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UPDATE FROM RUSS: Days 119/120/121 - Lynnette's Passing - The Final Journey - Days 15/16/17 Friends, a few days have passed since my last update. Corey and I h...ave been away from our computers, sans our smart phones, to focus on what these past few days have brought us in our journey with Lynnette and a greater understanding for corey, and to a degree even for me, of the wonderful person Lynnette was before she became a wife and a mother. We spent some quality time with Lynnette's sister and niece, Kat and Sierra in Santa Barbara. Huge thanks to both of them for allowing us to share our time and their home. While we did very little, I feel we accomplished so much. Everything Corey has experienced, as well as what I have experienced will be shared again with Ryan. We departed Santa Barbara yesterday, and instead of driving straight through to Fresno as we had so many times over the 20 years we lived there, we took a detour to Morro Bay to visit Lynnette's baby cousin, David Hergenroeder and his awesome spitfire of a wife, Lisa, and our two little second cousins, Kaleigh and Blake. While we missed the opportunity to meet two additional second cousins, David's children, Dylan and Danika, David and Lisa updated us and shared their photos with us. I shared with David that my hope is that Lynnette's passing will pull the entire family closer together. I want to meet Lynnette's (mine too!) other cousins and have them know their 3rd cousins, Corey and Ryan. Wow! That can get confusing :) We had an awesome time last night getting to know the family and David was able to share sooooo much with Corey I thought his head was going to explode. You should have seen them, they were totally engaged in conversation. We were up until at least 3am! Corey and I went down to the beach to walk along the water and reminisce the times we would come to the ocean as a family ... For me, it opened up a whole load of memories of mine and Lynnette's life in Myrtle beach, SC ... Memories that I will touch on in my next update. Corey is ready to hit the road ... It's Paso Robles 1st ... Then HOME !!! Fresno/Clovis, California !!

UPDATE FROM RUSS: DAY 118 - Lynnette's Passing - The Final Journey Day 14 Friends, once again, I have not learned my lesson. Hours ago I was attempting an up...date on facebook and YES! It froze up like a Popsicle, once again. Zuckerberg, dude, really? Would you please fix this it’s really getting annoying having to brain dump twice on the same subject matter. You’d figure somewhere among the massive $14B+ bank account you have you can afford to write the code necessary, or pay someone to write the code to prevent FB from freezing up or better yet, DRAFT Status’ or CheckIn’s to prevent any loss of data. Mark Zuckerberg, are you listening? So this update will be brief as Corey and I did not have far to travel to our next location. Following a wonderful lunch with Mom / Grandma & Ray at a French Bistro in Montecito, we jumped in the car and ran up the road to Santa Barbara to stay a few days with Lynnette’s 1st (my) Sister, Kat, and Niece, Sierra. Sierra is Lynnette’s God daughter, as well. I learned today that Kat wasn’t anticipating that we would come by for a visit let alone want to stay a few days. Lynnette would never forgive me if I bypassed Kat and Sierra in her final journey home. We had a very special dinner last night that we dedicated to Lynnette and her memory which included Steak, Corn on the Cobb, Asparagus, all BBQ’d and Potatos. We toasted Lynnette with a 2009 glass of Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, which went exceptionally well with the steaks. On our arrival, kat asked me to bring in Lynnette’s Urn so that she could pay homage to her throughout our visit. We’re likely to be here through Tuesday as Lynnette, Kat, Corey & Sierra shared a very special bond and the time together will do all of them, and the down time off the road, will do me some good. Tuesday, we will head out towards Fresno with a detour to Morro Bay which may or may not result in a stay over. My desire is to arrive in Fresno late Wednesday or early Thursday. We’ll likely go through Paso Robles, which is one of the wine regions very special to Lynnette and I. I’d like to stop in to three wineries that were our favorites in the region, i.e., Tobin James, EOS & J. Lohr. Lynnette and I, with so many friends and family often enjoyed visiting the Paso Robles region on a