During homeroom this morning, Jennifer Zalud approached me. Jennifer works in our Westbury Christian School elementary department and is the mother of two of our students, Dana, a junior, and Jon, a third grader. She wanted to update me on Jon's condition. This wonderful young man endures a muscle and nerve disorder in his legs that inhibits his ability to walk with a normal stride. His gait requires him to land on his toes without making full contact on the ground with the rest of his feet. Jennifer informed me that surgery has been scheduled for her son. The procedure will involve the cutting of the tendons in Jon's legs. The recovery includes six to eight weeks in casts followed by leg braces for an indefinite period of time. Jon is one tough little boy. Last year, they had to take a tissue sample from his leg muscle but they couldn't sedate him. As one who finds any shot a life-or-death experience, I would struggle to keep my composure but Jennifer said Jon was eager to get it done, hoping it would be another step in his road to recovery.
I asked Jennifer if it would be okay if we talked about Jon's situation in my classes and pray for him- she readily agreed. Some of my students knew who he was and some didn't. Hopefully, I can introduce Jon to them before the surgery. I think it's always best to put a face to a name in a prayer request. Let me paint a verbal description of Jon for those of you not blessed to be acquainted with him:
1. He is a warrior in collecting pennies for orphans in Honduras.
2. He is an affectionate young man who is immensely likable.
3. He can tease his sister about boys better than any brother in the universe.
4. He doesn't complain or make excuses because of his condition.
Many of our students participate in athletics and most, when I asked, admitted to despising running. At that age, running is often associated with two uncomfortable parts of sports, conditioning and discipline. I made the point that while most of them hate it when their coaches assign running, Jon would love to be able to run with them. Two weeks from today, perhaps he moves closer to the starting line. The scriptures teach the power of prayer in healing. No matter what the outcome of Jon's surgery, he already has made an impact. One of my basketball players wrote a note on her quiz this afternoon, expressing gratitude for the God-given ability to run, something she has taken for granted. God bless you, Jon. You are helping open the eyes of others to the greatness of our Lord. September 12- circle that date and remember, there are a multitude of Jons who also need our prayers and remember this promise of God from the Old Testament:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Applicable quote of the day:
"My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother."
Wilma Rudolph (American sprint champion and polio survivor)
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
http://www.hawleybooks.com/
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
1 comment:
I remember that. Jon is a warrior and I saw the proof:) He is an awesome person that I loved being around.
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