“One of these things is not like the others” was my favorite Sesame Street song. You have a choice of three or four things, and one of them doesn’t fit the pattern for some reason. Well some people following our family have noticed that everyone is bald, except dad (that would be me). (And Jeremy is excluded from this if he wants to be).
I just wanted to set a few people at ease as to why I still sport my nice long locks. We have shaved quite a few heads over here, and there are quite a few more pictures to show of people who have joined in, and one tear-jerking email that we will post from one of the shaved that explains why they are doing it. During all the festivities, Gelica informed me that she didn’t want me to shave my head.
I like my hair, but its not the most important thing in the world to me, and it doesn’t even compare to the importance of Angelica. I sat down later and talked to Angelica about what her thoughts were and what all this means to her. The different people that are cutting their hair means a lot to her. She is learning about how people care for each other, how people “join” in standing with her, and a host of other valuable life lessons, but she is starting to realize that EVERYTHING is changing.
That’s an interesting thought, because in a lot of ways for her, everything has changed. There are many things in her life that will never be the same. There are days when all the change is too much… not many days, but some, and right now, she doesn’t want me to change.
Spending this past month or so with her so close, through so many trying things has brought us closer together than I ever could have expected. I am really really really in love with my daughter and am really enjoying all of the wonderful things that make her soooo strong and able to face this. We have our own inside jokes, learned each others opinions, and many more things that will last a life-time.
If she wants one thing to remain “constant” and she sees that in my appearance, then I am all for that. But in the spring when everyone else’s hair is growing out and things are returning to a new normal, there is a fund-raiser called “balding for dollars” and I’ll probably be there. I have been assured that I would raise a lot of money being a guy with long hair. I also realize that we have benefited from so many programs and special funds that if I can give back then, then I will.
Jon
You are an amazing Father, Jon. Your love for Geli shows itself in all you do and all you are! Oh and I definetly think the robe thing would work!:) 🙂
YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU DEMONSTRATE THE FATHER’S LOVE IN SO MANY WAYS. YOU MUST HAVE A CONNECTION, EH? PRAYING FOR STRENGTH TO RUN THE RACE AND TO FINISH THE COURSE.
Your awesome.
I wasn’t trying to imply anything by my last comment. I love what you and Patti are doing for her and your children. Still praying for you.
@maddy – no problem… TONS of people have asked.
hey Jon just read what you wrote, just wanted to say you and Patti have done and continue to do an amazing job raising your kids – you are amazing parents! whenever I’ve talked with Patti in the past I’m always in awe of how great a mom she is! Geli is one blessed young lady.
They look awesome – just wanted to say we are praying for you – your whole family is muchly loved and it shows by all the lives you’ve touched and the support you’ve rec’d – love you guys lots
Hey Jon! My neighbor works for balding for dollars at Childrens hospital. Her name is Suzanne Dunbar. when the time is right I am sure you will get to meet her! 😉 you are a great dad! Geli and your whole fam is blessed to have yu! Keep up the good work!
Niki
thanks for sharing your heart with the world Jon. Even in that you are “giving back” in ways you may never know. It can’t be an easy thing to share this with anyone and everyone but God’s Kingdom is being seen, and felt. We all continue to pray with and for you all.
Love, Jon and Mischelle