wine tasting run. Ernie & Ginny Hergenroeder, Steve & Julie Hergenroeder, Richard & Gail Lansidale and the Wine Tasting Gang and Brett Engleman of Englemann cellars. Paso Robles has many memories for us, as did Napa Valley or ‘The Napa Valley’ if you’re coming from the eastern states. Which takes me to my next story about how much I loved to spoil and surprise Lynnette. One day, my Brother, Steve Hergenroeder (Lynnette’s brother) called me and asked if I would like to join him and Dad (Hergie) for a joint anniversary celebration in JUNE 2008. Though ours and Dad’s wasn’t until SEPTEMBER, he thought it would be fun to celebrate together. He was right. So we packed up the cars and we all met each other at our hotel in Napa Valley where we spent the weekend wine tasting and then we rode the wine trail rail. What Lynnette did not know was this was ONLY stage one of our anniversary celebration. All weekend, I pretended to be working on my laptop when the others were resting. When all the while I was planning and booking stage two. We all left at the end of the weekend and went our separate ways which confused lynnette. I told her I was taking the scenic route home to Fresno, via the Bay Area, which is where we both grew up (San Jose, CA). As we were nearing san jose, she turned to me and said, ‘Russ, I really don’t feel like neighborhood reminiscing. Can we just go home? ‘ I said, ‘we are but I wanted to take you to one other place before we do I think you’ll like it.’ She kept on probing me for the answer of, where are you taking me? but my Air Force Top Secret Security Clearance training just wouldn’t cave. As we past san jose, then gilroy heading further south on Highway 101, she really began to get confused I kept heading south and then turned on the highway to take us to the coast. Suddenly she said, ‘Wait, I know where you’re taking me!’ We’re going to where we honeymooned, huh?’ I shrugged my shoulders, smiled and said, ‘maybe’ with a smirk which was often a dead giveaway. We arrived on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, CA and she said, I knew it. Maybe so, but what she didn’t know was all that was coming up and I’m not just taking about the drive to Carmel. I parked the car and walked her up to the Pine Inn hotel lobby. She said, ‘wait, this is the same hotel we stayed at 25 years ago, huh? I said, Yes it Is, happy anniversary! She said, but we already celebrated with Dad, mom, steve and julie. And I said, yes, but that was only stage 1. I checked us in and the clerk smiled at me and gave me the thumbs up that the room was all ready and waiting for her. I told her I’d love to carry her across the threshold again as we did 25 years ago, and she quickly stopped me and said, honey we’re not that age anymore, don’t worry about it! Whew! Back saved! And she laughed and knew it. As I turned the key on the lock I let her walk in first and she immediately turned and hugged me tight when she saw rose petals and candles on the bed then she looked at the coffee table and saw a huge basket with fruit, crackers, caviar, pate, a variety of cheeses and champaign. This was the Honeymoon Suite that we could not afford when we honeymooned. Lynnette began to cry and kiss me all over. I said, honey, go get powdered, we have dinner in an hour. She smiled and said, now what do you have up your sleeve. I said, nothing, I’m hungry aren’t you? Let’s go find a restaurant. I had already arranged for the clerk at the hotel to make a special 25th anniversary reservation for me at a local romantic restaurant with an outdoor area featuring a very old tree in the center. We had dinner, but Lynnette noticed that I was doing very little ordering, that everything was just coming to us as glasses and plates were emptied. Then, out of nowhere, the staff appeared singing happy anniversary to Lynnette. And delivered a special anniversary dessert. The chef and Wine Master visited our table to congratulate Lynnette for putting up with me for 25 years and remind me how lucky I was. I agreed. We went back to the Hotel and just as Lynnette was taking off her coat, I said, don’t get too comfy, I want to take a walk on the beach. She said, OK, this time you get your walk on the beach. A little side story, on our original Honeymoon, Lynnette did not want to go out on the beach at night because she was very timid and scared, so I went without her. Not the smartest thing to do on your honeymoon, leaving your bride in a room all by herself. Needless