PARKER UPDATE -9-9-26
The last few days have brought some HUGE moments.
Following my debut as a Buckeye Fan and after wearing my new red shirt all day, doing a little OH-IO back and forth in the elevator with a gentleman, and imagining my family all together singing “Hang On Sloopy” in the living room someday soon, Saturday night, Parker stared at his hands and told his fingers, “Open. Open. Move.” Then they did! We looked at each other with jaws dropped and just laughed! One hand opened that night, and the other opened the next morning. He can close them now too—not all the way, but he is getting closer. By Sunday, he was able to pick up a small block and place it in a bowl. After praying so specifically for movement in his hands, it was one of the most incredible moments yet.
Then Monday, with the help of the ZeroG system and his therapist, Parker walked and took steps. Watching the video from Gary brought so much joy and grief at once. That is this journey—joy and heartbreak existing at the same time, sometimes in the very same moment. I am so grateful that God equips us to experience his peace, joy, and even laughter amidst trials like this that are truly painful. It helps!
Therapy can be incredibly emotional. When Parker was handed a foam football and asked to toss it into a basket, he said, “Remember when I used to throw this thing?” That one got me. But we asked to switch to a different ball and kept going. That is Parker. He keeps going.
He can also drive his power wheelchair independently now, which is probably safest for everyone since I’m apparently not a great wheelchair driver. Fear can be a great motivator, so he learned very quickly. Hahahaha! He does not intend to be in this for long though. Praying God’s will is exactly this.
We were blessed by visits from family and friends over the weekend and today as well, including former Buckeye, Tyson Gentry, and his beautiful family, whose kindness and encouragement meant so much to us.
We are incredibly grateful for all of our family and friends who continue to support us. We love you dearly.
We have a long road ahead, but we continue to see progress, hope, and God’s hand in all of it.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5–6
I have known that verse for so long, but I don’t think I truly understood it until now.
Please keep praying BIG prayers for Parker’s spinal cord to heal, for nerves to regenerate, for continued strength and movement, and for a FULL recovery. Please also pray especially for his wrists to begin working and for us to continue balancing this new normal with our family.
We believe, and we love and trust You, Lord.
Stateline Sports Network 