Coming up at the end of the month is the Seattle Run of Hope at Seward Park in Seattle, WA. This will be the third year in a row we have participated in the run/walk. The money raised goes towards pediatric brain tumor research.
Back in 2010 when we participated in our first walk, Cash joined us as we walked in honor of him and other children battling brain tumors.
Last year was much more somber as we walked in memory of Cash. We will continue to walk every year they have an event and my goal is to have a strong team representing the "Cash of Hope" team as we continue to raise money for others that receive the terrible news that their child has a brain tumor.
I'm always overwhelmed and thankful in advance for those who choose to walk with us and/or donate - Until we are reunited with Cash in heaven, we'll continue to fight here on earth. The good news is we have the hope in Jesus that one day cancer will not be in play once God calls us to heaven!
Speaking of good news, below are a few pics of Aria Hope, born July 2, 2012. We're thankful to Him for another bundle of joy He's chosen to bless us with!
When Cash was diagnosed back in February 2010, Jack Jr. was 3 and a half years old. At 3 and half years old (or any age for that matter), the response to a sibling that is sick can obviously vary. We've seen kids whose sibling is sick and he/she will act out and try and pull some of the attention their way. Other children will go inwards and get quiet. What Jack did, however, was extraordinary. He became tender, compassionate, loving, funny, silly, kind, and basically just awesome. Just say AWESOME.
We spent months and months either in the hospital with Cash, at appointments, etc...Cash and I even moved to Houston for months without Jack before he joined us towards the latter part of our stay there. He spent the night at our siblings' houses, cousins, grandparents, and friends during Cash's treatment. Even through all of these adventures, he remained awesome. He was/is a gift from God. He encouraged Cash, made him laugh, and helped him however he could. He brought him books, milk, M&M's, Kleenex, 'barf bowl', etc. He was truly a blessing to our family and I know for a fact that Cash loved him, looked up to him, and appreciated what Jack did for him.
Wendi wrote down all the sweet things Jack said, and took note of all the ways in which he helped, and 'Jack's book of good ideas' was formed. Jack Jr. hopes that the book would help other siblings in their response to a sibling that is sick; to give them ideas of What to do when your brother (sibling) is sick.
I'm excited to announce that Jack Jr.'s first book, "What to do when your brother is sick." is published! We sought out a publisher for the book early on in the process, but if you've tried to publish a book you'll know how difficult it is...With a gentle push from Wendi's sister, Laura, we were able to self-publish with Lulu.com (it will be available on Amazon.com in March).
It was a tremendous effort to get to this point and it took many people to help - Wendi and Hana worked on the artwork, Isabella wrote the text you see in the book, Jodi worked on the photography, obviously Jack Jr. put the words to the book, and Laura readied the book for publishing and worked tirelessly the past few weeks to get it ready.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to families who have kids with cancer here in our community, Relay for Life, and the Seattle Run of Hope. Wendi will be giving copies of the book to Seattle Children's Hospital in the next few weeks with the hope that Jack's words will help other families. We'll also be ordering a bunch of copies to sell at Cheeks Jeans and Willemina's (availability mid-February).
We are thankful and excited to be able to have the book published - Cash's journey continues to leave a lasting impact on us and if other families can benefit from Jack Jr's journey with Cash I'm even that much more thankful...
We went to the cemetery this morning to visit Cash's grave - we brought flowers, Steph brought balloons, and Hana handed out M&M's (which was very sweet and probably at the moment when I started to cry). We didn't spend much time there but we did release all of the balloons and once they were out of sight we quietly got back into our cars and went home. It was a fitting tribute to the day...
Speaking of tributes...there have been multiple additions to the Cash of Hope tattoos in the past few months...below are the pictures and owners of the tattoos, starting from the newest (my mom's) to the original (my dad's)...
My mom's tattoo (done last week in Hawaii)
Jeremy's tattoo (done in Las Vegas)
My second tattoo
Karly's tattoo
Hana's tattoo (recently updated with dates)
My first tattoo (done in Houston, TX)
The original - My dad's (done in Houston, TX, May 2011)
Roger's drawn-on tattoo (done while driving from Seattle to Houston, TX, May 2011)
I'm certain I've missed one or two tattoos - email me the picture so I can update this listing...It's clear that Cash has left a lasting impact on our lives - for those with tats it's also a daily reminder of his life.
