A Ray of Sunshine: Why I Was Almost Lost For Words

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Hi guys! Here's a report from the front lines in a battle too many must face. This video would not be here, in this form, without the collaboration a world away from @MattIrwinPhotogrphy and the wonders of Dropbox! Thanks so much, Matt. If you aren't familiar with Matt's work, check out his excellent channel. Let's get him to 100K subscribers!

[@darenaubiephotography8570]

I watch Matt's videos all the time and just realized I wasn't subscribed. I am now!

[@LastXwitness]

@@RaymondParkerPhoto Matt is a good human being I’m glad he’s kept his channel going

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Ray, we talk most days, and I know how hard the last few months have been, and I know this surgery was very risky. I can't tell you how happy I am, and how in awe of your courage to share your world with us. I am here, we are here, the help you ride high. So many emotions. I gotta get to Canada.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Matt! I AM lost for words when it comes to thanking you for helping me complete this little video. I absolutely couldn't have realized my vision without yours bringing this to fruition. Thank you so, so much! And, yes, come visit soon!

[@MrsRealistic]

Smiling through the tears as I watch this. I believe there were angels on your shoulders Dad. You're still needed with us here on earth. ❤ I love you ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Love you sweetheart!

[@margot6041]

Thank you for your inspiration. I wish you continued healing and a full recovery. 🙏

[@patriciablyler6484]

I was so happy to see this video! I’ve been thinking and praying a lot for you since your last video. Glad you are on the mend and still with us❤. Matt from down under is a wonderful fellow and I follow his channel as well. Glad to have you two beautiful men in this world! Take care and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Matt is a gentleman. Thanks for you kind thoughts/words, Patricia!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you. ❤

[@paulwillmott8931]

Hello Ray my thoughts are with you and your family at this terrible time. You are a strong man and you can beat this never stop fighting God Bless

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

You bet!

[@darenaubiephotography8570]

Thank you for the dose of reality Ray. Stay strong my friend. (ps thanks to Matt for helping you out. He is a good man)

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Matt is an awesome guy.

[@spagettysnaps]

Thanks Ray (and Matt) for keeping us informed on your recovery. You are an inspiration to us all.

[@ProdigalSuns]

Praise God Ray, we are glad to have you with us still. ❤ Thank You 🙏

[@makerofphotos]

Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

[@f28MMLIVE]

I think a lot of us have loved ones who have gone through what you are dealing with. I know I have. I am sorry you have to go through this, and I hope you are able to get better soon and continue to bring joy and love to your family and friends for many more years. Keep fighting.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

thank you so much!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Wishing you the fastest recovery possible, Ray. You've been a huge help to the photography community, and we all want to see you and your family do well. ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I appreciate that!

[@LastXwitness]

Hang in there Ray. I think videos like this help people get through things especially creators who are quick to drop the tools and their shoulders in times like this rather than realize theres a story to tell and a moment to convey. Get Well soon

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much, Seth. I think you're right.

[@timhunter157]

sending you all the positive energy your was Ray thank you for sharing your wisdom during a trialing time

[@redletterdayspnw]

Prayers for a thorough recovery, Ray! Thank you for sharing with us 🫶

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers!

[@4rroby]

Get well soon! Love your work!❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you so much!

[@christymcgrath582]

Hi Ray. Just sending you kind thoughts and regards from Ireland. Mind yourself and get well soon.

[@stevetaylor8099]

I really sincerely hope everything turns out the best it possibly can. Very best wishes for a speedy recovery. BTW the composition of the view out of the window is spot on! Nice layering of the foreground, river and background. Straight verticals! I can imagine cropping that view in all sorts of different aspect ratios and they would all look good - from square to 6x17. Also colour and black and white versions would look good. Best wishes again and very much look forward to seeing you on the mend.

[@HelenAvery]

This is lovely Ray, much to think about and be grateful for. Keep healing and onwards we go! We’re all cheering you on ❤ (on a related note it’s always a major bonus when you get the semi-private “private” room…and score the window bed 😊)

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much, Helen!

[@ludonulens]

I wish you the best Ray!!!

