Hello all. I'm pleased to report that today was a much better day for dad. He started the day with a visit from Dr. O and a good breakfast. Dr. O told him that she wants to see him doing a couple of things: 1) getting up and sitting in the chair in his hospital room for a short while, and 2) starting physical therapy to help him stay physically strong. I'm not certain if he actually moved over to the chair for a while today, but I know that the first round of PT is due to begin on Thursday morning.
I spoke with dad on the phone after I got to work this morning-- it was wonderful to hear his voice on the phone! He sounded much better than he has in a few days. We talked about several items, but he told me that he prayed last night to God asking Him for a miracle of healing. I told him I was glad he offered up that prayer because so many people are asking for the same thing, but I also shared with him that today is a miracle. We have today, and that is a miracle. And if we have tomorrow, that is a miracle. And if we get the day after that, that day is a miracle too. You see, I-- like many people, I guess-- are so busy looking for the big miracles that I never really see the little ones that God provides us every day. Well, I don't know how to explain it, but I see those "little" miracles now and I'm so very appreciative of them. Thank you for praying for these wonderful things that God has blessed us all with!
Dad had his next round of radiation this afternoon. That's 3 sessions down and 11 to go. He also had his second round of chemo tonight. He's starting to feel some of the aches and sensitivity to touch that I believe are associated with chemo, so please pray for comfort and soothing for him.
We continue to be blessed by each of you. If you are able, I'd like to ask that you post a comment on this blog if you're able-- I'm reading the comments to dad when he's up to it and I know he would like to hear from each of you.
Thank you for your specific prayers and offers of support. It means so much to all of us and we definitely feel God's presence with us during this time. We love you all and can never thank you enough!
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So nice to get this information this morning - sounds as though prayers, once again have been answered. Norman, we are so glad that you seem to be feeling better and hopefully with PT you will regain your strength. Hope you have a nice day. Brenda, we miss you!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless! Lynn and Brenda
All of the employees along with myself, Dana and Megan have you in our thoughts Norman. We pray for a speedy and complete recovery. We miss you here at work, and everyone is asking about you. Tis the season for miracles........
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had a better day. All we can really do is be thankful for each day and the blessings that God bestows on us. You are a wonderful Christian, and you have inspired so many people over the years (even on the soccer field). You and your family continue to be in our prayers. God bless you, Kathy, Eric, & Craig Sykes
ReplyDeleteHello Brenda and Norm,
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you a "HUG" and Lots of love!
Peggy J.
Hello Parks family,
ReplyDeleteEveryone at Vandora is praying for you each day. I am looking forward to Norman returning home and giving me some golf lessons. We miss you Brenda. Please let us know if you need anything.
With Love
Troy Peuler
Norman and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI know Ron came the hospital this morning, but I wanted to let you both know how often I pray for you and your family. I ask God for your strength to fight this battle, that you, Norman will be home for Christmas, and healing in the weeks and months to come. You are in so many prayers from others I know God hears and responds to each and every one.
Much love, Donna Smith
Hi Parks Family,
ReplyDeletePraying for you today...thinking of you often throughout the day. Norman, thank God for a better day! Jon when those quiet times come and it feels like you are overwhelmed just remember God is your peace and a very present help in a time of need. Miss you so much Brenda at work! May God bless you and keep you in perfect peace.
Love,
John and Vicki Crowder
Brenda and Family,
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about all of you and sending prayers your way. Be Strong
Mona Siegel and Family
Jon and Family: Please send Norman my regards and let him know I am thinking and praying for him. I used to work with Norman years ago at TWC (actually back in the '90's). Shirley Church and I had lunch this week and she updated me on his condition and fowarded your blogsite. I have always known Norman to have a bright spirit and I am hoping his positive attitude will help towards his healing and recovery. Sincerely, Rosemary McLean Dorsey
ReplyDeleteHello Norman and Brenda and Family. We were so glad to hear that things are improving some and that Norman is getting the treatments he needs. You are all such an inspiration to all of us. I guess you don't know how you will react until you are faced with certain situations, but we can only hope that we all face similar situations with the grace and dignity that you all have. We continue to pray for all of you and especially for a miracle of healing. Love, Roger and Donna Langley
ReplyDeleteThis is Daphne in Timberlake (Denise & Stevie's neighbor). I'm not sure if you remember me or not. Grandma Sanford (as I call her) told me about this site. I have kept up to date through the site. I have been praying for the whole family. I also pray that God will take care of each one of you and give you strength to get through this. I will definitely keep praying for miracles, large and small.
ReplyDeleteIn my prayers,
Daphne
Hello Parks family,
ReplyDeleteWe think of you often and pray for that miracle. My mom has been blessed with remission after being told she had 2 weeks to live, so I know from experience, that BIG miracle is out there. I put your Christmas card in the mail, to the correct Norman Parks. That story always puts a smile on my face, I hope it does your too. =)
Always, in our thoughts & prayers,
Lisa & Joe Scott
Hey Norm and family,
ReplyDeleteNorm, remember those days when you and Sam Pennica coached our Jaguars soccer team? Those were good times and you taught us some great lessons about sportsmanship and how to play the game the right way. We didn't always win, but it wasn't about winning, it was about learning and having fun. I'll never forget those times!