I view today, the one year anniversary of his homegoing, as one more year I'm closer to meeting him again...Thanks as always for your prayers and stay tuned for an exciting announcement that I'll blog within the next few days...:-)
As I would believe most of you know and remember, tomorrow (Jan. 28) is the one year anniversary of Cash's passing. I think back to my Zion days and we would not use the word 'funeral' to describe the event...instead we used 'homegoing'. So let me rephrase...tomorrow (Jan. 28) is the one year anniversary of Cash's homegoing. He's been with Jesus for a whole year and there are moments when we desperately wish he was still with us and others in which we're incredible thankful (and dare I say jealous) that Cash is in Heaven. He doesn't have to deal with the trials and tribulations we face and as a family, we're that much more excited to join him when the day comes.
Jack Jr. told me tonight, "Dad, I believe in Jesus and tell him over and over I can't wait to get to heaven but I don't think he's listening because I'm not there (with Cash)..." I reminded him that it's amazing that he believes in Jesus and when it's his time, God will call him and then he'll be able to hang out with Cash. I thought it was very sweet and even to this day, if you ask Jack what Cash is doing in heaven, he'll give you a response. Cash has done quite a bit, according to Jack, and we love hearing his stories...:-)
It will be two years ago on February 8 that Cash was diagnosed. Some days that feels like it was forever ago and others it feels like it was yesterday. That is also how the day he went home feels...at times we're able to compartmentalize the day so-to-speak and quickly move on when a wave of grief comes...other times we can see, hear, and feel that day like it was yesterday and it's not as easy to move on. Wendi and I have dealt with the grief much differently this past year - I cannot look at pictures and videos of Cash while Wendi uses those as reminders of his sweet little face and laugh.
With all of the emotions and coping mechanisms that we put in place, life continues to move forward. This past year Kingston turned 1, Jack is 5, we moved into a different home, and were pleasantly surprised to discover that Wendi is pregnant and due with our fourth child on July 1. I know I've blogged this in the past, but the phrase God works in mysterious ways is abundantly clear to us...over a decade without being able to have kids, then God blesses us with Jack, Cash, King, and baby #4. He takes Cash to be with Him but the blessings do not cease.
I was reminded today of the continued fragility of life when I found out someone else we knew passed away. My old boss at Zion (Bro. Doug) and I spoke today and he told me something that really struck a chord in my heart, he told me that he's been focused on the 'moments' that occur throughout the day, recognizing that we have many many opportunities each day to stop and recognize the moment and give thanks and be joyful for that moment. I immediately went home to my family and started to recognize these moments and find joy in them (even in the not-so-great moments).
We are thankful for God's grace this past year and He continues to give us the strength to move ahead, racing towards the prize, which doesn't exist here but is in Heaven. Wendi and I look forward to that day and in the meantime, we continue to remember and celebrate Cash's life, love our children and family, and walk in the path that God is leading us on with the goal to be together as a family once again in heaven.
Thank you for supporting us this past year with hugs, emails, texts, and words...
Many of you who frequent the blog would have noticed it's been down for at least the past month. My gmail account was hacked and Google disabled it, which subsequently disabled the blog. I did pull a backup of the blog back in March of 2011, however, it didn't contain any of the wonderful messages from everyone who commented during Cash's journey.
I facebooked a plea for help and many got back to me with contacts at Google and a co-worker in the Northeast put me in touch with someone at Google. The Google employee didn't work in the gmail department but I think he brought to light our situation and this morning I was checking emails on my phone, and I started getting emails again! Then as soon as I got to work I checked the blog and it was back - phew I can't tell you how thankful I am to Matt and my new friend Ovidiu (@ Google)...
I'll post later this week, Saturday marks the one year anniversary of when Cash physically left us to be with Jesus. There are many thoughts and emotions that both Wendi and I have and I'll share when time allows. We continue to be thankful to God for His blessings and appreciate your prayers!
Earlier this week we got a call from Gillie's and we were told Cash's headstone would be installed today. Quietly we waited for the last few days to by and today we hurried over to the cemetery after work. I immediately could see his picture when we pulled into the drive...It was a somber occasion, both Wendi and I were caught in a sea of memories while the two boys played quietly. Jeremy and his family stopped by as well. We're very thankful it has been completed and it will be a lasting, visual reminder of Cash and his beautiful face and on the back of the headstone is a picture of the three boys' hands. Below are the pictures...