[@cliff_razzo]

Thanks for sharing Ray. Your video was the most positive message on KZbin this morning. Helps put things in prospective. Get well soon!!!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed. Doing my best.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

Sending positive energies, my thought and prayers are with you Ray.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks!

[@selectiveimagery]

I woke up this morning trying to get my dog to rise and shine to take a walk with my wife, I glanced over and saw my tablet on the end table and decided to turn it on and your video appeared. I saw the Title: A Ray of Sunshine and saw you overlooking the sunlight bathing across the buildings from your Hospital Room window wearing your hospital gown and enjoying the view. After listening to you share what you are going thru and thankfully being able to talk, I felt that the "Ray" of sunshine was you. It was not too many years ago that I didn't know if my spouse was going to survive her Cancer scare but 7+ years later she is still here to tell me I have too much camera stuff. I am so pleased to see you up and about and wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see new content from you from the comfort of your home vs a hospital room. You are a true gentleman on You Tube of which there are few and recover knowing there are many who appreciate you as a fellow content creator but more importantly as a human being, take care and listen to the doctor's 😉- Jeff

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much, Jeff! Appreciated. Glad to hear your story. Best to you and your spouse!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Wishing you fast recovery and getting back to the outdoors of nature doing what you love. 📷🌲

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I hope so too!

[@josephsworkshop75]

I love this Ray. It’s very special. I am deeply touched. Your reflections and beautiful and perfect. I’m so happy to see how far you’ve come. So many hospital stays makes us appreciate the wonderful work of those saving our lives. You’re a great example of a man that “partakes” in life. Pursues your passion, even from a hospital bed. Well done, beautiful piece made between you and Matt.

[@josephsworkshop75]

Take care, You’re in our prayers. ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Likewise Joe! All the best to you and yours.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Again, Joe, thanks so much. I didn't know what to do with the clips and very little energy (he says, typing at 2am) left. I'd been using the clip shooting to motivate myself to get out of bed. Then recorded the A-roll tonight and showed it to Matt. Long story short, by the wonders of our interconnected world, we pulled this whole thing together in 2 hours. Matt is a great friend.

[@csc-photo]

So happy to see you Ray! 👏🏻 Inspiring words here, and much respect to you for making this so soon after your procedure. Great shots as well! Please know we’re thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you here again soon. 🙂📷

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you! Will do!

[@MacBertone]

Hi Ray! Nice to see you again, even if you are still on the road to recovery. Your video touched me very much. Thanks to Matt for his support with your video. I hope you get well again quickly and can leave the hospital soon. My thoughts are with you. Many greetings from Germany, Martin

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks Martin!

[@alejandrocifuentesferreira6182]

If the world was full of Rays we'd be in a much better, more peaceful and friendly place. Recover soon and thanks for sharing it, it's humbling.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

thanks for your kind words

[@NVIK5]

Get well Ray, you are an incredible human being!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

🙏

[@bobmorse5896]

Glad to see that you're on the mend. Slow but steady progress. Thank you for somehow taking the time and energy to keep us informed. Peace.😍

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

You bet!

[@DennisMook]

Ray, as a septuagenarian, fellow photographer and Nikon user for more than 50 years and loyal follower of your channel, I just discovered your situation today due to being away on an extended road trip. I, too, have had issues to fight but none as serious as yours. I can’t imagine what you are going through but am with you all the way. I admire your courage, fortitude, determination and just plain ‘guts’ in your fight against such an insidious foe. You will win. With all of us supporting you in whatever ways we can, your conquering this is inevitable. I will keep you in my daily prayers for a fast and complete recovery and I look forward to seeing many of your videos in the years to come. Hang in there and thank you for all that you do. You are one of the good guys on this planet and I appreciate you.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you so much Dennis. Whoever said "aging isn't for the weak," spoke from experience, I'm guessing.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Wonderful video Ray. The least wonderful part is the beautiful photography. Even better are the observations on human kindness and hospitals as exemplars of this. I’ve had occasion to spend long days in hospitals with a lady friend and with my daughter. I would not have thought to express my feelings the way you have, but that is the wonder of listening to others: they put into words things you know but don’t think to say in such a clear way. All the best with what is to come!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much! Glad it resonated

[@prios61]

It's nice to see you redovering so well. When the Human want they do and give the very best one each other 😊. Hugh from Portugal wishing all the very best recovering ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

You are so kind

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Ray, I am praying that you will recover quickly from this new setback!

