. God will continue to work within all of your lives. So many prayers are being lifted up to Him for all of you. Please tell Melinda that if she needs anything to call on us.
ReplyDeleteYou all remain in our prayers.
Barbara and Roger
Hey Jon - the best to you and your family. I can only imagine the frustration of dealing with a coast-to-coast medical situation. Thoughts, prayers to all - Patrick Cobb
ReplyDeleteHi Jon. You are definitely in our prayers. Where are you in California? We have some friends out there and I may be able to secure a place for you to stay, if even for a few nights.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Chris
Hi Parks Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing to pray for Norman at Vandora. It was great news to hear that he is talking and breathing on his own. What a Mighty God we serve! Brenda, we miss and love you. We are praying that Norman will be able to travel soon. Just remember that God is in control.
Love,
Vicki Crowder
Hi Parks family, you tell Norman for me that that coin I gave him has not failed him yet and it won't now. I promise you all that things will just happen in a way that guides you. It is hard to explain, but decisions are sometimes made for you. Just have faith, one day at a time. I know it was very hard for Josh to leave Cassie. So many of us here just cannot get you all off of our minds. We just pray and pray and we feel so good knowing that you know the Lord is with you and will not fail you. Love to all, Sue Lucas
ReplyDeleteHi Parks,
ReplyDeleteGarner Civitans are lifting up prayers as well. If your Civitan family can be of assistance please let us know.
Darla
Hi, Jon
ReplyDeleteSomething you wrote in your Sunday posting continues to echo in my head. You wrote "Plainly speaking -- it stinks."
May I add my hearty "AMEN!" to that? Your words very eloquently convey the pain and anguish and even anger that you and your family so rightly feel. And my prayer, and Linda's, is that God will give you His comfort and His peace as you struggle to find out where you all go from here.
What is helpful to me in times when the world seems to be closing in is the assurance that God knows exactly what I am feeling and experiencing -- even the fear and frustration and anger that comes when such unexpected events occur. There are at least two passages of Scripture that speak to this point. One of them is Psalm 139, which says that we can never escape God's awareness of where we are and what is happening to us, and the other is Romans 8:26-39, which says that there is nothing in all creation -- not even what's happening to your Dad -- that can separate us from the love of God. So God knows what you are feeling and experiencing in this moment, and He cares for you. May His peace be yours today!
with His love,
Harvey
Jon,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and your family during this time. Thank you for the updates so we can pray more specifically for your dad. Please remind Melinda that she can call us if she needs anything while you are away.
In Christ, Mike and Alison Lawson
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to send a short note to let you know we are praying so hard for all of you that God will answer each request, hold you near, and help you feel the love and comfort coming your way from all of us.
Thanks so much for the blog.
Love and Prayers,
Dorothy
Heavenly Father, we come to you now in our most humble state asking you, the Great Healer, to touch your child Norman. Wrap your arms around him now… touch his heart… fill him with your spirit… allow him to feel your overwhelming presence Lord. Touch his body right now Lord… that he may feel your mighty healing power and saving grace. The storms and suffering in life only end when their nothing more to learn… nothing more to do. Please guide Norman and his family through this storm. He is a child of yours Lord and he lives to fulfill your purpose. Bless this family with good spiritual health, good physical health and good financial health during this trying time. Bless them with strength, clarity, understanding and wisdom. All this we ask in your precious name, Amen.
ReplyDeleteNorman, Brenda and family.
ReplyDeleteDee and I (and I am sure all of our mutual Civitan friends) are praying for your recovery and strength for the family. We will also be praying for your doctors and other care givers while you are in Long Beach and when you return home, that they have the knowledge and wisdom to provide the best care possible. I have known you for a long time Norman and am well aware that Jon is correct in calling you a fighter! Keep it up! Do what the doctors tell you to do and get back home safe and sound. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Your friends,
Reggie & Dee Foster
Norman, Brenda and loved ones,
ReplyDeleteGlenn & I send our prayers for all of you. I share this little nugget that I keep in my wallet and desk drawer so I can read it daily:
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
In Christ,
Kathy Canady
Norman,
ReplyDeleteRoger and I are so happy to hear that you are awake and able to converse with others. We know that your faith will carry you through this. We look forward to seeing your friendly smile again. Brenda, I know this is difficult for you but hopefully you can feel the prayers and support that are being lifted up for you and your family.
Love to all,
Donna & Roger
We serve a mighty and powerful God. We may never know the reason God allowed this to happen so far away from home, but we know there is a reason. It may very well be for someone at that hospital to see your family's love for God and how you are handling all of this. God works in mysterious ways! I am so happy to hear of the progress Norman is making. Yes, he is a strong man who is supported by a very strong family. We continue to pray specifically!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jon-
ReplyDeleteRon sent us this link today, just wanted to let you know that we are thinkng about you; you and your family are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Please let Melinda know that I will be happy to help her with any errands, etc or anything she might need. I am around during the week and in town for the next few weekends. You have my e-mail address, she can also reach me on my cell phone- 804-240-5753.
I hoping that all of you get to return home soundly, safely and soon.
Julia Forsmark
Dear Norman and Brenda, Jon and Melinda, and Cassie and Josh,
ReplyDeleteWe love you and we are all praying for you. So VERY many people are holding you all in our hearts and minds. God bless you and give you strength...
Tina Kestner and family
Norman, Brenda, and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for yall often- for strength, healing, and all the cooperation of all medical personnel necessary to get yall home! Please let us here at Vandora know anything we can do to help you.
Love,
Monsie and Donnie Gillis
Norman, Brenda, and family,
ReplyDeletePlease remember that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers at Vandora Springs. Jon, we do so appreciate the blog so we know how Norman and the family are doing without bothering you with phone calls. We feel so helpless being so far away, but know that we are with you during this difficult time. Brenda, tomorrow morning at 8:30 the staff is getting together for a group prayer for your family. May you find continued strength through God's love and our ongoing prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. WE LOVE YOU ALL!! Kathy Blair
Hi Parks family,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the blog. It is very informative and we check it daily to get the news on Norman's progress. Out thoughts are there with you all and one of our prayers for you is that you will soon be home safe and sound! Let us know if there is anything we can do for you or your family here.
Love to all, Ron and Donna
Hi Parks Family,
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my prayers and thoughts. Norman, you keep fighting and get back to NC. You have all been on my mind and I am praying hard!!! Brenda,I am so glad you are there- I know that Norman is getting stronger with your presence. We love you. Jon, thank you so much for doing this blog- it gives us comfort to know what is going on and specific things that we can pray for.
Cassie, I know you have been a blessing to your mother.
Kathleen Vogt
PS Sara Schult sends her love.
Hello Parks Family,
ReplyDeleteThe Crockers (Randy, Barbara, Jennifer, Kevin and Kara), all send their love and prayers to you guys. We hope that Norman gets well soon. We'll be praying for you.
The Crockers
Norman and family, Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since word got back to Garner about your situation. God is good and prayers are strong and He will get you back to N.C. when He knows you can travel. If we had just gotten enough money to purchase the new church bus, we would all load up and make a "road trip" to see you all. But you will just have to take these postings until we can see you. We love each of you and pray several times a day for your recovery.
ReplyDelete