to say, she was not up waiting for me to return. NOT A GREAT START! Lynnette put her coat back on and we headed out the door. As I walked to the car, she said, honey the beach is just down there, we can walk. Not the one I wanted to walk on I said, but that beach is too small. I have to drive us to the nicer beach. And she fell for it. Once I got to the Beach Access stairway, I parked and we headed down the stairs. I looked down, saw an attendant, waved as I was looking to make sure Lynnette was not looking in my direction. Once we got to the beach, Lynnette began to walk straight toward the ocean. I stopped her and said, Hey, check that out. There’s fires on the beach. I had no idea you could do that here. So I began walking towards a fire pit that had no one in sight and Lynnette began to get worried and said, "Russ, what are you doing? That’s someone’s fire you’re gonna get in trouble." I said, "I just want to check it out." So as I got closer I said, Hey Nette check this out and I pointed to a I HEART U in the sand with Rose Petals. Then I sat on the blanket and said, "hey check this out there’s a box." Lynnette started to really freak out and said, russ, put that back, we need to get out of here and I pulled out a rose and handed it to her. She said, I’m not taking that. I then said, I really wish you would, because this is for you, all of this the fire, blanket, sparkling cider, smores and yes the Rose. Happy Anniversary, Babe! Oh boy, here come the waterworks, hugs and kisses. Then she punched me in the arm. That was a great night. Friends, Thanks for allowing me to share these special moments of our lives together, for your prayers and thoughts as we continue to heal with friends and family on Lynnette’s Final Journey. More coming soon Please share this on your page or a friends page if you feel it may inspire or help them in any way.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: DAYS 109/110 - Lynnette's Passing - The Final Journey - Days 5/6 Friends, this stop in Valdosta, GA has been very therapeutic for Corey & I in... our healing. The Driskell family, our USAF Family from my service to country while Lynnette and I were stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England, UK from APR 1983-APR 1987, has been a Godsend to share stories of Lynnette with Corey, that I was not privy to, because of their relationship as close friends/sisters. I've also been messaged privately that many following us on "Lynnette's Final Journey" have been inspired or have had their own questions answered regarding relationship with family, friend or God. My own family, while they are anxious to see us and have their own closure, they are being very understanding and patient with our journey and our need for healing after enduring a 97-day hospital battle with Lynnette. This past day has been more of one of decompression and preparation for the long trip to follow. Our next stop will be in Florida ... but I cannot say exactly where just yet as Corey will know as soon as this posts and i wish to maintain the 'surprise' factor. One more update on Ryan before closing out this post. I received word that Ryan is doing much better ... and misses everyone dearly. An adjustment on how to forward a postcard or letter to Ryan, mine and Lynnette's eldest Son, currently in Basic Training, just four days following his Mother's passing. He is a strong young man, and wants nothing more than to make his mother and his family proud. I can only imagine how much more difficult his Basic Training experience is as he continues with the grieving of the loss of his mother. If you know Ryan, personally, or feel so compelled, please write him a note of encouragement during what is liley to be one of the most, if not the most, challenging periods in his life. AB Parsley, Ryan A 323 TRS/FLT B489(Dorm A6) 1320 Truemper St. Unit 369560 Lackland, AFB, TX 78236-6408 (Please Do not send packages) My hope is that as he begins to receive our cards and letters of HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT, he will know that his Mother and God are watching our for him and are with him every step of the way. Special thanks to randy & Linda Driskell for putting us up for three days and allowing us to include them in our healing process. You will always be 'family'. Lynnette loved you as her sister and brother and your daughters as the daughters I wish I could have given her. Here we go Corey ... the NEXT LEG of our Journey with Mom!

