Another Update from Mel

I know there have been quite a few rumors floating around about Jonny’s condition over the past few days so I thought I would give everyone the update as best that I know it.

As we all know Jonny is an incredible fighter and his body is very strong. Stronger than many people’s. He has overcome many obstacles and numerous complications. On Friday we were given the update that the drains they were putting into his head were not working properly. Damage had already been done to the brain and swelling was occurring very rapidly due to the fluid building on his brain. We were told that if the final attempt at the drain didn’t work that they would take it out and simply sew him back up. The neurosurgeon said he would not even put his own child through anymore attempts or surgery to fix what was wrong. He did not expect Jon to make it through the weekend. We were told the pressure would build and Jon would just get very sleepy. It is a fatal condition. He was moved from the PICU to the 3rd floor and has been surrounded by family, friends, and nurses who love him so much. He said it would not be a painful way to go…just going to sleep. What occurred over the next few days has no words to describe it. Saturday was the most moving thing I have ever experienced. His brain has been damaged from the swelling and fluid but we know that in that room Jon knows what’s going on without a doubt. He can hear everyone talk to him and answer their questions…at times his energy level is just too low to even give a nod. But trust that he knows what you are saying to him.

Since Jon has remained alert and awake they decided to do another scan today to see what his brain looked like. The scan showed similar results…slightly worse than had looked on the last scan. He’s given it one more push and has been able to experience more love and support from lots of people who want to come talk to him. This plateau may last longer than expected but as painful as it is to accept…the prognosis from the doctors at this time has not changed. Jon has expressed to several people he’s close to that he is not afraid of what’s ahead of him. His angels have been with him watching over his bed. He’s told us that his body is tired and he’s ready to cross the finish line and go home. But just like Jon, he’s been worried about those of us he will leave behind….and he’s expressed that fact. He was always one to worry about others before himself. Once, when I didn’t answer my phone he drove all the way to my apartment across town and ran up the steps to my house just to see if I was okay. He would always want to hear from Holly when she would travel back to Austin to make sure she made it home alright…and he’d do the same for his mom. His concern for his friends was always apparent to me ( and now I see why he loved you all so much). Lots of people have rallied and come to together on the 3rd floor of Cooks, in the PICU, and across the state and country to stand behind him. He knows that and will be more satisfied to leave this Earth knowing he’s made a difference.

Please pray that our boy finds that peace that is sometimes so elusive. My brother is the most courageous person I know. He’s fought hard and has accomplished what was needed. One way or another he has won this battle with all of you standing beside him. I know this has changed me forever and I can see the same for many of you. Sometimes the miracle is something different than you expect.

To visit Jonathan’s CarePages blog, click here.