The Seattle Run of Hope is a little over 4 weeks away (September 25). There are two additional teams this year with friends wh are also looking for a cure to pediatric brain tumors. Christopher's parents, Judy & Allen have a team as well as Rob & Bre Ann (Reese). Reese is currently at Children's and they will be starting the third round of chemo this week. God has protected little Reese and we saw them at church today and continue to pray each day for Reese's healing.
Ok back to the Seattle Run of Hope - currently there are 11 registered for the Cash of Hope team. If you are able to make a day of it, please register and join us at Seward Park in Seattle - you can register for Cash's team at http://www.firstgiving.com/process/teamarea/default.asp?did=0&teamid=143177.
This past Sunday at church we were introduced to a family (the Gilfillan's) that is beginning a season much like ours from year and a half ago. A little over two weeks ago, Rob & Bre Ann (mom & dad) discovered that their 10 month old daughter, Reese, was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma - a brain tumor similar to Cash's (PNET), with the exception being the location. Medulloblastomas are located just outside of the brain stem in the cerebellum. Upon discovery, they immediately operated and believe they were able to take all of it out (praise God!). She has to undergo 6 rounds of chemo to ensure that the cells are completely wiped out.
They moved to Seattle yesterday and will be living at the Ronald McDonald House until treatment is complete. Reese had her Hickman line put in yesterday and she had her first dosage of chemo today. Reese has the same doctors as Cash and for Wendi and I and hearing their story obviously brought back a lot of memories. Memories that were difficult, yet both of us felt incredibly blessed to have been able to spend time with Rob, Bre, Reese, and Jase (4 yr old) at church.
We can speak from experience when we say that they will need your prayers every day - if you live in Seattle and have the ability to bring dinners to the Ronald McDonald House or help in any way please send us an email (jwparriera@gmail.com) and I or Wendi will help coordinate.
Since hearing their story we haven't stopped praying and I would ask that as much as you prayed and supported Cash, please pray for Reese and the family. Our heart aches for them and our prayer is that God work a tremendous miracle in Reese's life. Thank you for your prayers!!!
The Relay for Life this past Friday/Saturday was amazing. The most difficult moments for Wendi and I were during the Survivor's lap and lighting the Luminaria bags. The survivor's lap wasn't sad per se, but it reminded us how many people have fought and are fighting cancer. Of course we missed Cash terribly but it was very touching to see so many luminaria bags for him. Here's a few pictures of the event (Thanks for taking them Jodi!!!). Thank you to everyone who was there participating! I hope to see you all there at the next event, the Seattle Children's Run of Hope, I'll post more about that event soon!
The Lynden Relay for Life is this Friday! We were asked this week if our band (which includes my dad, brother, cousins, and Karl) would play Friday night at the relay and we were honored to accept. So please plan on coming out, even if you have not registered yet! You can register as an individual walker by clicking here.
Walk with us to honor and celebrate the lives of everyone who has had (or has) cancer. Last year we were just returning from Houston after Cash completed proton therapy and missed this event so we're very excited to be a part of it this year. Here's a list of the activities (taken from their website):
Friday, June 17 - Saturday, June 18
5pm-9pm Dinner available at various venders
5pm-midnight Silent Auction Tent is open
6pm Opening Ceremonies
6:45pm Band
TBA Face Painting
7:00pm Kids Free Throw contest
7:30-9:30pm BINGO
8:00pm Mr. Relay For Life contest
10:00pm Luminaria Ceremony
1:00am Volleyball Tournament (teams of 4-6)
2:00am Pajama Dance Off
3:00am Board Games!!!
4:00am Music Trivia Game
6:00-8:00am Silent Auction Tent is open
6:00-11:00am Firefighters Breakfast (by donation)
8:00am Adult Free Throw Contest
9:00am Cupcake Walk
10:00am Musical Chairs
11:30am Closing Ceremonies
Thank you in advance if you are able to join us to raise money to continue the fight against cancer and celebrate and honor Cash and all those who are fighting or have fought. You can email me at jlcpgord@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thank you!!!
The 2011 Relay for Life in Lynden, WA, is around the corner! The Relay is June 17 and 18 and they've raised over $80,000 to date! We are walking this year on my company's team (Cargill) and are walking in honor of Cash, those who are currently battling cancer, and those who are with Cash in heaven. If you would like to sign up to walk and/or donate, you can visit my page by clicking here: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/acashofhope.
