Somethings never change. No matter which turn life takes, there is peace around those that love you unconditionally. They are the pillars of hearts, fortifying and supporting us. Without them, we are less; with them, we are more.
“It is not length of life, but depth of life that matters.“ ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Being a grandfather to two, father of three and a caring husband, Jim is surrounded by love. Family is everything to Jim. His sense of humour is a valued and important part of his family and he takes his duty to light up the room seriously. When his family or friends need a good ear and a soft heart, Jim is known for making time to listen. Years of life have made for sage and loving advice; his insights and wisdom have always been treasured. Jim is a teacher and an extremely hard worker. He is an amazing cook and has a knack for getting anything to grow. His loyalty is unwavering! Even when the Oilers don’t deserve his dedication, Jim reliably and dutifully backs his teams. He backs all of his teams. He backs his friends and he backs his family. No matter what. Jim is a man of devotion. He is loving, kind, and compassionate. He is attentive and intensely committed. He is a dependable source of happiness and reliably wonderful.
Earlier this year, Jim was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron disease, is a debilitating disease. The brain commands muscles to move by sending electronic signals down motor neurons. Slowly, Jim’s motor neurons are breaking down and are increasingly less responsive to the electronic commands of his brain. Paralysis is slowly settling in.
Since being diagnosed with ALS, there have been many changes. Jim is still Jim, but more than ever before he is a light for his family. Positivity radiates from Jim; he is truly a beacon of strength for his family, focusing on their needs before his. As the Parks settle into this new reality, Jim keeps his humour strong. His tireless courage and resilience are pillars of strength that ground the ferocious turbulence of today’s reality.
In Canada, roughly 3000 people are battling with ALS. Today there is no cure, but there is hope for tomorrow. To learn more about ALS and make a difference for tomorrow, visit https://www.alsab.ca/donate. The ALS Society of Alberta supplies patients with expensive medical devices and services. Every dollar is a step forward in changing how ALS is managed and maybe one day, we will find a cure. To make an immediate difference in Jim’s life, his family has started a GoFundMe page. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/help-support-jim-park?fbclid=IwAR3ndFbnXGLh3eazKHMPct3PhBGK1DEawJkejLA2mnfwcnm64l8UQuxx_M4 and send the Parks some love.
“I may not always be with you
But when we're far apart
Remember you will be with me
Right inside my heart”
― Marc Wambolt, Poems from the Heart