Posts Tagged ‘Matthew 19:14’

Do You Remember Some Days?

There are days we all remember very well over others. Wouldn't you agree? There are some that we would like to forget about and then some we wish we could always remember. We typically remember the worse ones more than the glorious ones. At least, that is how it feels at times. August 8th is one of the days remembered for Brisan and Parker's diagnosis of Niemann-Pick Type C. It set a different tone and path in life altering what many families think isn't even possible to happen to them. 11 years ago today, we received that horrible news of what laid ahead.

Brisan and Parker wearing hats

Reflecting back to 8/08/08, it was very surreal to be in that room to hear that Brisan has NPC. Then to hear that Parker is basically following in his footsteps. They were just bouncing around like typical 2 and almost 4 year old boys for the most part. Boom…..Here it was… been waiting since May 21st to finally get the news and we get a call this morning to come down early afternoon for what seemingly was out of the blue. Truthfully, it was a call that no one wanted to take place, frankly. The big unveiling of news yet there was nothing to celebrate. For myself, it was as a defining and pivotal moment but honestly you could say for the whole family as well. One that produced a resonating ripple effect that spread far and wide in both positive and negative ways.

It has been 5.5 years since Brisan has gained his eternal life and went home. 4.5 years for Parker. Even that seems so strange to contemplate upon. 5 years is a long time in reality because so much happens during that time in which we all can surely agree.

We love you guys! It was such an honor! You have so many cheerleaders that have never got to meet you but your legacy has lived on through so many people. You made a difference without ever knowing!

If you know of any families that are going through a crazy medical crisis of a relatable disease, I encourage you to ask how you can help in the most simplest of ways. Even at that, the families don't always know either. So don't be taken back if you are not taken up on the offer quickly. They are so deep into the trenches that they barely come up for air. Maybe a small gesture will leave a life long blessing you'll never know about. Be patient and give them grace during those moments.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Brisan’s Funeral Service & Eulogy

Brisan Duncan Parker 2013

Brisan + Duncan + Parker | November 2013

We have had a few requests for the video of the service and also a copy of the eulogy that I gave at Brisan's funeral. What is most important to note is I had an abundance of people lifting me and our family up that knew I was going to speak. The majority of our support and family/ friends did not know this. I asked the Lord to help me, to give me strength and courage, and to guide me to deliver a great message. More importantly… get through it!

So glad that I had the opportunity to do so BEFORE all the video's and songs; otherwise may not have been able to finish and plan c would have been in affect. I so badly do not want to take credit. I just wanted God to use me.

The “Moment”

Over the past 4-5 years, I've had a handful of times that this moment of inspiration and excitement played through my head. I spoke about this in January to someone and before that it was at PV Family Camp last May 2013 that I “felt” motivated. That “moment” was always centered around on a stage, in front of a crowd, but the message was fuzzy. Wasn't for sure what that meant other than the “outcome” of the message was meant to be inspiring and motivational. Another one of those moments of…I did not think this was the moment (Brisan's Funeral). When we were in the planning meeting with our pastor, he asked “do you have a good friend or someone that can do Brisan's eulogy?”. With all of us looking around, I finally spoke up and just shared that “vision” (dislike saying that word in this situation). With talking through it, it seemed that this was my mission at hand. Later that night I started to put the “pen to the pad” or in the 21st century terms… the “finger to the ipad”.

Funeral Service For Brisan

(around the 12 minute mark the service begins) (**Feb 2015 I had to update the video. I've updated the below. I had to remove the intro of the video)

Services were fantastic. There are soooooo many people to thank! Beautiful outcome, weather, and just about everything minus Brisan physically being here. With everything said, more than ever will myself and our family continue to need prayer and support. Sadly we have round 2 with Parker. I just hope his time isn't as quick.

 

 

 

 

 

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