SPECIAL NOTE & REQUEST: Friends, I'm sorry to Post more than once in a day, however, I just received word on how to forward a postcard or letter to Ryan, mine ...and Lynnette's eldest Son, currently in Basic Training, just four days following his Mother's passing. He is a strong young man, and wants nothing more than to make his mother and his family proud. I can only imagine how much more difficult his Basic Training experience is as he continues with the grieving of the loss of his mother. If you know Ryan, personally, or feel so compelled, please write him a note of encouragement during what is liley to be one of the most, if not the most, challenging periods in his life. A1C Parsley Ryan A 323 TRS/FLT B489(Dorm A6) 1320 Truemper St. Unit 369560 Lackland, AFB, TX 78236-6408 (Please Do not send packages) My hope is that as he begins to receive our cards and letters of HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT, he will know that his Mother and God are watching our for him and are with him every step of the way. I have proposed to his trainers that his Brother, Corey, and I stop in with his Mother's Urn on our way to California, to allow him the opportunity to momentarily grieve with his Father and Brother, as he was unable to prior to his departure, and to be reassured that all services will be delayed for his Basic Training completion and return to the Central Valley, which will be approximately JUL 28, 2012.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: DAY 106 - Lynnette's Passing - The Final Journey - Day 2 Friends, we are now in a town called La Fayette, GA. The first of many eventful stop...s/layovers that I have strategically planned as a part of Lynnette Final Journey home to Fresno/Clovis and an opportunity for Corey to learn much more about his mother than he ever knew. Most of what he will experience and learn will be delivered by voices from our pre Fresno and Air Force lives dating back to the years 1983 - 1990. We left Novi, MI at approximately 1:45pm, for the last time. Caravanned over to Stan and Dee's place to drop off 'Bonnie' for shipping next week and to say our farewell's. Sadly they were out. Probably just as well as corey and I already cried once earlier as we placed Lynnette's remains safely in the cab of her car in preparation for our final drive home. We left the car and keys in good hands ... And off we went. 275 was backed up on the Ramp so not a good start there so we continued on 96/14 towards Ann Harbor to catch the 75 south. At 3:05pm corey VLOG'd (that's video logged for us old folk:). We crossed into Ohio. Not long after words I felt an odd vibration to the rear of my side ... And all of a sudden I see a tire fly by me rolled I pull off the road. GEICO came to the rescue, called Wal-Mart, verified tire size availability and called for a tow truck to pick us up and drop us off to replace the tire and determined the other should be replaced. The remainder of the trip to our 1st stop was uneventful ... We crossed over into Kentucky, then tennessee and on into Georgia. We arrived at 7:30am with Andy Kemp awaiting us to drive up. We slept until 12:30pm with Susan, Andy and Andrea Kemp returning from Church. We've had a wonderful visit and reminisced some of the stories of Lynnette for Corey to learn the things of his mother he's never known. Time to hit the road to stop #2 !!!

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Day 105 Lynnette’s Passing - The Final Journey Day 1 Friends, Well, we did it! We accomplished what I really thought was going to be next... rto impossible ... get packed and on the road by Saturday. It is now 12:05pm and we are checking out and on the road as of 1pm today. Oh, checking out probably has you confused ... of our Hotel Room. We never had the opportunity to settle in here in the Detroit Metro region. We were in an extended lease in Tucson so we had to honor that commitment, so on my arrival in August, I checked into an extended stay, for cost consideration purposes and negotiated a very fair 'super' extended rate. At no time would I ever have imagined that my stay would result in nearly a 10 month stay and the loss of my 'very' best friend. Looking back, i would have done things much differently. Now it's time to move forward as Lynnette would want for Corey and I and the rest of the family. But first, we must begin ‘Lynnette’s Final Journey’ across the United States to return her to the Home she’s known for the longest, FRESNO/CLOVIS and the family that is so desperately and patiently awaiting her return. Last night’s discovery of one of the last notes written by Nette’ opened my eyes and mind as to how really strong her faith was, not that I doubted it, but as she passed my immediate thought, what, Please Lord Receive Lynnette into your Kingdom., and continue to pay that He did just that. So we are running out the door in under an hour and I will be stopping in at some significant locations that will allow Corey to learn more about his mother and Family than ever before, in addition to a