T’was the night before chemo….

I don’t have anything cute or deep or inspiring to say tonight.  I am just a Dad waiting for his son to have chemo tomorrow.  I am not unique unfortunately but it doesn’t make it easier.  I spent a bit of the day with him, Starbucks in the morning and a special post-school movie.  I just wanted it to be a good day for him.  I won’t go on too long tonight, not much more to say.  I know this… my boy is courageous, inspiring and powerful.  He, of course, does not know all of the challenges he faces but who does?  Sadly and undeniably it is a new life for him starting tomorrow.  As I watch him tonight, I know this.  As his father, I know this.  As adults life experiences give us these days and that is OK.  Death of a parent, a marriage, a divorce, the birth if a child, a new career.  Life changing, irreversible days.  As an 8 year-old, Jack should not have these yet.  

He will face tomorrow and every day after tomorrow the best that he can. With dignity, humor and grace.  With concern not for himself but for others.  He will want to continue to do well in school and will not want to miss a thing.  He has handled this disorder and what it has reaped upon him with great tenacity, bravery and curiosity.  No doubt he will again face challenges that will effect how he feels and looks.  While most adults would find that difficult to face he will do so seamlessly.  I will help him but I can’t take the pain of the chemo away.  I can’t take the stares away.  I can’t take the NF away.  I can and will with Beth be the best parent I can be for him on the good days and bad days.

Over the years I have had created videos that document his journey.  One of my favorites is one of the first. This was in support of Tami Liptak who was running a marathon for Jack back in 2009.  The song that accompanies the video is “Closer” by Better Than Ezra and the lyrics describe the joy of a father and his newborn boy.  Back in 2005, before Jack was born this song became our anthem to him assuming he was going to be a boy.  This song remains special to Beth and I and if I ever meet Kevin Griffin, who wrote the song, I would like to shake his hand and say thanks.  The video serves a purpose tonight, even this many years later.  If you decide to watch it, I think you will know what I mean.  This is the link from youtube. 

Lastly, thank you again for your support.  It means the world to us and to Jack.  Onward, forward and F NF!

Best,

Jake and Beth