[@mikebreazeale2563]

Nice to see you, Ray. I can't wait to see you back home again. You are still in my daily prayers, and I wish you the very best. Peace my friend and hope to hear from you again very soon...

[@apstudios01]

Don’t know what happened to you but I had a stroke a year ago to. Don’t give up!!! Chuck

[@DavidB-k7b]

Thanks!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

And my thanks to you!

[@kzr83]

Hi Ray! You're a very brave man for putting this out. We can only admire you even more for that. I wholeheartedly wish you the swiftest of recoveries. You'll be rocking on again soon! All the best.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I just figure it might help someone somewhere in the wider community. I hope so.

[@300ShadesofGreen]

This is heartbreaking to see this gentleman suffering. God Bless You pal. Love and respect from the UK.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers!

[@robdlain9145]

Wishing you a quick and speedy recovery Ray. Don't push yourself too hard. Rest well and before you know it you'll be back to 100 percent. God Bless you. 🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you, I will

[@lynnhirshman6183]

I hadn't know how serious your surgery was (your fault!), but seeing the setup in your hospital room reminds me all too much of my weeks in hospital in Dallas last year for cancer treatment. Like you, I gained a growing love and respect for all those carers -- especially nurses -- who made those stays for me almost bearable. Your terrific view must help, though. Nothing anything like it in Dallas. You know how much love and positive energy I am sending your way -- wish I could be there in body to spend some quality time with you, but you'll have to be satisfied with spirit. Still working my lonely way back to health and full functioning, dealing with the dreadful setback of the election, not knowing what I will be doing -- what I CAN do -- to effect change at this point in my life -- and mostly feeling pretty helpless. Glad you're still here, my brother.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I recall your last battle and I too wished we could be closer for support. Yes, front line workers are a special kind of people. Nothing like a Vancouver mountain/tower view. Constant change of weather, clouds, sun. Thanks so much for your kind words. Don't let the carnival barkers get you down. Love to you, sister.

[@loihpatli]

Get well soon, Ray!

[@carbonejack]

Here's wishing you the best in your recovery. I've had some major health hits in the last few years and your message is well taken. Sometimes we don't learn these lessons until a crisis hits. Transferring the compassion we get and give during these times of crisis to our everyday lives is a noble undertaking. Thanks for sharing. Your comments are a powerful message. Stay strong.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

very true. Thanks!

[@JasonLorette]

Get well soon Ray, sending you all the good vibes from the east coast! 👊🏻📸😎

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Much appreciated

[@carlosquijano2827]

Get fully well as soon as posible. Regards from Colombia! 🇨🇴

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@shane9634]

Get well soon Ray

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers!

[@glennn.3464]

Thank you Ray for this update. Hope your are past whatever bumps you encountered and have a smooth road ahead. I add my prayers to the many others for a speedy, full recovery. Your attitude and strength are an inspiration for many others. Much love to you as well.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I appreciate that. Thanks so much.

[@ourrealestateguy]

My love to you Ray, hope your recovery is swift and you get better soon. ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much

[@christinetanner4631]

Wishing you a speedy recovery. All the best, Ray!❤😊😊

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers!

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Wow, I'm almost lost for words too. Other than to say my very best wishes for speedy recovery. 🙏

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you very much, Simon!

Ray, you really are a beautiful soul. Sending you so much love.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I feel like I just try to do my best. Sometimes I live up to my ideals, sometimes I fall short. This (the third) struggle with this particular manifestation of the "crab" certainly tested my limits. Now the challenge is to carry on with whatever "new normal" develops.

[@psoon04286]

Ray, wishing you the very best and a speedy recovery 🙏🙏🙂

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you so much 😊

[@psoon04286]

@@RaymondParkerPhoto actually had no idea of your condition if not for Matt from all the way down south. Kudos to Matt🙂🙏

[@saadmemon90]

Wishing you a speedy recovery, that really was a Ray of Sunshine. You mean so much to us. In my language, we have a special title for someone who is highly respected and shares their knowledge, much like a teacher or a Sheikh. That title is 'Ustad.' And to me, you are my Ustad.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I'm so very humbled that you see me this way. That's high praise for me, a pilgrim with a camera just trying to get by. I'm glad if I can be of some use in relation to sharing my experiences.

