From Jeremy: Jon’s corner
I was doing some spring cleaning today in my basement and I decided to tackle “Jon’s corner”. Jon’s corner is mostly empty now, but for a time it was stuffed full of all of the stuff we moved out of Jon’s apartment in Toledo from the summer when he was diagnosed and needed to move out. He was in Minnesota for treatment and we loaded up his truck and my van and moved it all to my basement (with some help from mom’s family). Over the last few years Jon’s spent time at my house and he has always had his little piece of home and he has taken most of his stuff with him. I finally decided to tackle what was left to see if there is anything he might want/need and to work on the (much) larger goal of cleaning/reclaiming the basement (it’s not quite a hazmat facility).
The point of my story is what I found in Jon’s corner. A small portion of what I found is clothes. Clothes that Jon used to wear all of the time: Notre Dame, FHSU, BGSU, & Ohio Medical college gear, the Cininati Reds uniform he wore for Halloween (he dressed as Chris Sabo), and small pile of socks. Clothes that are now too big because he is almost half the weight he was when he wore them. I found a World Series program and Jon’s baseball gloves and I remember how much he has always loved to watch and play baseball. I found his nice pool cue. I found some of the camo I gave him from the Air Force Academy that he used for hunting. I found some fishing lures and fishing line. I found his basketball shoes. I found books and notes from Fort Hays and from Ohio Medical College. These are all part of Jon’s life from 3 years ago, before cancer.
I also found packages of the bandages Jon needed after one of his surgeries. I found some empty bottles of one of the many medications he has had to take. I found the extra foam for the matrass he had down hear to ease some of the pain when he slept. I found a few cards from family and friends wishing Jon well. All reminders of the fight over the last 3 years.
I’ll be hoest with you, going through it all was not easy and I did cry. I also felt anger that cancer has taken this from Jon. I also felt a lot of anger that Jon has had to suffer through all of this, that more is not being done to find a cure: that more money is not going to research. I also took some time to pray that Jon may be made well and that he can once again enjoy the things that I found down here. Jon, don’t worry you corner may have moved, but it will still be down here when you are ready.
March 17th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Jeremy,
I am a friend of Jons from FHSU. I actually dated a roomate of his so did see him often. Ever since he has been diagnosed with cancer I want you to know that my family as well as my church family have been praying for his recovery. Cancer cant ever silent prayer and I know so many are being said especially for him. You family is amazing. Be strong and always put your faith in god. I certainly have enjoyed your tributes you have written. They are very nice and I know they would make Jon smile. He has truly been an inspiration to me.
God Bless
Rebecca Ballard
March 17th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I love you, Jeremy. Jon is so very blessed to have you and your family.
xoxox, Brenda
March 18th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Jeremy… your messages are very moving, heartfelt and loving, keep them coming it’s healing and I’m sure brings a smile or a tear to everyone who reads them, especially Jon.
Jon… what can we say, we wish we were there with you now. But now, our only regret is when Chuck & I were with you when you first heard the news, we didn’t stay with you longer or stay and hug you longer, now you seem so far away from us and we ache to see you again. But what we will forever hold onto is your compelling goal to fight. Keep fighting the good fight, we’re fighting with you every day and always in our thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Uncle Chuck & Aunt Dawn
March 18th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Jon, how wonderfully blessed you are with loving and supportive brothers
like Jeremy and Jared, parents like Sharon and Robert, and grandparents like John (Marvin) and Lee Heit.
Certainly you are an inspiration to all of us with the courage and faith you demonstrate at all times.
I was glad to learn an an e-mail from your mom today of the loving and supportive Catholic community and priests who bring meals and are there for you and your family in many ways.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph tomorrow, may you have special blessings through his intercession.
Peace and all good.
Jim Kirby, Emporia, KS
March 19th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Jon:
You have created such a wonderful “prayer group” who are lifting you up 24-7 all over the US. Thank you Lord for the beautiful harmony of prayer to Jesus for your FAITHFUL SERVANT, JON!
Jon, I know that God is so pleased with your courage, patience and beautiful spirit! We have been dedicating you in the ST. JOSEPH’S novena for a week now, tomorrow 3/19 being ST. JOSEPH’S DAY.
I want to thank your mom and dad, Brandy and your brothers for their tremendous support and care and for keeping us, your prayer warriors informed. God Bless you and comfort you with his immense love!
Beverly & Ira Cazenave (with Fr. Finn on Fatima/Lourdes trip)
LA near New Orleans
March 19th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Jon,
We miss you here in Tipton. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope you can come home soon. I’m sure everyone misses you at the club on Thursday nights when they play cards.
Bob and Sharon,
Please let us know if we can do anything for you here in Tipton.
You all continue to be such an inspiration to all of us and continually remind us to never taking anything for granted.
