Ringing the Bell

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The last treatment. We never thought this day would come. It has come and gone and Parker is moving on with his remission. This day was so very special for many reasons. It will be a day we all remember forever. It was a day filled with emotion and happy tears. We were so lucky to share this day with so many wonderful people. Whether you actually got to see Parker ring the bell, or you called, sent a card, or message, the day was celebrated by so many and we thank you all so much.

On our way into the clinic (we were running a bit late…as usual) he says, “Mommy, mommy look..as I am hurrying him along, look mom it’s a “callapitter” a fuzzy one mom.” He just reminded me to slow down and see what was important to him in his world, so we were just a bit more late.
Parker arrived at the clinic with big hugs from Dr. Meade and Ms. Jeanne. He was excited to see them. Welcome back Ms. Jeanne, we are so glad your grandbaby is doing so well. She took his vitals (all good), height (41”) and weight (40lbs) and then he made his way back to his favorite recliner (the one he always chooses to sit in and everyone saves for him). Big Bear was there as always waiting in his chair with a note to Parker saying, “Parker can I come home with you? I love you, love Big Bear XOXXOXO.” Dr. Meade read the sign to him and his eyes lit up so big. He was so excited. He has always asked if he could take Big Bear home so for this to actually happen, WOW, he was in heaven. Big Bear was guarding the recliner and a gigantic Spiderman quilt, puzzles and Spiderman school supplies.

(As I am typing this the boys are taking a bath and Logynn is trying to help me type, LOL. I just hollered into the boys and said, “Please soap up and WASH YOUR HAIR.” This felt so good to be able to say! Parker has some serious blonde hair coming back, I am so excited!! He responds back, “Ok mommy can you come make sure all the soap is out of mine hair?”)

He got his medicine with Mr. Don. It was so nice to see and visit with him. Ms. Sherri came in and visited too. We will continue to pray for both of them. Mr. Bob came too. He was rushing around. Ms. Lesta had just gotten out of knee surgery and he spent 10 minutes with her when she said you had better get over to Riverton (from Lander), I don’t want you to miss Parker’s party. We sure wish she could have been there too. We sure pray for her quick recovery. Thank you both for the goodies for the boys. They got Parker a bell for his bike with a little note attached that said, “Parker this is a bell for your bike, ring it loud for all the world to hear to let them know you are done with your medicine.” This was so thoughtful, what a neat idea. When I hear a bell now I think of Parker completing his treatments as well as all of the other people (Mr. Bob too) and it makes me so happy for and proud of all of them. I also say a prayer for everyone fighting cancer. Getting to this point inspired Neil to get our bell at home (he got me a centennial bell about 8 years ago) hung up. Now when we ring it the kids come running to the house, they know it is time to come in (it is so neat to see them respond to it so happy).
(Just like when I hear a windchime, I think of Ms. Roberta and I smile…well actually I laugh really hard too, but it just makes me feel good, there’s a story behind this, silly girl).

Ms. Roberta’s son Kellen sent his Spiderman phone with his mother to give to Parker. Thank you Kellen. Parker loves this phone (it says many different cute little Spidey quotes) and he has had several conversations on it (keeps it in his pocket all the time). Thanks guys!!

Parker met his best friend Emmi’s great grandpa. Mr. Bauer had some pizza with us too. Such a nice man.

Parker was pretty groggy after waking up from his treatment. He was sure surprised to see the waiting room so full of familiar faces. They were all here ready to see him ring the bell and this is just what he did. And then our family and friends were invited to ring the bell as well. There were a lot of happy tears shed. It is a journey that everyone has shared in and we realize that Parker has touched the hearts of many. He is an inspiration to many. To see our little boy suffer so much and come so far and never complain, there are no words. We are so proud of him and thankful to everyone, our family, friends, the community, and complete strangers for helping him and us through this battle called cancer.

We celebrated with pizza and chocolate milk. Dr. Meade made a toast to Parker and told him she will buy Parker a real drink in 17 years and cannot wait to see his children. This is so reassuring. She had a whole gallon of Park’s favorite drink waiting for him. (He got to take the rest home and he and Karsyn have been telling us all weekend, “We want to drink the chocolate milk from our Dr. Meade).

The pharmacy that makes Parker’s chemotherapy was there to celebrate as well. Thank you Mr. Lee, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Debbie, and Ms. Sloan. You have all been so wonderful to Parker. Thank you for the nice card and gift—he will sure have fun shopping!

Thank you all for everything.

Please continue to pray for Parker’s remission. Prayer is what has brought him this far.

We will take him back to Denver at the end of this month for all of the scans and tests and pray his precious little body will continue to be free from cancer. He may even get his port removed if all is well that same week. He told us he wants to keep his port. We’ll see what they say.

withlove,
neilandamy

--I really think that Big Bear is eating up all this attention:) He gets to sleep with the boys everynight.

p.s. : A big thank you to the clinic for considering Parker as your patient and taking him in and taking the best care of him!! Means the world to us!