few other ‘yet to be disclosed surprises’. We are going to take it slow as we are carrying precious CARGO and want nothing to interrupt our safe arrival to our final destination. Two stops prior to hitting the highway a close couple friend that has been a Rock for Corey & I through the entire 105 days to date and even before this all began. Stan & Dee thank you for so much for sharing your lives with us, before, during Lynnette’s illness Lynnette loved you dearly. Thank you for your continued support. Mark & Susan To you as well. You both have been very supportive. I’m proud to call you my friends and so glad we have had the time together that we have. The final stop will be to drop of our vehicle that is being shipped out by truck early next week and in which we will meet up with in California or will receive in FRESNO/CLOVIS, depending on theirs and our schedule. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Please pray for clear danger free, roads and a very memorable ‘Final Journey’ with Lynnette.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Day 104 Lynnette’s Passing - Arrangements Day 6 Friends, I’ve finally found a moment to ‘Breathe’ to do a digital brain dump and to reflect... on all that has been accomplished in the past 24-48 hours. As I sit here writing this update, I look around a very small space with mounds of ‘stuff’ that somehow we managed to get here from Tucson on the original drive. The only difference, while I may be organized, I’m missing my organizers ‘voice of reason’, Lynnette. Yesterday, following my update, I Corey and I ran out to the ‘Secretary of State’ or DMV to obtain 30-Day temporary registrations for both vehicles so that I don’t run into any legal infraction while on the road to California. While I was dreading what under all past experiences was sure to be a complicated mess. However, a little prayer goes a long way. As soon as my # was called, I handed over expired Arizona Registration cards (Both expired while Lynnette was in hospital), my ID and my update Insurance cards showing Michigan. The clerk looked at me and asked what I wanted to accomplish today. I stated the need for a 30-Day registration to be legal crossing the states to return to California. She asked if I was to return. I said, no. She said, sir these are expired. I said yes they are, and briefly shared the last 103 days in a matter of seconds. I saw her face go from, here comes another ‘dog ate my renewal notice’ to real concern and compassion once I told her we’re picking up Lynnette’s remains and setting out on Saturday to take her home for her Memorial and Military Internment. Following my statement, the clerk had me out of her line within 10-15 minutes, two vehicle registrations without penalties and only $60.00 out of pocket. God is Great and compassion is still alive. As I returned to the car, I noticed a Michigander reading Nette’s license plate and said aloud, MAP ANDA. Hmmm? I said, actually it’s MA PANDA, but we had no room for a space or a dash. She laughed and said, Thank you for sharing that, I would have never gotten that. The story behind the plate is that all of the kids coined Lynnette and MOM and eventually that created MA PANDA in reference to PANDA, the Mobile DJ & Videography business we created in 2002, currently on hiatus with Ryan out for Air Force Basic Training. Later, Corey and I drove the scenic route to Bloomfield Hills for our 3pm scheduled meeting with Funeral Home Director responsible for Lynnette’s arrangements. It was an absolutely beautiful drive. We drove past an old church that looked like a castle and immediately looked at each other and said, let’s go back and take pictures. So we carried on to our appointment. We arrived at the Funeral Home Office. Corey hesitated and lowered his head. I placed my arm around his shoulders and said, It’s ok honey, let’s go get Mom and take her home! Once I signed all the receiving documentation, I gently picked up the beautifully wrapped travel urn in its golden carry bag. I cradled Lynnette’s remains in both arms along with the certificates and slowly left the building with Corey in front of me clearing a path. We made it home safely and settled Lynnette’s Urn into a safe place to allow us to resume packing, without any possible disturbance. I had dinner plans with my former GSM, Mark and beautiful wife, Susan well ok, Mark is beautiful as well. They called me earlier to ask Corey and me to dinner. Corey pooped out probably from the realization setting in that his Mother is no longer able to join us for such events. I met Mark and Susan at J Alexander’s and had a very nice lite meal over mutually supportive conversation. Before leaving for the restaurant, I realized I had left SCORES the previous evening without my coat. So before returning home, I returned to SCORES, found my coat and once again thanked David providing food and a space for our friends to gather. Finally, I know you have included us in your prayer list, I’d like to ask for a very specific prayer to be answered. As you