Garrett's Journey From Hospital to Home  Message Archive  Prayers  
  Donations may be made to:
Garrett Parker Benefit Fund
Ameriserve Financial
112 S. Chestnut St
Derry, PA 15627
Garrett Parker
502 Main Street
Latrobe, PA 15650
 
  All fund raising is unrelated to Latrobe Presbyterian Church  

   

Tuesday, March 23

In what may be the first time ever, the WPIAL has granted a waiver of its age rule to allow Garrett to possibly play football next season...The waivers are contingent upon Garrett meeting all other provisions of the eligibility rules and obtaining clearances from all of his treating physicians. - Latrobe Bulletin

Sunday, March 14

Another glorious week has passed and Garrett continues to improve. Since Garrett's recovery was so miraculous the first seven months, it seems a little slower now. Everyone tells us that it is because we see him every day we don't notice his improvement.

We are appealing to the WPIAL on Monday, March 15th, at 4:00 pm for Garrett to be on the football team next year. We don't even know if the doctors will allows him or if he'll be ready. But knowing Garrett─nothing surprises me these days! Being part of the football team could really benefit his recovery. Please remember to keep Garrett in prayer on Monday!

Thank you again for your continued support and prayers.

 
 
-- Love, Dottie Parker
Garrett's Mother
   


Sunday, March 7, 2004

Thank you Lord for continuing to bless the Parker Family. Garrett continues to improve daily. His speech therapy has been reduced to once a week. Those of you that have heard Garrett talk know that his volume is back. He still attends Physical Therapy (PT) 3 times a week. And to no one's surprise, his favorite part of PT is when Paul Imbrogno takes him outside to kick that football. Watching him kick puts a smile on my face every time.

This bump in our road has been very difficult for the entire family. The Lord has brought so many wonderful friends into our house. I'm not sure we have endured this journey without them or God.

Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support.

Sunday, February 29, 2004

Another week has passed and the Lord continues to bless our family. Jordan is maturing into a beautiful young woman. The difficult path we have traveled has given us more strength, faith and determination. Garrett has reached a major decision on his own. He has chosen not to graduate this year and to go to school a full year next year. The school is appealing to the WPIAL in order for Garrett to be able to play football next year. Garrett will be thrilled if he can play, but he realizes another year would be a benefit, football or not. I prayed for guidance and God to help Garrett make the right decision. I feel my prayers were answered. I'm at peace with Garrett's decision and Garrett seems more at peace. Thank you again for your support and prayers. I cannot imagine this journey without them.

Sunday, February 22, 2004

The Parker family has been so blessed as the Lord continues to walk with us. Garrett is improving every day. He has been to school, half days, for about a month. Garrett takes 4 classes, one IU class, two team taught classes and of course, chorus. Garrett is elated to be in school. By the way, that is one of his words.

Garrett continues with physical and speech therapy. Paul, his physical therapist, takes him outside to practice his field goals.

I am so proud of Garrett. His strength, drive, courage and faith keep him on the right path. We still have a long journey ahead of us. Thank you again for your prayers and support. We know they are being heard.- Love, Dottie Parker, Garrett's mother..

Sunday, January 4, 2004

The Parker family is on the road to a wonderful New Year. Garrett continues to give 150% at Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy. You guessed it! Garrett doesn't think he needs much help with speech. He is also being tutored and very anxious to get back to school.

Last week, Dave, one of Garrett's best friends, took him to the football practice field to kick field goals. I don't know what was more beautiful, the ball going through the uprights or the smile on Garrett's face. God is good.

We like to thank everyone for their prayers, gifts, and support. Please keep us in your prayers - Love, Dottie Parker, Garrett's mother..

Sunday, December 21, 2003 (part 1)

During this joyous Christmas season, we realize how much we have to be thankful for. Larry and I are blessed to have two beautiful children that each have their own gifts.

Garrett continues to improve daily. Paul, his physical therapist even has him kicking the football again. Talk about blessings! You should see the joy on his face. He also had his first tutoring session. His tutor was impressed with his thirst for knowledge.

As we continue to travel down the path God has given us; Larry, Garrett, Jordan and I still need your prayers. Thanks for your ongoing support.- Dottie.
 

Sunday, December 21, 2003 (part 2)

This past week the Latrobe Basketball team dedicated a game to Garrett. As Garrett entered the gym and was surrounded with warmth and love from all his friends, he began to glow. I thank the Lord for giving me the vision to see how he has touched our lives every day. - Dottie.
 

Sunday, December 14, 2003

What a joyous holiday season! Garrett was a greeter today at church. Visitors did not receive handshakes but hugs! What a beautiful sight!

Garrett continues with physical and speech therapy and strives for perfection. (Some things will never change.) Garrett will also start being tutored this week.

We cannot imagine enduring these past 4½ months without the Lord in our lives. Of course, Garrett always walked with God, but his company is fairly new to me. We still have a long journey so please continue to pray for us.

We thank all for their support and prayers. - Dottie

Sunday, November 30, 2003

Garrett is continuing to give 150% all the time. He has physical and speech therapy three times a week. Garrett is definitely a miracle in progress. Everyday that I watch him, I have more faith in the Lord. Please continue to pray for us as we still have a long road to travel. -- Love, Dottie

Monday, November 24, 2003

Garrett has been home a month! What a month it has been. Today Garrett was doing water therapy. It is helping him to find his balance for walking and standing. Dr. Garrett (yes that is her last name) his rehab physician is amazed at his progress. When Garrett first came to church his parents had to almost drag him to keep him moving. Now he drags them around. Dottie promises to keep this page updated.

Thursday, October 30, 2003

GARRETT WRITES!

Hello everyone- what is going on? What have you all been up to? I've missed everyone. it's wonderful to be alive. I got to go outside today. it was great. College is going to be great. I want to play football for Pitt because Penn State is 3 hours away and Pitt is only one. I love all of you and miss you very much. Amen - Garrett..

Email Garrett Here

Thursday, October 23, 2003

GARRETT  IS  HOME!

Garrett has a message! "I'm finally home". The family still needs your support. Church members! Sign up with the deacons for bringing meals to the family. If you have already signed up they will be contacting you.

The "write in" portions of this web site will be retired at the end of the month, the messages will remain. Further updates and messages may be posted as Garrett and his family decide. Thanks for all your support these last three months. 

Read the July through October's Log Here



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