My Dearest Friends,

Last Saturday, March 10th of 2007, my father lost his life in a tragic vehicle accident. While this is a hard time for my family and myself, I would like to thank everyone who has sent their condolences and support, which has given me so much encouragement during a time when it is needed most. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Many of you had heard the news reports...any of you in journalism or public relations are aware that in the absence of any useful information, the press will report on the fantastic and captivating, often (and unfortunately) choosing not to wait for the truth to reveal itself. My father is not the man the press has painted him to be, and my family is indeed hurt by the reports. To keep everyone informed, there is an ongoing investigation and as such authorities are required by law not to reveal anything until the investigation is closed, not even to family members. We have also hired a private investigator on our part. Currently there are more questions than answers: If the cars didn't collide, why did both cars lose control? What about witness accounts of damage to the second car on the front end? Why has the second party given two different accounts of what happened? I personally have no bitterness toward anyone and am not pointing fingers, but these are indeed some questions that must be addressed. I am confident that my father's image will be cleared when all is said and done.

All things considering, I want to let everyone know that I am emotionally stable and doing what I can to give strength to my mother and siblings. All my family is over from Korea and they have been a tremendous blessing. Life will not press the 'pause' button on itself, not even for my father, and as such I am making family and business arrangements to ensure my family will move on, because that is what my father would want me to do. My father always said that his family was all he had, and all he ever needed. As his son I will carry on that legacy.

As unusual as it may sound, I cannot say I have grieved for my father, but rejoiced in knowing that he has passed on from this world to the next, and has found the true meaning of peace. Our father-and-son heart-to-hearts often revolved around the nature of death and what has to be done should he (or any of us) be taken. I know it's not your typical father/son conversation, but for those who knew my father and know myself, you are very aware that our psychological profiles are anything but typical.

My father was the best man I knew, and still is the best man I know; the best teacher; the best friend. One of his most precious teachings comes from John 11: 25-26, where Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; whoever lives and believes in me will never die." In our lives we all hear and study things that we accept as truth, but never truly understand or appreciate. Until recently, such was the case with those words in my life. Ironically, I've come to know and understand my father on a whole new intimate level now that he has passed away from this world. Many people will say that life is short, so enjoy it. I agree with that fully, but would like to add that while you are enjoying life, stop everynow and then, calm your heart, and listen...learn...love...an d understand that very thing we call life; contemplate in your heart what that word truly means, for indeed it is just a word until you define it for yourself.

Throughout all this I was always thankful that at least a son is burying his father (which I believe is the way things ought to be), and not the other way around. It wasn't until yesterday while I was speaking with my grandfather did I realize that he is in fact burying his own son. Upon realizing this I broke down for the first time since my father's passing. Of course my grandfather gave me encouragement. He told me that the headstone of my father's burial site should read "The HOUSE of John Noah Park," citing 2nd Corinthians 5:1, which states, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal HOUSE in heaven, not built by human hands." Tombs and graves are reserved for the dead, and the dead do not wake up. My father does not belong in any other place than a house. It was my grandfather who taught the Word of John 11 to my father, who taught it to me. Indeed, I will teach it to my own children, and to those of you who share this faith, I hope you will look upon those words now with new meaning.

My father's memorial service will happen this Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. The location is:

Green Hill Presbyterian Church
5225 Alhambra Dr.
Orlando, FL 32808

From there we will be leaving around 3:30 for Woodlawn Cemetery (400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, FL). Anyone and everyone is welcome, although I do ask that (depending on your professional affiliations) the presence of the media be kept at non-existant.

Thank you again to everyone for your support.

In loving memory of John Noah Park,
Beloved father, husband, and friend.
May 5, 1958 - March 10, 2007.