Hello friends. By now, many of you may be aware of this news, but in case you were not aware, we've had a day with less than stellar news. The day began with dad's scheduled visit to Rex to have an MRI performed. It's been 3 weeks since he wrapped up radiation & chemo and Dr. O wanted to see how things were progressing. The procedure went off without any problems. However, later in the morning, Dr. O called my sister to let her know that 1) the radiation appears to have had no effect on the existing spots on dad's brain, and 2) there appear to be new spots that have developed. Needless to say, this is not what we were hoping or praying for.
Cassie drove out to meet up with mom and dad (dad had a PT appointment in Clayton after the visit to Rex) and shared with them the results of the MRI. I headed over from work to meet up with them. We had a nice family lunch at Chick-fil-a and then went back over to mom and dad's house to talk. Dad did most of the talking-- he let us know that he's not going to give up and that he's definitely not going to be pessimistic about anything, but he also let us know that God is in control and that when God decides it is time, it will be time and he's OK with that. I'm sure most of you know that dad is quite strong in his faith in God. As a son, it is quietly comforting to hear him say that last part; it's kind of like he's still teaching me one more lesson and I'm very much willing to be the student.
We all shed a number of tears this afternoon and I guess that's to be expected, but at the end of it, dad told us that he "was tired of sitting around and he doesn't plan to just sit around doing nothing." So, mom, dad and I got out and drove around for a while. Eventually, we ended up at their church-- Aversboro Road Baptist-- and we decided to go inside. The only other person there was a member of the cleaning crew, but it didn't matter. This was the first time dad has been able to go inside the church since before he was in the hospital back in December. We walked the hallways and ultimately made our way to the sanctuary. Mom turned on the lights and we all walked down front and just sat on the front row. The quite of the sanctuary was interrupted only by the chiming of the bells and I really couldn't have imagined being anywhere else at that time.
Dad wanted to go out to O'Charley's for dinner and my Aunt Betty joined us. We had a nice time, but dad was starting to get run down from the day, so after dinner, we headed back home. Dad wanted to sit by the fireplace and enjoy the warmth of the gas logs. His final words to me tonight were that he was going to be and that he planned on getting up tomorrow because tomorrow is going to be a "fresh start; a brand new day."
So, that's where we are tonight. As always, we covet your prayers. Specifically, we ask for the following:
1. pray for comfort and strength for dad, my mom and all of us
2. ask God to heal dad if that is within His will
In addition to the prayer requests, I have to additional requests:
1. I know that a few of you have sent cards and/or photos. If you haven't had the chance to, please send mom and dad a card and a photo of yourself to let them know that you are standing with them.
2. If you have a mother or a father-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a son or a daughter-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a grandson or a granddaughter-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a brother or sister, an aunt or an uncle-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you do those things, it will quite possibly one of the most important things you will ever do in your life.
Much love,
The Parks Family
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And my I add one more? If you have a friend, or someone who is special in your life, hug them too, and tell them that you love them. Your posts have been special to us. They have kept us in touch, and helped us to know how to pray for you all. May I say to you, and to all your family, that we love you, and that at some point we hope to have the chance to hug you, and tell you that we love you?
ReplyDeleteHi Norman, Brenda, Jon and Cassie:
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know that this Wednesday morning we are thinking of you and enjoying the beautiful dusting of snow that God has provided us. We, like you four are so very disappointed in the latest news, but thanks to the words from you Norman, we too are not ready to give up. Norman, your words in Jon's latest blog have meant a great deal to us. Jon, we thank you for sharing these.
Joyce said recently that she saw Cassie giving her dad a ride through our neighborhood. There is something great about being at home and that is being with your family, but getting out to enjoy God's gift of what is around our home is a special pleasure. Norm, I am sure that you had to enjoy going by the Edgebrook pool and the many days and hours you have spent making this pool a place for our families to enjoy time together. These days we think of you every time we go by this pool and about all that you have given us with your time and talent.
Also, Norm we think of you every time we come into our neighborhood and see that wonderful entrance sign that you lead our neighborhood to get behind and have this new one erected after vandals had taken the original one. It reminds me of the many talents God has given you to see a need then lead people to get behind it and "get er done".
On Sunday morning we were watching and listening to worship service here at home. The minister's message was on the fact that God still delivers minacles through his Son, Jesus. He then listed lots of those miracles that have taken place recently. As an example, one of those that was truly a miracle was all those people who were on board that airplane that had to land in the Hudson Bay in New York. All of them survived. It was not a lucky event, it was a miracle from God.
