Today is father’s day and I am sitting in the bed next to my daughter who is getting chemo. Patti asked me today if this is what I had hoped father’s day would be like. I think that as special days go for dads, there are things that we would all like to have… coffee made for me in the morning, maybe a gift or two, maybe get out of house work. Then maybe do something special with the kids.
So, Starbucks made my coffee, I got the gift of increasingly better numbers on Geli’s blood tests, the cleaning staff are taking care of all of the chores, and for a special outing… they are taking Geli off of the IV for about an hour today, so that she can walk around the hospital a bit. A Perfect Father’s Day.
Ok, so that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but in reality, there is something greater that I get to do today. As a father, yea I want today to be a bit nicey-nice for me, but in my heart, I am a dad… a defender of my family… a warrior at heart. Today, on father’s day, I get to fight for my daughter. I get to help her fight. I get to walk her through things that build character. I get to help uncover the truths that will set her free. I get to say words that inspire, build confidence, and words that frame a picture of a goal that is on the other side of this journey. There is nothing better on Father’s Day, than to be able to be a father, in every sense of the word.
So though we might be in the valleys… in a sense, I am on top of the world today.
Jon
Phew, very inspiring, Jon. Perspective is key. God bless you.
Your words brought tears to me and another prayer for your sweet one that made you a daddy in the first place!
Dear Jon and Jelli What a beautiful picture of the two of you. A blessing that you are to-gether this Fathers Day, inspite of all you are going thru. The smile on your faces ,shows your confidence that God is with you and helping you in this hard time. Love you both so much Grabdpa and Grandma
I like your perspective, Jon.
Just spent the last several minutes catching up on all that’s happened since you first posted about Gelli’s fight. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. Sounds like she’s got a great team, and is in capable, caring hands. Praying for you all to be blessed with an real sense of His actual presence; may you be filled with peace, strength and grace for the journey.
Hi Jon, Patti & Geli,
I’ve been following this as well from the first time I noticed it posted. I have been praying and sending positive thoughts and hopes your way, I see God so in control of this horrible situation. I admire the strength and courage that you all possess, its inspiring. Jon your father’s day message touched my heart, its truly what it is about.
Please know that a little tiny church in Porter’s Lake, Nova Scotia is lifting you up in prayer and waits for the news that I bring.
You are loved
mistake to read that blog before getting in the car…had to wait until i stopped crying!!!! So wonderful to see Anjelica looking better in JUST a day!! I sent Courtney the photo I took on my phone this afternoon in the hospital and RIGHT AWAY she texted back and said “I cant believe how much better she looks….in a day!!” You looked beautiful Geli, and your momma too 🙂 I love you all so much…see you soon xoxo
We’ve been thinking and praying for all of you since we heard the news….God is Faithful!!
I was walking the other night and listening to my iPod – the song ‘Desert Song” from Hillsongs was praying and I really thought of Angelica.
The words are:
“This is my prayer in the desrt
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord thru the flame
I will bring praise
I wil bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I wil rejoice
I will declare
God is my victor and He is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it’s way
I am a conquerer and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will REjoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
….
We will continue to pray…believe and stand for all of God’s healing and blessings
Love you all
Deb.
Happy fathers day Jonathan! You really brought tears to my eyes reading that. I hope you have had a good day! We are praying for you and praying for strength and wisdom. be blessed!
Niki
Happy Father’s Day Jon. Very touching post and so true. Geli is so lucky to have two very amazing Fathers! X
Powerful – you all are amazing! Jon, thanks for sharing your heart. Love ya
Thanks for sharing, Jon. You all are inspiring by your example. Your Mom did an amazing job preaching today and spoke eloquently of your example as a father. Check out the CD!
Its been quite a day for you all. Jonathan, I believe that every wife would like every husband to read that post. It touched us all so deeply and showed it really is in the perspective. Glad you had today with your precious daughter, holding her close and laughing together, drawing from each others love. Gifts that last a lifetime and cause a lifetime to grow.
Gods rest to you all tonight and bless you Patti, he will give you strength beyond your understanding as this new treasure arrives soon. All hands on deck I’d say 🙂
Love Aunty Jo Jo
Hi Jon,
Happy Father’s day – I didn’t get one over here, but you have some wise words here. I’m glad that Geli is starting to do better, and we’re praying for a really quick recovery and NO nasty side effects when it’s done.
David.
Geli, this is from one of your mom and I’s friends from along time ago. We used to play with her as her house was jsut down the street from ours and we went to the same Christian School and the same Church(back when GG pa was the pastor at our Church in North Vancouver) They moved all the way to San diego. Wow! They live by the beach and get to surf all the time. She had twins last year. Her mom is also a good friend of Grandma’s. Well i guess that gives you a bit about her. Her name is Sarah Elliott Overbey, and she wrote this to you. Love you and I am praying for you tons and tons!
Auntie Chelle
Was praying for Angelica this morning and opened my Bible to this verse in Psalm 106 ” Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, His love endures forever. Who can proclaim the MIGHTY ACTS of the Lord or fully declare his praise?” I thank you God for being a God that heals and is mighty in all your actions…we pray heali…ng and life into Angelicas body this morning!!!!! We are all praying here in San Diego…believing and praying for a miracle.
Sarah
Great perspective Jon!
Our church, family and friends in Kitchener, Ontario are praying for you guys!
Wow what an awesome family you guys are. The courage, support, faith, grace, optimism & realism you have shared in your writings are inspiring. As I was reading what you wrote I was also lifting you and your family’s requests and needs up in prayer to our wonderful caring God. I will continue to pray for you and yours to come out of this whole thing all the better for having been through it.
Blessings 🙂
Zanzara
Excellent post Jon. You did a three hour sermon in few words. Your mom did fantastic job on Sunday, as always. I missed you, Pati and the little guys but you and your family are always in my prayers. I am certain that by the grace and His mercies Gelica will be totally well much sooner than expected. Lots of love and blessings to you and yours. Wilson
I love the pix of your and Geli.
Jon, u made me cry. That post was beautiful. U r an amazing father.