Also, mark your calendars for the 2011 Seattle Run of Hope. This fundraiser is to raise money for pediatric brain research and all of the money raised go to Seattle Children's Hospital to help them research and find cures for pediatric brain tumors. This year the event will be on Sunday, September 25, at Seward Park (same place as last year). Mike N set up the team again this year (Thanks Mike) - To JOIN please click here: http://www.firstgiving.com/process/teamarea/default.asp?did=0&teamid=143177. If you would like to DONATE you can click here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/acashofhope. Last year we raised over $5000 and had over 130 participants on our team. It was an amazing event and this year we are walking in memory of Cash.
Please join us to continue fighting - while not a minute goes by that Wendi and I don't think about Cash, we know that Cash was given to us for a short time to change our lives and we will never forget that and continue to fight for a cure. Thank you in advance for your help!!!
My cousin, Jodi (a Snapsister), recently entered a picture on Pioneer Woman of Jack, Cash, & Kingston. Due to the fact that I have such a difficult time looking at pictures of Cash, I had not posted the picture on the blog. I still struggle to look at it without getting very teary-eyed, however, the comments generated on Pioneer Woman on the picture were extraordinary and brought Wendi and I great joy and sadness. The picture is beautiful and says more than I could ever write...Thank you Jodi for taking it and we will cherish it forever...
Good morning everyone! It's been a long time since the last post and I wanted to provide an update on events that are coming up this summer that we're participating in to continue the fight against cancer. First, an update:
It's still hard to believe it's been almost 3 months since our precious Cash began his eternal journey in heaven. Time keeps moving on and we continue to miss him tremendously and not a day goes by where we don't thank God for continuing to carry us through the next season. Jack Jr. prays for Cash each night and thanks God that he's in heaven playing, but last week he said something that really struck Wendi and I. We were coming back from church when he said, "Mom, it's been a long time since I've seen Cash and miss him." It's almost like he knows where Cash is but doesn't realize that it's permanent - when he asks when he will see Cash again we always say, "When it's your turn to go to heaven."
We are continuing the fight against cancer by participating in two upcoming events. Our hope is that you will continue to join us in the fight. The first event is the 2011 Relay for Life in Lynden. Last year's relay was ocurring just as we were returning from Cash's proton treatment in Houston. Here are pics from last year:
You can support the 2011 Relay for Life by donating or signing up by clicking here - http://main.acsevents.org/goto/. The luminaria bags we are making this year are for Cash, Alyce Yonkman, and Christopher Hartley. acashofhope
I will blog more about the next event in a few weeks, but we are once again participating in the Seattle Run of Hope to raise money for pediatric brain research. Last year we had over 130 people walk with us in our fight and this year I'm hoping to have at least that many join us in honor of Cash.
Thank you for continuing to check up on the blog and we are thankful for your prayers, cards, and ongoing support. May you have a blessed Easter weekend!
I finally was able to load the slide show from Cash's memorial service up to youtube.com. I'm sorry it took so long, the file is very large and without a solid internet connection it proved to be a challenge. Anyhow, if you were unable to attend Cash's service, the slideshow is below (and available in HD on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x0R6jnIU3E)
I still have difficulty watching it, however, I listen to the music from the slideshow almost every day. The music was taken from Johnny Cash's 'My Mother's Hymnbook', which was released in 2004. The music was recorded when Johnny was late in his years and has a beautiful, somber tone, that draws me closer to God and at the same time reminds me of our son, who was named after Johnny Cash. I think back to the service and probably could have watched it and listened to the music two or three more times.
Please forward this to anyone who wasn't at the service that may want to watch it - Cash was a beautiful little boy and we continue to be thankful he's with Jesus and cancer-free.
Last week "Uncle Frank" called me and asked if we'd like 11 baby chicks that were just born (with their mama, it was a package deal) - we had been talking about it for a few weeks and I learned at work that it's chick season so it was perfect. We built a coop and he brought over the babies, their mama, and two other hens. Jack has been busy checking on them every day and soon he'll learn how to feed and care for them. In addition, once we finish the larger coop, he'll be responsible for collecting eggs every day. He actually can't wait to collect the first egg and said he is ready to eat it!