We are praying and asking God for a miracle in your life, Norman, and for your family.
All of you have a wonderful day and thanks for what all of you are doing to show that God is still with us.
Love,
The Edgebrook Bruffeys
It is a day to hug and express love for everyone. So, a few to Norman, Brenda, Jon, Cassie and everyone else from us.
ReplyDeleteKeep that faith. We're all with you and we're offering all of our prayers.
Jim and Terry
Norman and Brenda, We are keeping your whole family in our prayers. We are praying for peace, understanding, healing of body and soul, and comfort and for you to feel all of the love coming from all of us at Vandora. I pray that you have joy-filled days with your children and grandchildren as you begin your "fresh start"! Much love,
ReplyDeleteMonsie and Donnie Gillis
Jon, Cassie, Brenda and most of all Norman,
ReplyDeleteWe love you very much and pray for you daily. God is good. He meets our every need. Sometimes it is difficult to see how life experiences fit into God's plan but rest assured they do. All of you are courageous in facing the trials of Norm's illness and by that you are an example of God's love durings difficult times. I know that our humanity makes us want to cry out "why me" but all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. Norm is and has been a powerful tool on this earth in service to the Lord. If it is God's will that he now join him in Paradise, who are we to deny Norm or the Lord an eternity of reward. Our pary is for peace of mind and heart for all of you as each day passes.
With love,
Jim, Emma, Lynsey-Paige, and Alan
Parks Family,
ReplyDeleteRoger and I continue to pray for all of you. We are so impressed with your strong faith and ability to cope with the circumstances you now find yourselves in. We can only pray that we would be as strong in our faith if and when we have to face similar circumstances. We love all of you and pray that God will bless you with the peace and comfort needed during this time. Roger and Donna Langley
Out prayer for you all today is Peace. You have alot to take in and understand, and I prayer some how you will find Peace in all of this. Our heart goes out to you all.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Lynn and Brenda Pearce
To the Parks family and especially Norman:
ReplyDeleteYour struggle over the last months has been an inspiration to us. We pray for you continuously. We know it is difficult and commend all of you for the faith you have and the example that you are showing to each and everyone of us.
Please let us know how and when we can help.
Love, Barbara and Roger Allen
I am in awe of the strength God has given each of you and your faith in the Divine will. You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all,
Leigh Liles Foushee
We mailed some pictures last week and we wish we were there to give both Norman and Brenda big hugs. I will put something in the mail tomorrow I hope will put a smile on all of your faces. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
ReplyDeleteJoe and Lisa Scott
Norman, Brenda, Cassie and Jon,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you during this difficult time. We pray that God will strengthen you as the days go by. I know your strong faith has gotten you through many difficult days. Norman, just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. His hand formed you and made you the wonderful, caring person you are. He compares you to no one else— you are one of a kind. We are blest to have you as a friend. You are a blessing to so many people and have touched so many lives over the years with your wonderful smile. God bless you always,
Kathy, Eric, and Craig Sykes
Hello Jon,
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing to us. We r from another part of the world( we live in Malaysia) yet we r able to reach out to comfort each other. praise God! My cancer support group (Elpizo cancer group) and myself will continue to pray for your family. We need to be have strong faith in our lord. There is hope.Be of good spirit.
Hi Norman, Brenda, Cassie and Jon,
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that I am constantly praying for you guys!
We share the blessed hope that the Lord may return for his church today! But even if not today, whenever that day comes as it surely will, we will all be together with the Lord forever. Comfort each other with these words.
In Christ's Love,
Rusty & Nancy
To The Parks Family,
ReplyDeleteI'm standing with you guys through this. I'm sure my Mom would want to do something for you if you need it. I do too! Thanks again for this update even though really it's not the most positive news.
Also, Jon, fortunately, my Mom was at Aversboro this past Sunday and saw your Dad and Mom. They were very encouraging to both my Dad and Mom when my Dad was dealing his lung/brain cancer. (I'm sure I've probably mentioned this to you before.)
Take care of yourselves and I know I'll be in touch with you!
- Greg
Hey Parks! Norman, I hear you are now walking with a cane! Hurray! We're still praying for healing, comfort, peace, and strength for the Parks family and I just wanted to let yall know that. Congratulations on your progress!
ReplyDeleteMonsie and Donnie Gillis