Posts Tagged ‘Parker Stults’

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.

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.”

4 years today you took your last breath here but you went Home little buddy… Mr. Stinky… our very loved son, Mr. Parker! We went to bed this very night uttering the words “Did this really happen?”.

Every year we will commemorate you and Brisan. The same and similar words will be written and changed around some but ultimately they will have the same meaning… we are grieving and saddened that your life on earth was less than others. It is vey selfish of us to feel that way but I know you and Brisan are in a much better place that is promised to us (all of us). It is just hard to understand due to our earthly thinking.  We miss you.

I always wondered “What were you thinking?”. You both had this look in your eyes that were so “deep” with meaning… so intriguing. We just relished the moments accepting what they were but “what if” you could tell us more what you were thinking? How did you guys feel? What did you worry about? What were things you really liked when me and mom were guessing what you wanted?  What were your early dreams? What sports would you have played? What activities would you like to be apart of? The list really goes on and on….

No words or actions can ever be enough to relieve pain associated with the experience of losing you and Brisan. What a blessing to be able to be your parents… your dad.. .your earthly father.

Below is Parker getting “excited” at our old house. Such a ham-hock! Miss you guys!

I Love you. Words that mean more than all eight characters could ever convey.

youtube: {https://youtu.be/sNE4vKhwKFg}

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Happy 13th Birthday, Parker! Every year we get to learn a little more about ourselves and what emotions pass through when it comes to your birthday. So many memories and so many “what if's” continually run through our minds as to which what life would be like with you and Brisan here.

You are missed beyond what words can describe and we fall short of accurately describing how we really feel. You and Brisan were so joyful and full of awesome happiness. We saw it in your eyes, your laughs, and your hugs.

I remember that smile that was full of orneriness and care free attitude…. just like little kids should be when growing up.

I Love You.

Have a heck of a party today! 

3 years ago today Parker you were called Home to be with your big bro and partner in crime, Brisan. This is such an intense month with celebrating your birthday, your Homecoming, and then laying you to rest. It seems just like yesterday. 🙁

I remember back in 2009 when we went to Florida for our Make-a-Wish trip for Brisan and you…. you guys played on Daytona Beach! You enjoyed it so much with sand in your mouth and all over your face! Brisan decided to do the smart thing and fall asleep in the chair in the shade. 🙂 We just couldn't fathom how precious the memories would be during this time. We Love You!

You played with so much “joy” and your heart was so full.

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:2-4 NIV

The boys at the start of a bath in July 2010. Parker was being a stinker with “Heyyyyyy”, Duncan being cute as a button and Brisan doing his “thang” looking gangsta with the Palm Tree hanging out of his mouth. Parker was so full of “personality” as they all 3 were. It was such an honor to be their earthly parents! Miss you guys! There are no words to describe the void that this has put into our hearts & lives forever.

Mom & Dad miss you.

[ Youtube Video Link]

Parker Stults's Autopsy

Parker At Family Camp Memorial Day 2014

Well… seems to be a bit of deja vu, wouldn't you agree? We shouldn't have a feeling of “I've done this before”, meaning we are sharing news of the Autopsy of Parker or Brisan! Some may disagree in the first place of doing an autopsy with a child of a rare disease but it provides us peace of mind and insight into what was going on behind the scenes in their body. It also may help the Niemann-Pick disease community in the future.

It flat out sucks all the way around.  Read the rest of this entry »

It's been a long time coming but we choose NOT to put anything on our website until now regarding Brisan & Parker's memorial bench. For many it was their first time seeing the memorial bench (w/o Parker's name on it) at Parker's funeral. It was completed around the end of November as a surprise (we didn't except them to get it done so quickly.) but we choose to hold off publicly saying much due to an issue of “placement” at the cemetery.

While we were waiting on those arrangements to have it moved, Parker's time had arrived and I sent out a dire email asking for assistance from the memorial company (not of their fault on original placement). It was previously placed on Parker's grave and in the early morning hours of January 23rd, I knew it had to be moved because it seemed evident we were getting close to Parker's homecoming. The cemetery had insisted on the original placement that it did't go “where it currently resides” because it wasn't on the plot map except we did own the spot in it's final position. It sits facing east towards Parker & Brisan, just west of them by only maybe a foot. It is literally right there.

Story of Memorial Bench

Near impossible really. We wanted something that stood out and could be a staple piece to remember our precious boys.

You'll see 5 army men on the base of the seat. 2 on the left and 3 on the right “sneaking” up! Duncan had put 5 army men (1 for each of us) in Brisan's casket and we did the same for Parker.

Brisan loved his best friend “PETE” and Charlie Brown. Parker has his favorite “Chewy” wrist band and Handy Manny! These were a couple favorite things that they enjoyed dearly. Under Brisan's name is “Bubbas” and for Parker, “Stinky”. Each of their nicknames.

The picture in the middle is of Brisan and Parker taken August 2008. We were on the side lawn of our Grain Valley home at that time. We had just received the news of Brisan's diagnosis of Niemann-Pick Type C. We choose to leave the picture “as is”. Brisan is on the left and Parker on the right. We didn't feel it would be right to horizontally flip the picture around so they each were on their respective sides. Embed in the picture is each of their names by their feet so if you didn't know them… would know who is who.

Orange was Brisan's favorite color and green was Parker's. The majority of the design is hand etched.

Thank You to Johnson Granite Supply & YOU!

TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED, THIS IS ALL POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOUR KIND DONATIONS AFTER BRISAN PASSED MARCH OF 2014!

No QUESTION about it!

Tripp Johnson of Johnson Granite Supply was referred to us from Hank who helped guide us at the funeral home (Hank was amazing to say the least!). Tripp and his company made us feel warm and welcomed. They really invested time into us to not only extend their condolences but really wanted to deliver an awesome memorial bench. No words can really describe the generosity, time, and investment they made into us to help get this accomplished.

His staff including Kaylee & the artist planned out the design and carefully executed an awesome bench! It stands out like a million dollar car as you enter the cemetery. We would in a second trade it all in to have a few more days with them here on earth but… until we see you dudes again, we LOVE YOU!

We just wanted to say thank you for everyones help and generosity!!!!