know, Ryan, our eldest Son, opted to leave for a previously scheduled US Air Force Basic Training, only four days following his mother’s passing. I’ve learned that he is experiencing considerable difficulty on controlling the emotion regarding his loss and maintaining his focus on his training, which could result in a wash back scenario, further extending his graduation and return to attend his mother’s memorial and Internment. Based on my discussions with Ryan and various Senior staff at Lackland, I’ve made some inside calls to make my recommendation to have him return to Fresno to have the memorial and Internment shortly after Corey and I arrive, complete his grieving and then return to finish what he started, which is his full intent. Thank you again for your continued prayers as we continue packing through the night and by the Grace of God will find ourselves on our way to our first stop on Lynnette’s Final Journey.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Day 103 Lynnette’s Passing - Arrangements Day 5 Friends, Last night’s gathering of local friends, as hard as it was went very well. I could... tell that it was very beneficial to Corey. It definitely did me some good being around friends considering we have a considerable road trip ahead of us to reach our West Coast friends and family. I had a 10.2 inch digital picture frame on the bar facing our tables rotating through much of the same pictures you see on this page and Lynnette’s personal page, as well as my own. A number of patrons were watching as each photo passed and I noticed them asking David or a waitress what its purpose was. They were discreetly informed and a number of them paid their condolences to Corey and me. I want to thank my former CBS Detroit TV & Radio staff members for coming out as well as some of the Tom Holzer Ford folks in support of Corey. My Mitten Automotive team was present. Special thanks to David, my Marine Veteran friend and Manager of Scores and the scores staff for their compassion and making last night’s gather the very best it could be for all. Cheers to SCORES I received the call from the Funeral Home Director that arranged all of the preparations for Lynnette. He stated that I can return to his office to receive Lynnette and the documentation. I’ve scheduled a 3pm appointment. I’m awaiting a call back from the car shipping company late yesterday afternoon. They shared rate, which turned out to be twice what I expected and had hoped for, and then told me that they may be able to get the car as far as Santa Clarita, but may have someone to transport in on a short haul to Fresno, but didn’t know what they charged. We will overcome this challenge. We’re heading out now to get over to the DMV to attempt to register the vehicles to ensure I’m legal while driving. Thanks, again to all that joined us last night to share a little bit more about Lynnette and the good times we shared together as a family. Thank you for the continued prayers and support as we get closer to our departure date, which could be as early as tomorrow.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Day 101 Lynnette’s Passing - Arrangements Day 3 Friends, Memorial Day was very difficult without Lynnette to celebrate our 17+ years of Joi...nt Air Force Member & Air Force Wife time together. Just as I praise God for placing you in our lives, I also praise Him for placing a few very special people, locally, in our lives that helped distract Corey & I every which way to Sunday, as the saying goes. Or is it Tuesday? We did get some packing done yesterday and will do more today, along with laundry and dry cleaning errands so that we’re packing ‘clean’ clothes as Nette would always put it. Today is car maintenance day in preparation for Lynnette’s final journey home as well as research for an affordable Vehicle Shipping solution that will enable us to pack one car full, and have everything secure, further reducing what all we need to take with us in Nette’s car, aka ‘MA PANDA’. We will have Anastasia, Nette’s 6 year old Bichon Bolognese with us so we won’t be able to pack the interior too full or too high. If there’s time at the end of the day, I will call over to the Santa Nella National Cemetery to check on date / time availability for Lynnette’s Military Honors Internment for the last week of July 2012. There is a tremendous mountain of RED TAPE to make these types of arrangements. I absolutely ‘loved’ Lynnette organizational skills, because it was no trouble at all for me to locate our Marriage Certificate as well as my DD FORM 214s from my service in the Active US Air Force and CA Air National Guard in Fresno. Both of which were required for submission to the National Cemetery for them to verify Lynnette’s and my qualification for her Internment. This morning, I received a text from Son #1, Ryan Parsley, notifying me that he was with his Bride at the Fresno Airport awaiting departure for Air Force Basic Training. He just called me as I’m writing this update to let me know he made it safely to Dallas-Ft Worth airport. Next