Jon’s 17th birthday is today. Personally I can’t believe Jon is that old or that I have gotten this old. Jon is a senior year in high school and is taking a full load of classes. My husband and I made the mistake of thinking that his Imaginary Worlds English class or his Game Design classes are fluff classes. He has more homework in these classes than he does in his Physics and Calculus classes. In addition to his high school class load, his extra activities are enough to tire out a healthy teenager, let alone one dealing with Duchenne. Jon is the process of completing his Eagle Scout project; he has joined the Robotics team, is a member of Model UN, a member of Anime Club and participates in the schools Television Station.
As I attended the Varsity High and Junior Varsity football games while doing the Coach to Cure, Muscular Dystrophy fundraisers, I had both football players and cheerleaders and their parents approach me and say, that Jon is very inspiring to them. I found it interesting that these kids, who are much taller and much more active, say that Jon inspires them.
Despite having Duchenne he remains positive and refuses to let having Duchenne get In the way of trying something of interest. Jon refuses the use of a wheel chair most of the time. We had his teacher team meeting last week. One of the large concerns was how Jon was going to attend the homecoming prep rally. His resource teacher was very concerned. It was a long walk to the stadium and she wanted Jon to be able to attend all of the pep-rally. He would have to leave early so he could meet his transportation home in time. Jon as usual refused the use of the wheelchair to get out to the stadium. My husband and I needed to remind Jon that we had same discussion last year and that he came home after last year’s rally saying he was glad he used the wheel chair. The end result, Jon used the wheel chair to get from the school to the stadium for the pep rally. He enjoyed himself and said in the end he was glad he used the wheel chair because he was able to stay for the entire pep-rally.
I am always amazed at all the things he participates in and attempts. Now is he is looking at attending college next year and studying paleontology. Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life, including organisms’ evolution and interactions with each other and their environments. Jon has always enjoyed learning about prehistoric life. To help Jon pursue his dream, we will need to figure out a support system, which is built in at home.
To quote Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” In order to make Jon’s dream happen we will persevere with courage.
