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Stephen Murray's avatar

I’m sure like many days there are so many emotions. I was filled with love for y’all yesterday in the service, and reminded of the simple testimony Jon gave to the world of humility, community, and perseverance in the faith.

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Jon Sparks's avatar

Miss reading your writing. You described so vividly some of my pain losing my wife to breast cancer. And navigating the re-entry into single life post cancer. Been thinking about Jon with the Mavs making their run. Hope you are well and God is providing for you.

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Eddie Song's avatar

I was diagnosed with cancer two months ago. It is a stage 4 Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I first read Jon’s piece a year ago so struck by his humanity and faith. His description of the PET scan is perfect and got me ready for my own. I read it again just now and am in tears because everything rings true. If I die, I worry about my 6 year old and my wife. How can I leave this father and husband hole in their lives? What could possibly fill it?

I really hope and pray that you and your son are able to push forward each day. I hope you have been able to find the support you need and I pray Jackson is always inspired by the great man of faith his father was. I pray you can find happiness, joy, and piece. And I pray you will all see him again in heaven

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Melissa Tjarks's avatar

Oh Eddie, I am so sorry. Cancer is such a jerk. I hate that you know firsthand.

Jon's big questions were very similar to your big questions. A year later I can confidently say that God has provided for our needs. No one can ever fill Jon's shoes. If you die, no one will ever be able to fill yours. Other people now help meet the emotional and physical needs that Jon met before he died. I still miss him, but over time the memories have gotten sweeter and less painful. I've found a wonderful man named Michael who loves me well and loves Jackson like his own son. I know Jon would adore him. I'll post an update on that soon!

Please feel free to email me. I'd love to talk to you and your wife! mktjarks at gmail.

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Eddie Song's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! I’m really glad you have met another man who loves you and Jackson. It is absolutely what I would want for my wife and kids. The thoughts that goes through my head are not a fear of death, because God has defeated death, but the well-being of my family in every aspect of I were to leave this earth: financial, relational, spiritual.

I truly am so glad that you have found some peace and even joy during this season. Looking forward to the updates!

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Carol Slover's avatar

Thinking of you and praying for you as you continue to march on.

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Jan's avatar

I'm thinking of you, and everyone who loved Jon.

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