More on Jon’s Graduation.
I’ve been wanting to post some pictures and some of my own thought’s on Jon’s graduation (and the wedding for that matter, but that will continue to wait).
Jon has been a hero of mine for many years. Even when we were little kids, I knew he is better than I am. I know I pushed him (and picked on him) a bit, but really he has always been smarter, faster, and stronger than I was. I know it didn’t always show because I had the advantage of age (and size). I have always been proud of him. He did better in every sport than I did and I was so proud of what he could accomplish on the field. In the classroom, it didn’t take him long to graduate from college and get started in surpassing me there.
I hear a lot of people tell me how amazed they are at Jon’s physical and mental toughness in this battle. In some ways I am not surprised, because I’ve grown up knowing that Jon has this strength in him. That doesn’t mean I am not in awe of him.
I know I wouldn’t be half the man I am today, if it weren’t for my younger brother pushing me to be better and I would consider it quite an accomplishment if I could be half the man he is.
Here are a couple of pictures. I don’t know if there are better ones out there, because honestly I don’ know if there was a dry eye in the family.
God bless you all and God bless Jon and Brandy,
–Jeremy
January 14th, 2009 at 5:51 am
Jeremy, what an awesome tribute. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Jonathan and this amazing journey. You’re all pretty terrific and a source of inspiration as we watch your family rally and support Jon and Brandy.
January 17th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Dear Jonathan,
Dennis & I would like to tell you how much joy you have brought to our family with your humble shy smile that you have had since you were an infant. Our children & grand children have always enjoyed coming to the farm where you all have showed them the many interesting things about farm life, they still remember so much about all the fun times they had. There were the many interesting card games that were quite tense at times. We enjoyed the times we were able to attend your sporting events. You were a very good athlete. We were also at your Tipton High School & Fort Hays State graduations, we were sorry we could not attend your graduation in Toledo. I never would have gone on a trip to Europe to see the Pope if it had not been for you, your parents, Uncle Walt & Aunt Margaret. I’m so glad I was able to do that with you. It was then I got to meet Brandy We welcome her to our family, and are happy she has brought joy into your life. We are amazed at your knowledge, understanding and ability during this incredible journey you have been on with this horrible disease.You were able to to assemble an incredible medical team like no other. Through all the chemotherapy,radiation, different medications and trial studies you have been on you have shown incredible strength, stamina and courage. If any of your medical team read this, our family truly thanks them all. Jonathan we know you had many thoughts and dreams for your life. You have had hundreds if not thousands of people praying for a miracle, so you could achieve your dreams. We may not get the miracle we are praying for, but God has given each of us a miracle by bringing you into our lives. You have shown us all incredible strength, physical and mental toughness that most people could not endure. One time when I talked to you, you said “If I can help other people who have this type of cancer I will do it. Jonathan you have truly done so much to help advance the treatment of this and other types of cancer that will help so many patients in the years to come.
We know God has always been in your life, and he has Blest all of us in a special way by having you in our lives.
Love & Prayers,
Aunt Caroline & Uncle Dennis
January 20th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Jon, What a great graduation picture! and what a wonderful note from your brother. I continue to think of you often and keep you in my daily prayers. It must be nice to be back in Tipton. There really is no place like home. My dad finally came home from the hospital on Saturday and we are very happy to have him back home again. My Dad’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 121 you might enjoy reading it. Love to you and Brandy and your family Aunt Patti
February 8th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Congratulations, Jon - well done!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Hey Jon! Just wanted to let you know I am always thinking of you and praying for you!!! You are such a champ and such an inspiration!! (But I know you already know this!;-)) I don’t think I ever got a chance to congratulate you on graduating but congratulations—wow!, what an accomplishment
Say Hello to your family from my family & me!
:) Hope to see you sometime in the near future!!