My wonderful brother-in-law, Phil has volunteered to set up a blog for Jon over these coming weeks. Thank you Phil! I haven't posted anything yet, but please feel free to fill it up with comments. You all know Jon's sense of humour ;-) And you all know that Jon takes all well wishes to heart. We have been buoyed this past week by the outpouring of kindness from our family and friends and family of friends. Cards, meals, gifts, car repairs, open arms, tight hugs, simple touches, meaningful gazes... so very much has been given to us. While there has been much suffering ... there have been so many more blessings. You are all proof of that. I wish that every one of you could have spent the kind of time with Jon this week, that I have. The conversations that we have had have humbled me. He is an exceptional young man, with insight far beyond his years. But, you all know that about Jon also. We feel very cared for right now. We know that we are traveling to London tomorrow wrapped in a big group hug... and we know it extends all the way to Edmonton, Alberta. Jon received a most special blessing today from Fr. Mike and he is very ready to meet tomorrow's challenge. If love were the cure, Jon would be well enough to wrestle in the WECSA meet in a few weeks :-D
If there is anyone you might want to send this link to, that I don't have in my address book, please send it along. If you might have a picture of Jon that you'd like to add, send it to jocelynebrent@hotmail.com This is the address I use when in hospital. Our wonderful neighbours have loaned us a camera to take with us. We'll get some pics added on throughout the week. I might have to edit them, of course. Who knows what Jon will want to post. I'll have to remind him it isn't his facebook
page ;-) One good thing is his head won't have to be shaved. The neurosurgeon has no problem with longer hair. Yaaaay. We're just keeping our goal set on cheering for Jon's wrestling team at the WECSA meet in a little over 3 weeks. Go Rebels.
Hey Everyone,
ReplyDeleteYou found the right spot! Love all the notes I've gotten. Everyone is excited to see the blog and keep our spirits up. Here's a link from a mushy Mom. (You know what I mean Amy ;-) I've got some great guys at my house and I think of them (and the Greatest of All) everytime I hear this song. Puts a smile on my face. So... for all the followers of Jon's blog... here you go. Thanks for following along :-D www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqp89bkFe8k
Good Morning BRENT family: Just wanted to pass along many blessings, prayers and much love to you ALL. Good luck with everything today and we will all be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Todd, Staci, Madison, Zach and Matt xoxoxox
Hello Brent Family,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you all day and hope all is going well. If all the people who are thinking of you now could form a line I'm sure we'd get all the way to London.
Warm thoughts going your way!
XXOO
Martha
Thinking of the Brent Family today!! Sending out all our love and prayers!
ReplyDeleteLove to you all!
Gaudette Family!
I am sending you all a piece of my heart today. We have candles burning and the prayers are flowing. Amanda told me this morning that thoughts become actions...they are all positive today.
ReplyDeleteWith Much Love,
Louisa and Glen
Just wanted to let everyone waiting know that Dan spoke to Tom who said Jon's surgery went very well, took less time than expected and Jon was resting comfortably in his room.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your surgery went well...we said lots of prayers. Hope your recovery is speedy, we all know you don't like to lay around the house for too long! Your an amazing young man and we believe you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Look forward to visiting you when your home.
ReplyDeleteLove, Ken, Deb, Ryan, Scott, Benjamin & Meaghan
HURRAY - surgery is past-tense and sounds like it went stellar. You young-men were hospital buddies today (You win, of course, because surgery naturally trumps just a pheresis procedure).
ReplyDeleteNow the last time one of our friends had a tumor removed from his brain I went just a few floors up to visit him (it was last yr in St. Louis and the kiddo was 18yrs old and an old gradeschool chum of our Andy's)
Well, he was up walking around, his dad asked to have him show me his scar and I said, "All the ladies will go 'Awwwww - you poor thing' and you'll get lots of sympathy dates - but who cares how the dates come as long as you have lots of dates. Then I told Ryan (12 at the time) what a "cutie" this young man had grown into and how Carol (our daughter) should ask him out. Ryan said, "MOM, LEAVE THAT KID ALONE ! HE JUST HAD BRAIN SURGERY! STOP TRYING TO SET CAROL UP WITH ALL THE GUYS WHO'RE AT THE HOSPITAL!"
So, good thing you are in Canada or else I would be setting you up with Carol - we have a reputation to maintain and really, as I told Ryan back then and it is still true today, ALL THE REALLY COOL GUYS HANG OUT AT THE HOSPITAL, SO WHAT'S A MOM TO DO, HUH ?!?
Thought about you lots yesterday, and so happy to read that Jon's surgery went smoothly. Peace, love and blessings to your entire family, and an extra hug for Jon, from The Cleminson Family xo
ReplyDeletejon, greetings from snowy idaho! a far cry different from the sunny river trip that you had this past summer (except for the bus ride). the news we received yesterday after your surgery was more than a breath of fresh air for your uncle and two cousins. we are so happy and relieved that all went well; and that your hair is still in tact!!!! we send you love and a speedy recovery. don't get too excited that you hit the "mat" sooner than needed.....your parents need some relaxation too. we love you and happy that aunt carolyn is there with you! xoxox, uncle kris, chase, chloe' and kalik.
ReplyDeleteHey Jon,
ReplyDeleteBeen thinkin' about you lots today-hope your day's been a decent one.Everyone here is praying for you but I know you'll come out fine cause God doesn't need you up there-He's keeping you down here because you keep lots and lots of people on their knees and He needs that!!
Hugs from Windsor
It was a great visit today with my Jon! The first thing I established when I walk in the hospital room was that Jon could wiggle his 10 precious fingers and toes. Then I got that smile from him that would melt steel!!! Oh, yes, our Jon is well on his way to being 100% (well, actually, 99%, as he's now minus Fred). I'm anxious for you to get rid of your "brain tumor" hair do, and see your beautiful locks back where they belong. And, warning to all, "no nuggies for Jon until further notice!" But seriously, Uncle Leo and I feel the need to let you know, again, how amazing of a person you are, and what an important person you are in our lives. Now, stop reading these messages for a while and get some well deserved rest! XOXO Aunty J and Uncle L
ReplyDeleteJon,
ReplyDeleteYou are a very inspirational young man. Your strength and courage are amazing.
We are sending our love and hugs to you and your family.
Our prayers are in full force for you!
Love,
Jacqui, Jeff, Braydon, Brittany and Breanna Dymm
Hello Jon and family;
ReplyDeleteSending this message your way to let you know that you are in my prayers. I pray that God sends you courage and determination to continue
to fight the good fight! I miss your quirky sense of humour Jon and hope that you can come and visit at Concord soon.
In my prayers,
Mrs. Kirsty Aversa (Jon's former teacher)