flight is off shortly to San Antonio, TX. Ryan is anticipated to graduate and return to Fresno on JUL 27th, which is when I am scheduling Lynnette’s Memorial & Military Honors services in Fresno & Santa Nella, respectively. Though exact dates, times and locations are not yet established, on behalf of my two Parsley men, my Daughter-in-law and the entire Hegenroeder & Parsley families, I invite you and would be honored for you to attend one or both ceremonies. If you have never witnessed a Military Honors service close up and in person it is an amazing feeling of Pride & Honor for the person that served, either as the veteran or the direct support of the veteran. Your presence will matter and make a difference to the memory of and For The Love Of Lynnette as a display of how much love she showered us all from childhood to the day she passed. I better stop here before I short out the keyboard with my tears don’t want to have to replace yet another laptop in while on Lynnette’s Final Journey Home. God Bless you for all of your thoughts, prayers, support and most of all allowing me to continue to share the life of a wonderful woman with you until the day we are able to place her in her final resting place with both of her Son’s present. Please mark your calendars for JUL 28 AUG 4, 2012 as the period that both Memorial and Military Honors will take place. Thank you.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Arrangements Day 1 Friends, I hope you don't mind if I continue to share the follow on events of Lynnette's passing which will include mine an...d Corey's road trip to return my wife and Ryan and Corey's mom to where she belongs, close to our family and friends in California. I appreciate you following us on this journey as it's been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, as it has been for Corey as well. Yesterday was a day of phone calls and coordinating. Today, was the day of planning. I met with our Funeral Director to arrange transport, cremation, documentation and delivery return of Lynnette's remains. Our FD stated that he should have Lynnette returned to me by Thursday or Friday. As soon as she is back in my arms, Corey and I will pack up and hit the road, taking Lynnette on her final journey HOME. He also confirmed, that the Spouse of a veteran does infancy qualify, as I believed, for Interment in a National Cemetary, even if the spouse's death precedes the death of the veteran. I've named the closest national Cemetary that lies fairly equal in distance between Fresno and the Bay Area so that those of you in either regions would have the opportunity to pay your last respects, should you choose, to Lynnette. I spoke with a fellow local veteran friend of mine that I met since coming to Michigan. He manages SCORES, a sports bar and grill and after I shared the news about Lynnette's passing and this page, he immediately said, "Russ, you know what you need?" an thought he was going to say, "a shot" ... He continued and said, "you and Corey need to come out Wednesday for our Comedy night ... You need some laughter right now." I said I'd think about it. He asked if I was planning a small memorial here for those that got to know Lynnette in the short time she was here?" I told him that I've been asked by a few of our local friends but that I'm not in the position to have multiple ceremonies or gatherings. David aka Tiny (a not so tiny guy) said, "Russ, have it here an I'll take care of it ... I'll help you out on the food and refreshments. Swallowing my pride and thinking of Lynnette and the friends she made while being here with me ... I graciously accepted his heartfelt offer. David served in the Marines and said "Russ it's the least I can do for a fellow Veteran and for the love of your life! Lymnette sounded like she was an awesome person that would do for anyone! It woul be my honor." So, it's by no means any form of an official ceremony for Lynnette, this Wednesday night from 5:30pm - 7:30pm Corey and I would like to ask those that are in the region to join us at SCORES to celebrate Lynnette's time with us here in Michigan. Here's the address: SCORES Sports Bar & Grill 24365 Halsted Road Farmington Hills MI 48335 Comedy Night starts at 8pm with 18 local talents performing throughout the night. Lynnette, me and the boys would often watch comedy every opportunity we got as a family with some of our favorites that corey would amazingly memorize word for word to recite at a later date when he knew his mom needed a good laugh. Doesn't the Lord put people in our paths mysteriously ... It just dawned on me in my writing the significance comedy has had on our family over the years. We all loved to laugh together, and Lynnette loved it because she loved my laugh. She would always tell me, your laugh is so contagious ... And then I'd laugh and so would she. Comedy favorites include, Jeff Dunham, Steve Martin, Robin Williams and of course the Redneck comedians !!! Thanks for allowing me to share ... And for your continued prayers for our safe journey home.