[@saadmemon90]

@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thank you. Your journey and stories continue to inspire. Grateful for all you share.

[@michellang2378]

Thank you Ray for sharing such a personal and inspiring story. Get well soon. Always looking forward to your videos.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers, Michel!

[@DavidB-k7b]

Hi Ray I wish you the very best, now and into the future

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I sincerely appreciate your kind words.

[@charlesmichaud6990]

Courage is often seen as being able to ignore fear and not let oneself feel too much emotion. You've just shown that it is the exact opposite. I'm wishing you the best.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Fabulous comment

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you!

[@amandajones1321]

That was a beautiful video I was near to tears bravo,Thank you Matt for helping to get this video out.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you, Amanda. Matt is a gem. A true friend.

[@tundrusphoto4312]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a return to home.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks!

[@brucecrossan2284]

Thanks for sharing this Raymond. In New Zealand we have a saying in Te Reo (Maori language): Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui” which translates to "be strong, be brave, be steadfast

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing that wise saying.

[@JohnHavord]

Get well soon.

[@mozzman]

Beautiful and inspiring footage, words and of course your progress. Thank you for letting us in and I hope you’re feeling all the love and power of your community. 💪

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you so much, Tim! Yes indeed. Not a one man job, this. I feel like "the project," really. 😀

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Good luck, get well soon.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you!

[@vonlampard]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Ray, and thank you for sharing your journey and wise words ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@WhySteve]

Good luck man!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Didnt now this. Forget about my question in another video. Hope you are getting better soon!

[@davidcambon5115]

Great video Ray! Thanks Matt.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Glad you liked it! Couldn't have finished it in this form without Matt.

[@WarrenLayberry]

Thanks for this, Ray. You have my best thoughts and the thoughts of Renée as well.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Hi Warren. Thanks to my favourite editors! Really appreciate all your support.

[@luminaimagen]

Bravo Ray!! Media batalla ya está ganada, y aunque el cansancio te impida verlo, falta mucho menos. Sigue luchando y pronto la vida será aún mejor que antes ❤

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Es cierto que a veces el puro desafío de cada día, de cosas que antes se daban por sentadas, incita a abandonar la lucha. Mi trabajo siempre me ayuda a mantenerme en la lucha y trabajaré tanto como pueda. Gracias por tus inspiradoras palabras y apoyo.

[@tonyhayes9827]

The human heart is worth more than the entire created universe combined because it has eternal life full of perfect freedom to be who we are perfect beauty peace and glory. And all this because it is given to us as a free gift from the One who asks us to love one another. He is our strength and we can't do do it without Him. It's why we give our human nature to Him and He will lift it up high into the realms of rare beauty and goodness where there is no more dying and all our tears are wiped away forever. The goal of life is eternal salvation, not worldly crowns or glory which are here today and gone tomorrow. We all wish you a speedy recovery but more than that to find the peace the world can't offer because it's not the world's to give.

[@oterogustavo]

❤❤❤❤❤ Fuerza!!!!!!

[@TonyHedges]

Good to see you seem to be doing okay. Talking head? It’s not like you have a lot to say. 😂

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I've been called a wallflower

[@warrenmatthews8946]

Well what can I say, such a fab title "A Ray of Sunshine" for an inspirational video. My thoughts and prayers are with you @RaymondParkerPhoto at this tough time. Keep up the good fight, and I am so looking forward to your next chapter, when your ready to inspire us even more with your thoughts and knowledge in all things life and photography. @MrsRealistic you have some father there he is an absolute legend. @MattIrwinPhotography I follow you too, and wish to thank you for being the good human you obviously are. X

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Well what can I say in return? Thank you so much and I wouldn't have made it this far without all the loving support I've received from every quarter. I am a very lucky guy.

[@roybixby6135]

I hate hospitals - But at least the view is a small distraction ...🦘

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Definitely!