On a personal note...

Nine out of ten of Richard Sr.'s grandkids.
The smiling, nicely dressed ones are nieces and nephews. The other three are ours.

We know that many of you pray for the Parks family personally and we have so appreciated your cards, notes, service and prayers during the last three weeks. On Saturday we honored Richard's father at a memorial service in Westlake Village near his home.

Richard and two of his dad's best friends offered eulogies and it was good to share the stories of ways we all were blessed by Richard Sr.'s life. We had a chance to meet a group of former co-workers who could not say enough about Richard Sr.'s skill, integrity and peaceful demeanor in the workplace. We also met his former yoga instructor, spinning instructor, hair stylist, masseuse and facialist. This was a caring crew who we wistfully realize won't be represented at our own funerals. Richard's stepmother Nancy is part of a women's club, and this group of ladies hosted a wonderful luncheon buffet, complete with flower arrangements from their own gardens. We are so glad for the frienship this group has provided, not just this weekend but steadily over the last three years.

It was especially encouraging to us to have our own friends and church family with us, whether they knew Richard Sr. or not. We were able to participate in the service and reception undistracted, thanks to others blowing bubbles and folding paper airplanes with the 10 energetic grandchildren. But most significantly, the weight of our grief was lightened by those came alongside us to share it. Thank you again for your prayers and words and presence.