We are praying for healing for you, Norm. God Bless you and your family. By the way, I don't have to tell you this, but you have a great family!
Love,
Brian Waters and family
Mr. Parks,
ReplyDeleteAs an "early riser" my daily prayer time happens at 6:20am. Every morning I pray for strength, healing and encouragement for you, and also for God's Peace and Comfort for your family. Your son Jon is right when he says that EVERY day we've been given is a miracle. Blessings to you and your family. -Greg Langdon, Boone, NC
Norman My friend,
ReplyDeleteMay the good Lord bless you in this time of treatment, we pray for your well being. You are always in our hearts and thoughts everyday. To the Parks Family, Miracles do happen and im a true believer that everyday is a miracle as Jon put it. I BELIEVE in GODS Way, you will get thru this, With all your friends behind you.
Love and Well Wishes
Paulie and Mize Silvestre
Norman
ReplyDeleteThere can be nothing harder than to watch a good friend go through what you are going through. And all the harder still when there is more than one.
I am so pleased to be able to count you as a friend. Pleased to have made a friendship with you. Pleased to have meet your wonderful family and seen the strenght of love.
It goes without saying, but, I'll say it anyway, you are in Nan's and my prayers. You are in our thoughts. Your name comes up in evening conversations; during a ride in the car; while having dinner.
There are few enough times in life when you meet up with a very remarkable person. For Nan and myself, you are one of those remarkable people. Your personality is one of calm, caring and strentgh. Your obvious love of family and life radiates from your spirit.
Your genuineness envelopes those around you and helps lead the way to honesty. You question what you do not understand and stand strongly for what you believe.
To hear of this setback filled our bodies and spirits with tingles of pain. Why, we ask. Why has this good friend and truly a special person be chosen to have to suffer. Is he to be an anointed one to suffer for the sins of others? There is no such thing as fairness in the Lord’s Kingdom. But, surely with all your friends’ prayers, literally the prayers of thousands, the Lord will hear and be lenient and sympathetic and in his glory give the dispensation necessary so that we may continue to be friends for many, many more years.
It’s very hard to think of just the right thing to say to another when he/she is ailing. From my personal experience, it takes intense effort and personal control you didn’t even know you had to keep pain at bay. At those times it’s joyful to hear about family and friends and life in general. But, in small doses, as one’s life must concentrate on the healing. In that vein, you are not the one that needs to keep friends and family occupied. You have no obligation other than to listen and rest and heal. Be sure all know that while you enjoy visits and family at your side, they must recognize your need to go within, to grapple with the mind and concentrate on healing.
There are no great words of wisdom I’ve heard that ever caused me a “Eureka” moment such that I understood the world around me and the Lord’s grand strategy and plan. Some words of wisdom I have accumulated that I would like to pass on are:
Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost.
If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
If you can dream it, you can do it.
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
Nan and I wish you all the best we can. Our prayers are always with you and may they be some comfort and may they help you heal.
Stan and Nan
Mr. Parks,
ReplyDeleteMy husband I work with Jon at SA Cherokee. We are keeping you, and your entire family, in our prayers each day. From all of the comments on this blog, it is clear that you have a lot of people praying for your healing. How blessed you are.
Robert & Shannon Colby
Mr. P -
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers and the thoughts and prayers of so many of Jon's mountaineer brothers and sisters. We are all rooting for you and know your strength and God's grace will lead you through this. Jon - you and your whole family can call on any of us for help at anytime.
-Damien
To The Parks Family:
ReplyDeleteFrom The Hodges Family"
We are lifting Norman up in our prayers daily. Each day I feel our prayers are answered in some way. We pray for healing, comfort, and strength for Norman and the entire family.
Jon, Thank You for the blog.
Bill and Brenda Hodges
To The Parks Family:
ReplyDeleteFrom: Billy & Carol Smith,
Good Evening Norman,
Glad you are having a few good days placed in there every now and then. Carol and I pray for you and the family on a daily basis. God's wonderful healing power and grace will fall over you and provide you and your family with feeling of peace in knowing that he is always in control. Just trust in God's wonderful blessings and plans. Norman, I'm looking forward to seeing you very soon.
Mr. Parks,
ReplyDeleteAs one of Jon's former co-workers at Wake County, I would like to echo his thoughts from Romans 8:28, that God works all things to the good of those He loves. Since learning of this blog, I have prayed daily for God to give you the gift of strength, healing and recovery. I pray that you would draw on His strength during this time and know that you are surrounded by prayer. Praise God for His miracles, and there are NO small miracles!
--Steve Walston
Norman
ReplyDeleteRose and I are praying for a quick recovery and trip home to your wonderful family. I just found out you were back at REX. Remember that Rose is there everyday, Rose and I are willing to do anything your family requires.
Randy and Rose
Norman,
ReplyDeleteJames and I are praying for you daily, for your comfort and healing. We are also asking that God would make His presence very real to you and your family.
James & Sonia Armstrong
Norman,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I continue to pray for you each and every day as I promised you I would. You and your family are in our thoughts continually. We pray for your strength and stamina during your treatments and we of course pray for healing. Dusty and Jan