All,
We just met a while ago with the hospice nurse and with Dr. O. Dad's condition has digressed throughout the day. He has a lot of fluid that is settling in his lungs and it is causing him to cough quite a bit and to be unsettled. They did an X-ray of dad's chest to see if he has pneumonia, and while we haven't heard of the results, they believe this to be the case. Even if that turns out to be the situation, it is likely that we won't treat it as this is part of those final stages. The Hospice nurse did let us know that based on the signs she's seeing, she doesn't believe it will be much longer. That's tough to write, but we know that it is ultimately what is best for dad. Naturally, I will keep you updated on the latest.
I do have one request of each of you. We've heard a lot from many of you during the past several months and it seems that everyone has at least one favorite "Norm Story." We've laughed at many of those, and shed a few tears over some others, but I don't want those stories to be forgotten. Would you write them down? I'd like to be able to hold on to those as a way for each of us, and especially my children, to have a good understanding of dad. I know that dad has touched many, many lives and I want to be able to carry those on into the future.
Thank you for your love and support. We continue to welcome visitors if you would like to come by.
Much love-- The Parks Family
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Jon,
ReplyDeleteKaren and I continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Your father is someone that I've always respected very much and will continue to hold on to those memories. He is and always will be considered a wonderful person. I am sorry for the current situation that you face but know that the Lord is with you and our prayer is that you and your family will be comforted and in peace. May God Bless!
Karen and Brian Johnson
Hi Edgebrook Neighbor:
ReplyDeleteFirst, we stop at this very moment and offer a prayer for all of you to have the peace and comfort that you so rightly deserve right now. As you know and have seen over these six months that only our God can provide this much needed comfort and peace for all of you.
Second, Norman for you we thank you for giving us another one of those special moments in time to help us learn how to deal with life and all that comes our way, both good and bad. We have so much to thank you for over these many years including your many times you have shown us how to lead as we should in giving to our family, work, and community. Because of you, we think of your leadership as we see the "Edgebrook" signage each time we come home. Because of you, we see the leadership in bringing a community together each summer at the pool especially its major renovations. Because of you, we see how to give to your community through major events such as the Civitan Carnival (always made sure we got much needed rain each year during the Carnival). We see top notch leadership in getting a brand new Civitan building that has added so much to Garner. Because of you, we live in a better Garner and the two of us are so grateful to you for all of it.
Third, Brenda to you, John and Cassie, we thank you for allowing us to make this six months trip with you by opening up your life to all of us who call ourselves friends. We have truly learned from your experience and should be able to better face our own difficulities when they come our way.
Fourth, we believe that it is possible to talk with our love one at times during which we think they may not be listening. The two of us encourage you to continue talking and sharing with Norman in ways you believe will make his day a better one. Also, we think it would be fine to read some of these many comments from all of his friends. This, we believe, will also help all of us hope and pray that he can now listen to our special messages meant for him and well as all of you.
Your neighbors around the corner,
The older Bruffeys
Hi Jon,
ReplyDeleteYes...I'm sure that it is tough to write about what the Hospice nurse told your family. That's making me think of my Dad during his final stages. It'll be best for your Dad as you stated even though it does hurt. I remember how scary it was for me to let go of my Dad. God will continue to see all of you through this.
As for a "Norm Story," I'm not sure if I exactly have one. But, I will say that in the Spring of 2005 (about seven months after my Dad died), I was at the Garner Civitan Carnival with my nephews and I saw your Dad and Mom there. It wasn't anything too special, but it was good to see them there as well as at other places such as Golden Corral. Your Dad always had a smile.
[I'm not sure if I've mentioned this to you or not, but my Mom told me that my Dad really did appreciate Norman Parks.]
As what the Bruffeys mentioned, still talk to your Dad during this time and tell him how much you appreciate him and much you love him...and that all of you will be alright.
Still thinking of all of you,
Greg
PS - My Mom told me she did call and speak with Cassie.
Brenda, Jon, and Cassie: I am so sad to hear that your Dad and husband is making his transition from this life into the next. I well remember when I lost my Daddy 8 years ago on the 19th of this month and I know how your hearts are breaking. My thoughts and prayers are there with all of you. Your Dad is a wonderful man and you have so many memories that will always carry on with you. I will always remember Norman for his smiles and friendly ways. God bless you all during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteLove, Martha Joyner
Not only will your children be blessed by those Norm stories, but you will treasure them as well. Praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a specific amusing story to tell, but rather a short synopsis of the memories I have of Norman. Upon moving to the Triangle in 1993, I had the pleasure of meeting Norman shortly thereafter through my association with ASPE and the engineering profession. The only somewhat amusing thing about that, as I look back on it now, is that Norman immediately recruited me to become an officer on the Raleigh-ASPE Board of Directors. You see, Norman is extremely passionate about ASPE and our engineering profession, as evidenced by the fact that he was successfully elected to the National ASPE Society Board of Directors. As a result of Norman's friendly persuasion, I ended up serving on the Raleigh-ASPE Board much longer than I anticipated. Having known Norman for the past 16 years, I know he holds the same passion for his family, his faith and the community in which he lives and works. Norman possesses a great heart, outstanding personality and friendly nature. Norman also exhibits genuine respect and sincere friendliness to everyone with whom he comes into contact.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone to know that I feel extremely fortunate to have made Norman's acquaintance. I will always cherish the memories that I have of our friendship and our professional association through the years. It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with Norman, and for the travels we experienced together through ASPE.
Norman- May God always be with you, comfort you, and keep you in His arms.
Brenda, Jon, and Cassie- May God also comfort you in this extremely difficult time. Please know that my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you, Norman, and your entire family.
Gary Spires