Good News from Steve Stornant

HERE IS STEVE'S RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST FOR GOOD NEWS:

"i have been driving a f!!!!!!! large truck around the greater detroit metro area delivering coffee for one week...have u driven in detroit lately....absolutely the worst...spend at least 1 hour a day in traffic jams...like in LA....the roads are attroshus....see at least 2 accidents per day...and want to flick the bird to unruly drivers at least once every hour...however 3 times i passed by bretts hospital..each time i spoke or texted amy...and then for at least an hour i would slow down and let cars merge in front of me...especialy the old folks..and i wouldnt give the finger or yell at drivers who cut me off....and then when i got home i watched the tv show overhaulin...the person getting overhauled was lance armstrong....then the net day i see him on the news..after i read brettios blog..this means something......unca steve"

...Keep the good news coming!

Sometimes you walk the dog... sometimes the dog walks you. I think we can all relate.

PBR

Truffle Crisp

I just sank my teeth into the new 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp, and my day became exponentially better. Has anyone tried it? Crispy nougat, layered with fluffy truffle, covered in decadent chocolate. Let me tell you, crispy nougat is a great invention. Go get a Truffle Crip now, and make your day better.
- Anna

P.S. (and forgive me, Aunt Claud, for the delay in this post). The other day, Claudia was encouraged by the radio to "let go, and let God." Claudia thought this was a perfect mantra for our days, and I concur.

Are you here for an inpatient visit?

Brett sent me this photo today with the caption: Question from karmanos check in desk, "are you here for an inpatient visit?" :) Brett, I'm glad your spirits are up. We love you and we'll see you soon. In other family news, Claudia is hoping to spend tomorrow afternoon at school. Pray for a good day. I bet her friends are excited to see her back (even if it's just a half day for now).

You are both an inspiration . Thoughts and prayers!

Relay for Life

Tomorrow is my Relay for Life at the track at Michigan State. I set my original fundraising goal to $100.00 and quickly had to change it to $1,000 because of all of the unexpected donations I received. Tonight, I surpassed my goal. I'm very excited about the whole thing and I'm honored to be a part of such a wonderful cause. Many people donated in support of Brett and in honor of Bonz. Mary Sue and Setas Produce have generously provided us with crates of fruit for our on-site fundraiser. Claudia, Robert, Bubba, and Anthony will all be sporting our team shirts during Relay. The theme this year is "celebrating more birthdays"... my mom and Anthony have already baked the cupcakes. The event is open to anyone who wants to come, whether you're walking the track, running the track, or even just hanging out for the cause (6pm-7am)... bring a friend! Thank you to everyone who donated to our team and I'll be posting pictures after the event.

We love you Brettio!!

5-6:30pm: Set Up

6:30pm: Opening Ceremony

7pm: Survivor Victory Lap

8pm: Relay Olympics

10pm: Luminaria Ceremony

12am: Thriller Dance

2am: Fight Back Ceremony

3am: Root Beer Tournament & Karaoke

6am: Aerobics

6:30am: Closing Ceremony

Matthew Devine

Thanks to Paul for this inspirational story about Greg Devine's son...

Click here!

Henry:

I am pleased to report that Paul made it through yesterday’s procedure without complication. His first words upon awakening were: "I'm alright". After getting a positive report from his doctor, Paul was released from the Lansing Surgery Center (approximately 2:30 p.m.). He walked to the truck with the assistance of a very nice nurse. After a light lunch, Paul retired to his home to rest for the remainder of the day. He was not able to operate heavy machinery or farm equipment until today. He wishes to thank those who forwarded messages of support. Also, Henry would like you to know that photos are available upon request!!

Paul's Procedure

A special thanks to Hank for this update:

Tomorrow, March 23, 2010, Paul will be undergoing an endoscopic examination of his colon and the distal part of his small bowel with a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through his anus – this is commonly referred to as a colonoscopy. The procedure will occur sometime after the hour of 1:00 p.m. Rest assured that he will be comfortable during the procedure as drugs will be used to induce a deep sleep. The procedure will take place at the Lansing Surgical Center on Lake Lansing Road. He is expected to be released tomorrow afternoon after a short stay in the recovery room. Visitors are welcome during and after the procedure. Arrangements have been made to get him to and from the procedure.

Today, Paul is fasting in preparation for the procedure. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers throughout the day today and tomorrow. Text messages can be forwarded to him on his phone or posted on the P.A.R.P. blog. Thank you.

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

Hope you enjoy this clip from Camporama '09.
At at the end of her presentation, Tía says, "We are always look forward."
Good advice, Tía.
She is full of it.

Inspiration

"Life isn't about surviving the storm. It's about how to dance in the rain."

From Aunt Claudia

A Simple Reminder- Ashleigh

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to write in my first post. Today gave me an answer. This morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, if you can believe that, and my day was going a little less than perfect. I stopped by my parents’ house on my way back to school to grab a few things and ended up having a short and sweet breakfast with my mom. I left there with a different mind set and feeling refreshed. I had once again lost site of what is important in the day. My mom set me straight, like she does, and sent me on my way. I smiled to myself and thanked God for FAMILY. We are so blessed to have each other for the good times and for the hard times too. Sometimes we just need a simple reminder of what’s important. So, for my first post, I’m going to share with you something that’s pretty special to me. When I'm having a rough day or need a few words of encouragement, I know I can find it in my family. This is part of a letter from Bonz:

“When I think of the sweetest thing ever, I think of the Big Man Himself, Jesus. God works in mysterious ways… lots of times down-right CRAZY ways… but it is in faith, hope, and love we can do ANYTHING! The greatness, beauty, and awe of God are things I couldn’t put into words… even if I was good old BILLY Shakespeare. As long as you keep those virtues, there’s nothing you can’t tackle! Especially with the ‘Big Man Upstairs’ on your side! YOU ARE LOVED more than you’ll ever know! Enjoy God’s time and put everything else in the back of your mind. This is YOUR time, and I know you’ll make it the best it will be!”

Music

Claudia Loto requested the song at the top of our playlist. It's called It Might Be Hope by Sara Groves. Claud has suggested it as a dedication to Brett and Claudia Lundberg.

Marysue suggested Dream Big, and Amy Jo requested The Riddle.

If YOU have a music request, let us know!

A Message from Amy Jo

This is amazing! I can't describe the overload of emotions I felt when I got the email about the revival of PARP... I read the email while waiting for Brett to finish with todays chemo.
Needless to say the Stornant tears started flowing... for so many reasons. Mainly because it made me remember what an inspiration Bonz is. I miss you Bonz
I hope to be a huge contributor to this "newsletter" blog. And thank you! Sometimes we all need a little PARP!!!
Love you guys
Amy Jo

The Beginning of the Beginning

Thanks to everyone who has already emailed us and given us cool things to add to the blog! It only makes sense that we begin with the beginning. Thanks Mike S.!!