No Regrets
Several years ago I was inspired by a young man who we were lucky enough to have married my daughter. One of the most admirable things about Jon was his daily commitment to have no regrets.
Many who will read this knew him so I don’t have to remind you of the magnitude of the highs and the lows. (ya’ll can skip this part) For those who weren’t fortunate enough to have known him, here is a very brief summary of his cancer story. Just as Jon & Jana were beginning their lives together, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Their first and only few years were spent seeing doctors, specialists and surgeons. They endured chemotherapy and radiation and all the nasty side effects that come with that. They spent a tremendous amount of road time traveling to MD Anderson in Houston to get the most up to date hope they could to fight his disease. Together, and at such young ages, they faced and handled what most of us could never. Jon had numerous surgeries to remove tumors that would inevitably spawn a new and bigger growth somewhere else in his body. Ultimately he had to have his spine fused together and he had to have his arm removed. To say that Jon lost his battle would be wrong. Those of us who knew and loved him are the ones who lost.
Over the years I have kept a picture of Jon by my computer for a few reasons. One is to never forget that infectious smile and also as a reminder to simply enjoy life, remain positive and strive to have no regrets.
Like so many things that we become accustomed to seeing each day, I tend to forget what his picture is meant to represent. My own recent medical experiences pale in comparison to what Jon and Jana endured. And my overstuffed binder of bills, benefit statements and appeals is nothing compared to the numerous totes of medical records that document Jon’s journey. But I have been given a tiny glimpse into how remarkable it is that he didn’t let his cancer define him and how he didn’t let it stop him from enjoying the things and people that he loved.
I am conquering today with a smile and with no regrets!!