Jodi came over this weekend and she took pictures of him with one of the babies...the pictures were great and I thought it appropriate to post a few...
We think often of Cash and it's difficult sometimes because Kingston looks so much like him - but God continues to give us grace and peace and Jack Jr speaks of Cash just like he is: Alive and in Heaven! It's a tremendous blessing to know Cash is in heaven and he could very well be feeding baby chicks there - it is, of course, chick season...:-)
Thank you for your continued prayers - every day we receive cards in the mail and there are amazing words of encouragement that help us just at the right moment.
It's been quite a while since I've blogged - there is such a large gap in our family without Cash that some days it still doesn't seem real. We learned quickly after Cash was diagnosed to take it one day at a time and that still holds very true. We are often asked how we are doing and my answer is always the same, God is continuing to keep us close to Him and give us the strength we need.
The past few months have brought so many changes - moving, new job, Cash's homegoing - there is a lot to adjust to. That being said, we are thankful to God for taking Cash's diagnosis to bring us up to Lynden, the love and support we feel has been amazing. Cash changed our lives in a big way...:-)
Wendi pulled out her camera this past weekend and took a few pictures of the boys - it's the first 'photoshoot' without Cash and it's fitting that Jack Jr is so serious. Cash loved it when I played the guitar and I hope that Jack will pick up Cash's love of the guitar. I think if he could play he'd play a great blues song...
We continue to receive cards, letters, and uplifting comments - Wendi and I are thankful for texts that I get nearly every day - just short check-ins to see how we are doing and scripture to remind us that God loves us. God does love us and while we miss Cash we know he's cancer-free and in the arms of Jesus and that is a beautiful and wonderful gift.
It was one year ago today that Wendi and I drove Cash to Children's for the first time. I re-read the original post from that week (http://acashofhope.blogspot.com/2010/02/journey-of-hope-begins.html) and it brought back a flood of memories. It is still do surreal that Cash is no longer with us - I distinctly remember being happy as we drove to Children's to get a prescription for physical therapy to fix his crooked neck (or so we thought). When we look back on the past year, it's almost impossible to take it all in and absorb everything that Cash went through. I have a feeling it will take many more months to fully realize how significant the past year was in helping shape and deepen our faith, trust, and love for God.
I Facebooked on January 11 (after the MRI) that, "...Cash would tell us not to be sad, but to rejoice and be thankful." We miss Cash more than anything I could have imagined, but we don't miss cancer. Since we were unable to separate Cash and Cancer, we rejoice that he's in heaven and free from cancer. It's difficult to put into words and attach the appropriate emotion to the last sentence but we are thankful he is free from cancer and know we'll be reuinited again.
Jack Jr. asks when he'll get to see Cash again and we tell him, "When it's your turn God will call you to heaven." He can't wait for his turn...:-)
Thank you all again for your cards, support, and prayers - each day I go pick up the mail and there's 25 more sympathy cards - I have to think we've received well over 500 cards the past two weeks. Each card carries a unique message of encouragement and we are very thankful for the love and support you've shown us this past year.
The service on Thursday was a wonderful tribute to Cash. It celebrated his life and at the same time pointed everything in the direction of our Father. In our drive from the cemetery to the church, we both commented that we felt a tremendous peace. I wasn't sure what I would feel after leaving the cemetery and was very thankful to God that we felt His peace. We received so many cards, flowers, hugs, and words of encouragement it was amazing. We are very blessed to have such a great family and network of friends.
Even though we have peace, there is a large hole in our family with Cash not being here. We miss him constantly and everything in our house reminds us of his beautiful life. We ask Jack Jr. every morning what Cash is doing today in heaven and the responses have made us laugh and cry. The past few days, according to Jack Jr., Cash has been salmon fishing, crabbing, shrimping, and surfing (he's been very busy).
As the days and weeks go by I will continue to blog - God continues to teach us so much about His purpose for our lives. We continue to be thankful for your prayers - God is good and He received the glory on Thursday and we will continue to thank Him and give Him the praise, even though this has been a challenging season. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you for your prayers and beautiful comments the past few days. They have been very encouraging and uplifting. We have confirmed the date and time of the service for Cash so I wanted to pass that along.
Memorial Service for Cash van Jameson Parriera
Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Cornwall Church
(4518 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA 98226)
