“When we let art out, we let love in.” K.R.Roberts
Many years ago, I spent my days pulling my hair out over the statistical analysis of clinical trials. Yep, you read that correctly. My life was steeped in randomised, double-blind placebo controlled studies. Don’t believe me? Check out this paper in the Journal of the American Heart Association. That’s the same Malini Parker as this one.
I worked for the University of Western Australia’s Department of Medicine and was surrounded by some of the finest minds in the world. Everyone was dedicated to unlocking the key to health, and our department’s focus was investigating the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and more specifically hypertension. My Masters thesis was titled, “Alcohol, Dietary Sodium and Blood Pressure Control in Treated Hypertensive Drinkers”. Fun stuff 🙂 Actually, in the rare moments I didn’t feel completely out of my depth, it was an exhilarating environment. I learned the discipline and rigour of the western scientific method.
And I NEVER believed any claims unless they were backed by hard science. Specifically: Randomised, double-blind placebo controlled studies.
My husband Greg was diagnosed with Stage IV renal cell carcinoma with metastases about 4 years ago. This meant he had terminal cancer that had started spreading and his prognosis was grim: six months, two years if he responded to the new chemotherapy.
But he confounded science and medical predictions and is still around today. Why?
Well, what I’m about to say would have been laughed out of the water by the old me. And by any of the hard core scientists reading this post.
I think that immersing himself in his creativity has kept him alive. I have no hard core science to back me up. No randomised double blind placebo controlled trial. I just have a hunch (we could re-frame it as ‘anecdotal evidence’ 🙂
Now, Greg was never the easiest person to live with. In an effort to explain Greg to me, Kathleen, his late mother once said , “you know, Malini, Greg has always danced to the tune of a different drum.” (in my head, I’m going, “HAH! Now THAT’S an understatement!)
So this guy wasn’t like most other people. When he was given a death sentence, Greg decided he was going to climb a mountain. And he did. He was pulled up it and nearly carried down it, but he did.
Then he decided he would stage another musical production. And he did. Then he did another and another. Each time it was hard, each time, it was painful. Each time it was an act of trust of each member of his beloved choir, New Era, to come to rehearsals and take direction from a very sick, ailing man, who at times, didn’t make a great deal of sense because of all the drugs he was on. But they did, and he did, and I think all this creative endeavour strengthened him, drove him and scared the cancer into being quiet.
And now nearly 4 years down the track…
He’s been told by his oncologist that the news is definitely not good, and there is not a lot of time left. So what’s he going to do?
He’s doing another show. Yes, it’s crazy. And organising it between hospital visits and holding a bucket for him has driven me a little crazy.
But I get it.
If cancer is having its way within, what better response can there be than letting his art find its way out…
So he’s doing another show, and we’re singing with him. And if he can’t sing, we’ll sing to him. And if he’s not able to be there, we’ll sing for him.
If you can get to Perth, Western Australia on March 22, we’d love to see you there 🙂
I wrote this post a few weeks ago, shortly after we first decided to stage the show. I’ve finally had a moment to post it, (between the round-the-clock care for Greg, who is now in a wheelchair, and rehearsals for the show) and now, only a few hours later, the show totally sold out! That’s nearly 900 seats … Then, the ABC television’s 7.30 Report contacted us wanting to do a story on Greg! Many hours of interviews and filming later, it aired on March 21st, the eve of the concert. You can watch the lovely segment here.
Comments 25
Love is the secret key he has stumbled upon …
Greg is embracing Abdul Baha’s words “love is the secret”
“love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul…”
he has reached out to the Divine and touched everyone with his heart as well….
and you and the rest of his family and friends are responding to Abdul Baha again:
“Where there is love nothing is too much trouble and there is always time.”
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Thank you my ever amazing sister 🙂 Your loving support has been a HUGE factor in Greg’s journey!
Well done you gorgeous people. I will be on a big boat in the middle of nowhere when this is on. But you will be so much in my thoughts xx
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Hey K, take me with you!!!
Hope you have a marvellous adventure. So sad you’ll be missing out on ours though…
hugs xox
Wow Malini,
Very nice :)))))
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Thank you Faran! Glad you stopped by!
Thank you for those precious words my wonderful wife. Love you.
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Aww, you’re welcome, and I know 🙂
Wheeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truly beautiful. It was wonderful to view your artwork Malini and to have the opportunity to meet Greg when you were on show at the Vic Park arts centre. Your love shines out through not just your artwork but also your writing and both myself and my love Shaun feel honoured to have had the opportunity to have meet both of you.
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Thank you so much, that is really kind of you. I’m honoured that your feel that way 🙂 x
oh Malini… i am so happy for Greg too.
And for you…
Such love here.
xx
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Thank you Pauline, for stopping by, for giving us love and support. So appreciated. xox
This is some powerful stuff…this faith, this love, this creativity, this drive, this passion.
I am in awe.
And grateful to witness all of this powerful stuff here.
Thank you.
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Laura, thank you for those beautiful words, I am honoured. xox
So much love vibrates outward to all of us with this beautiful blog post. Greg and your family’s love, strength, determination and music… all of it touches one’s soul every time. Blessings to each of you and thank you for sharing your story. xo
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Suzanne that is kind of you. It’s a bumpy ride, but I hope we make it. Today we’re having to go into hospital at short notice as his chest is not draining… and they may admit him 🙁 Fortunate we have lovely doctors and great medical care. Loved your post about walking in the forest. Could certainly do with a bit of that myself! xox
‘Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul.’
The elusive, magical key..love, courage, family, friends, spirit, prayer, trust..thank you for sharing your story Mal, I love the way you write, so easy to read, honest and full of love.
I have so much admiration for you both, and for all your family for still being joyful and courageous and trusting in the Divine, in the midst of such great trials and difficulties.
You are teaching us all a great lesson, and you are loved by so many. You are always in my prayers. xxx
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Maggie that is so beautiful of you. It really is people like you that have given us the courage and support to keep going. much love and hugs xox
Inspirational. Your words. Your man. You. Thank you for sharing. xx
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Thank you Deborah, for the kindness and also for stopping by and leaving a message. Warms my heart 🙂 x
Love and Gratitude for all the magical inspirations and good works released through pure intent, making them eternal. May the Bliss and Joy of Source encircle all of you, and especially Greg on his Immortal Journey Home.
Living Love Always ~
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Thank you for your kind words Starr. Greg is certainly in a place of bliss, despite his pain and discomfort.
A wonderful inspiring story Malini. I wish more creativity and happiness to your family.
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Naz it is kind of you to stop by and I appreciate your warm words! xox