Love and Prayers,
Tim and Cindi
March 19th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Jon,
I read your mom and Brandi’s emails and facebook comments often and have you in my prayers every day. I have such great memories from the last year centering on you and Brandi…I find it so hard to imagine what you are going through right now…you are fighting harder than anyone I have ever known to live another day, month, year, whatever God gives you. I wish I could be there in the room with you. Your mom says you really aren’t able to speak or write right now…Please know that as I look out at the lake, I wish my eyes could be yours and you could see what I see. I have always hoped you and Brandi would be back to sit in the hot tub and/or fish. I will always remember your joy at graduation in December- how glad I am that I came to see that in person. Your mom has been so faithful letting us know what is going on with you..I wish you peace and love, I am always in your corner…my love, Suzi and Bob
March 19th, 2009 at 6:43 am
i HAVE STARED AT THE COMPUTER SCREEN LONG ENOUGH. JUST HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING SOMETHING TO COME OUT OF MY BRAIN. RIGHT NOW, I THINK I’LL JUST STICK TO THE IMPORTANT STUFF: 1.) JESUS IS YOUR HOPE AND SALVATION. 2.) GOD IS HOLDING YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AND WILL NOT LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. 3.) THE HOLY SPIRIT IS LISTENING AND IS INTERCEDING FOR YOU. 4.) YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY ARE CONSTANTLY IN OUR PRAYERS. NO DOUBT YOU ALREADY KNOW ALL OF THIS BUT SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO BE REMINDED. LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL. DAVE AND MARTY
March 19th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Dear Jon,
I know you do not know us, but we definitely feel like we know you. We have been sent numerous e-mails through all of your ups and downs. I guess I just wanted you and your family to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers each and every day and even though we have never met-how much you have touched our hearts. My parents are Harold and Paula Brummer-so we also have ties to Tipton, KS. and I know without a doubt you are in everyone’s prayers. We now live in the Lincoln, KS. area. Just wanted to take a moment to say hello and let you know what a gift you are to your family and even others around you that you’ve never met.
Sincerely,
Heidi Donley
March 19th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Jon,
You do not know me, but I feel that I know you. I have been part of a prayer chain at Faith Lutheran in Ottawa, with Dave and Marty, for the entire battle. I also forward every email I get to several prayer warriors. You are such an inspiration! Your will to fight is amazing and is proof that God is not through with you! You still have work to do on this earth, so do not give up. You have a huge base of prayer lifting you and your doctors to our loving God and He hears every word. My prayer for you today is to give you a day free of pain, making it through this procedure, and strength to keep fighting. You have an amazing wife and family that has been through hell and back and they still find the time to keep us informed of your progress. Please thank them for us. Feel God’s arms around you and know how much He loves you. God bless you and yours.
Deena Rogers,
Ottawa, KS
March 20th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Hey Jon,
Looking back thru all these years, I remember all the fishing we did when we were young, ponds for largemouth bass and bluegills, walking the creeks looking for fossils and trying to catch smallmouth bass. Chasing all those pheasants, shooting some and missing alot. Then after school picking up Emily, Elli Jared and You, driving around the mile block with sarge in the back of the truck looking for birds. Someday’s we got lucky and saw one. I remember all of you yelling, get-him. Then a smile on all your’s face when that bird came down and sarge was right on him.
To all the auctions we went to on the hill, baseball cards, stamps and coins that we collected.( I still need your help to categorize all that stuff yet.) The times that you help me when I started my journey with M.S. The night’s that we spent at the farm, talking about our journey we both had, Comparing meds. and there side effects. Charting our plans of attack of these disease’s. The football games we went to in Cleveland and N.D. The snow games with snowballs and the corn hole we played before the games.
The fight has really come to you now, as it will for all of us someday. We just have to trust in God and his Mercy. We are praying for You and Brandy To Find Peace and healing. We are also praying for your Dad, Mom, Jeremy and Jared.
Just remember Jon, Proverbs 3, 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
With Love,
Uncle Bill, Aunt Lark
Emily,Shawn,Coltn,Elli,Elizabeth and Jesse
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:40 am
Jon, all of the Secular Franciscans of the Juan de Padilla Region, of which I’m a member, have you and Brandy and all of your family in their prayers. This region consists of Oklahoma, Kansas, and the Kansas City area. Father Felix Petrovsky, OFM Cap., who taught your dad in high school at St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, is our spiritual assistant.
May Mary, our Mother, intercede to her Son for you as we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation this week.
Jim Kirby, Emporia, KS
March 24th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Jon was a friend of mine from basketball camp at Bethany when we were younger and then we spent a lot of time together at FHSU, playing football, basketball, and softball together. I even ventured back to Tipton with him to play in the 3 on 3 tournament with him a couple times. I have not visited with Jon in a couple of years but I always try to stay updated on how he is doing. I just want you to know that Jon and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Travis Peterson
Salina, KS
March 24th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Hey Jon-
Just letting you know I have plans to be in Hutchinson on Saturday so I’ll be in to visit again if you’re feeling up to it. Keep up the fight and all of us will keep up the prayers!
Amber Krier
March 24th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
So many sweet messages I have read over the past couple years and each one brings a tear to my eyes…You are so loved Jon and so many prayers and hopes surround you…keep fighting and know that all of us will keep fighting with you. Brandy, we love you. Your kind heart and hands are something very special.
Love,
Diane & Uncle Joe
April 16th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Remembering Jon and keeping your families in our thoughts and prayers….your devotion to Jon and the courage you have shown during Jon’s battles truly strengthens all who knew Jon, and all who know you!
Take care, God bless…
June 19th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Добрый день! < a href=”http://tehnon.ru/mail/ jose@tehnon.ru” >…< /a >…
с ув….