Two Special Requests

Hello all. I've just returned a short while ago from spending the evening with mom and dad. Dad has been having some up and down days recently as he's struggling with some of the physical and cognitive issues, but overall, he was in good spirits tonight. He really perked up when I showed him a photo I took this past Saturday of the progress at Kidd Brewer Stadium-- the football stadium at Appalachian State-- as he told me that he intends to get strong enough to be able to go to a home game with me this fall. I told him that if he's feeling up to it, then I would gladly make it happen.

On the drive home tonight, I really felt convicted to ask for two things, so I'd like to share them with you in this post. As I drove along, I realized that many people are not aware that the person and the family members affected by cancer often feel quite lonely. It's not that no one cares for them (we certainly understand that!), but because you cannot get out and about, you often feel as though you've lost your connection to everyone. So, with that in mind, I have a special request of each of you. I would like to ask each of you to send Mom and Dad a quick note and a photo of yourself to let them both know that you are standing with them in this fight. I have visions of filling up their house with photos of the people who love and care for them along with brief encouraging notes so that they both will know that, while they may not be able to get out to see you, you are able to come into their house and stand with them during this fight. Would you mind doing that for Mom and Dad? It doesn't have to be elaborate-- just a simple snapshot photo of you and your family would greatly be appreciated. Here's there home address:

Norman & Brenda Parks
1412 Edgebrook Drive
Garner, NC 27529

Also, could I impose upon you to forward this to as many people that you may know? I've heard from several people who don't really know mom and dad that well, yet they've been touched in some way by their story and it is my hope that this is another way to spread that story.

The second request I have is mainly for those of you who live in the Garner (and surrounding) areas. It would really brighten mom and dad's days if you could arrange for a brief visit. The key is to simply call before going over and mom will let you know if it is a good time or not. They may not always be up to receiving visitors, but they will let you know of another time that may work if that's the case. I know it would bring a little sunshine for you to simply visit for a while and catch up.

I appreciate you indulging my requests. We appreciate your prayers and continued support. Dad does have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning with Dr. O. I'll write more tomorrow after that visit.

As always, many thanks to each of you!

Today's Focus

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.