One of my MOPS friends made the comment the other day “we don’t have a “job”, yet we are constantly busy.” That is so true. When we were in the hospital – that was my life – and nothing else. Now that I’m back in the real world I’m constantly running. I’ve been keeping so busy with Parker’s Pals. We’ve been creating our budget, making fundraising plans, preparing the office, looking over families applications, and so much more! It has been so exciting. I’m also back in the swing of things with MOPS. I’m working with my friend organizing a crop tomorrow night and our group is also trying to sell tickets for Antiquities (a group that comes in to take the children’s pictures).
Aaron keeps busy as well. Campaigners, club, hanging out with leaders, meetings, networking the list goes on. He has added managing a T-Ball team to his resume. Payton’s team of course. They have their first official practice Saturday. It was great watching Payton and daddy in the front yard practicing today.
Payton still loves school. I think the playground is her favorite part because that is usually the only thing she remembers when I pick her up. She can now sign the alphabet and signs her weekly bible verses. She is pretty good at naming the bones in the body too. She is taking tennis lessons once a week (6 week class) and then of course, starts T-Ball.
Paige is amazing. She is now waving bye bye – with both hand facing her; is working on blowing kisses; can sign “eat” and “more”; crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. Still not walking and still no teeth (I’m waiting any day for them though).
Parker is constantly on our minds. Looking at Paige is a daily reminder. Her actions are so similar to his. Payton asks if I miss him and enjoys finding his toys around the house. Aaron and I have our moments of reminiscing together. We even talked about bringing out the home videos to watch and cry together.
I found out that our little friend Danielle passed away last week. I spoke with her mom tonight and began to cry. Not necessarily for my loss – but knowing that she was on the beginning of the heart-wrenching path we’ve been walking. Please pray for their family and please pray that we can be a source of strength and support for them.
Continue your prayers for Parker’s Pals. Praise God for our generous supporters that we’ve had so far. The Matteson Family: You are simply amazing! Thank you! Praise for funds to come (monthly donors and one time gifts) so that we may reach more families! Don’t forget to check out parkerspals.org for more information!

Today is a big day. Today marks one year that we found out that Parker had leukemia. One year ago our lives were changed forever. Today also marks the day where we can change the lives of others – or at least help make their lives a little easier. Our family knows all to well what it is like to live the hospital and we want to reach out to assist others going where we have been. Today marks the LAUNCH OF PARKER’S PALS!!!! We got our name, we got our website – now it’s time to put things in action!

Melody, Margo and I went to Arnold Palmer to deliver the first of our Parker’s Pails. Obviously it was a bitter-sweet time going up to the hospital. We were greeted by many folks downstairs who remembered me and welcomed me back. They made comments that made it seem like they had no clue that Parker passed – and I didn’t comment. When we got upstairs I was first greeted with a hug from Dr. Gordon. It was very nice to see him – wish I would have mentally prepared myself for that. Mel commented on how everyone stopped working to visit with Paige and I – they did and it made us feel so special.

We met with Shalese (child life specialist) who helped us set everything up. We had brought food for the nurses (thank you Laura!) and of course the pails. Then it was time to meet the families.

My heart sunk when I first saw a little guy who reminder me of Parker. Blonde hair, binky in the mouth and about the same age. This is why we are doing this! Watching the other fellow’s big smiles as he pulled out the toys from the pail. This is why we are doing this! I had the chance to talk to 2 mom’s today. They were both so excited about our organization and what we could do for them…I hated to say that we could only adopt one. And these are only two of the many families that would fit into our program.

The question came to my mind – what would it take to adopt more than one family? Resources! Financial resources and physical resources. We need volunteers and money. I’m praying for both. I came home, checked my email and found out that someone has signed up to give $10 a month – thank you! Every bit helps. I also came home to find gifts and cards on my porch. Sarah, Birgit, Melody, Jo & Alex and Stacia – thank you – it meant the world to me knowing that I was coming home to an empty yes – yet I didn’t feel alone.

Thank you to everyone for standing by our side throughout this past year. As we’ve said, we have felt your prayers and your love and continue to feel them. We still need them, we need you.

Pray for the families that we met today, pray for those we didn’t. Pray for those that are able to take the steps of courage to donate financial or of their time. Pray for a good night sleep for me…not to worry about Parker’s Pals or the weather (we are in a tornado watch).

photos updated 2/12/08

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