UPDATE: FROM RUSS (H-DAY 98 FINAL DAY): Friends, first I want to say with the greatest of gratitude. Thank you. Thank you for your love, hugs, kisses, virtu...al or otherwise. Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, comments, care packages and most of all your continued support. Lynnette and I packed up our lives of 20 years in Fresno in pursuit of new employment opportunities excited and looking forward to the added life’s experiences of travelling and exploring new regions together as we did when she served as an Air Force wife when I was in the Air Force. As circumstances turned out of our favor, together we found ourselves facing a considerable financial challenge which only grew tremendously by her untimely hospitalization and now her passing. While I sit, cry and mourn the loss of my friend of 35 years, wife of nearly 29 years and mother of two boys, now very well rounded young men, to carry on the Parsley name and the Hergenroeder heritage, I understand, more than you know, your own loss of a friend, confidant, co-worker, daughter, niece, cousin, aunt, god mother, care giver, sister, sister-in-law, step-daughter or daughter-in-law, please know that Lynnette and her family would be honored to hear from you, now, on this wall to share your relationship with Lynnette and the times you most remember when you laughed and cried together. Lynnette did that allot as it was in her nature to give of herself, always. Now, your words of your experience, could continue her work of giving others, as well as her family, solace over what she meant to so many of us over the years. Today, I’ve been researching and coordinating the possibility of honoring Lynnette one final time through her service as a veteran’s wife of nearly 17 years. Lynnette accepted my request for her hand in marriage just as I was set to fly out to England for my very first Air Force Assignment to RAF Lakenheath England, UK. Convincing her mom & Dad was a whole other matter. We were to wait the two years of my assignment and my return to marry. However, Lynnette could not wait and wanted to be close to me sooner than later. We married SEP 24, 1983. From that date, to the date of my honorable discharge from the 144th Fighter Wing, CA Air National Guard Fresno in JUL 2000, she served as a dedicated, loyal and faithful U.S. Air Force wife, fully involved in various wife’s clubs organizations and being the added support to some of the younger wives whose service member husbands were away on TDY or added training. She gave up nearly two years of our time together in our marriage to the Air Force allowing me to serve on various TDY assignments to Turkey, Spain, Florida, Nevada, California and Maryland. She made a wonderful home for us for nearly four years in England and again in Myrtle Beach, SC. If all works according to hers and my wishes for her, Corey and I will hit the road in the coming weeks, bringing Lynnette back to Fresno for her final farewell. As a Veteran Spouse, she may qualify for a Full Military Honors service and Interment at the Santa Nella National Cemetery, which is northwest of Fresno, CA, half way between the Bay Area and Fresno. I read that a Spouse of a Veteran Interred at a National Cemetery may also be Interred with the Veteran. However, the article did not specify, if in the event a Veteran Spouse preceded the passing of the Veteran, whether or not she would still qualify. Prior to our departure from the Detroit Metro region, I have been asked by some of our new local friends If I could hold a local memorial for Lynnette here to allow them to pay their final respects as they would not likely make it to the service in Santa Nella or Fresno, CA. I’m coordinating a small private gathering here in the coming week, as I’m deeply aware of the impact Lynnette had on each and every person that she spoke with, and within only seconds after the conversation began. One friend described her ability as this, within 5 sentences, I wanted Lynnette to be my BEST friend ever as I could see she had a sincerity about her that was very uncommonly found in most individuals. She brought this trait out in me, as she did with everyone else around her. As the days progress and Corey and I get closer to leaving the region for Fresno, CA, I will continue to update you so that you can follow us on Lynnette’s final trek across the United States for her final farewell. On behalf, the Parsley Boys and the Hergenroeder family, thank you again for allowing us to share our Lynnette with you.

UPDATE FROM RUSS: Friends, it is with the greatest of sadness that I share with you that my dear wife of nearly 29 years has passed on to be with our Lord. As ...I sit here, numb, I find myself deep in thought as to all of the things i could have done to save her from to succumming to this horrible 97 day ordeal, and how so close we were in reaching the next stage in this journey. I'm waiting for the doctor's return before I say my final farewell ... See more

UPDATE FROM RUSS: (H-D96 #3) Doctor pulled me in private room to update me on Lynnette's condition .... based on her current state... Current LACTATE is up to 1...1.4, and blood pressure meds are maxed ... He anticipated she will code sometime tonight and again asked me to violate Lynnette's wishes as of Sunday night witnessed by her brother and our Son Corey and reconfirmed Monday night by me ... He asked me to reconsider a DNR ... In all good conscience I cannot give him what he's asking for ... It's NOT WHAT LYNNETTE WANTS ... she wants to LIVE at all costs !!! Doctor went on to say that any attempt to resuscitate will likely NOT be successful and if they are successful a decrease in oxygen during this time could result in brain damage ... If, if, if, if ... And IF THEY NEVER TRANSFERRED HER OUT OF ICU IN THE FIRST PLACE ... We would have been in the L-TACH by now away from the insanity of exposing Lynnette to every infection know to mankind !!! God grant us a miracle with the healing of Lynnette's sever sepsis, repair her Liver and bring it back to life so that her kidneys come alive and begin to cleanse her body as only you have the POWER to do. Please pray for a Miracle upon miracles ... my heart aches with a fear of loss I've never known in this lifetime!