'The Shoebox': Florida- The Land of Dreams

Background: June 30th, 2009 was an extra-ordinary day for many reason but the two Jon carried with him were: he celebrated his retirement from a joyous teaching career that spanned 31 years. The theme was 'Tonight's the Night' from a Neil Young rocker and 'don't cry no tears for me' expressed the joy Jon felt at the possibilities of retirement. His second reason for feeling blessed in retirement was because good friends,some he had known forever, but had lost touch with came out to celebrate the night with him. One such friend was Dave and life events separated them through their forties. The retirement rekindled their connection and they made plans to golf in Florida together in the New Year. They spent time on Ontario courses through that summer and fall but by the new year Jon was too sick for travel.
Then came the fundraiser that filled Jon's 'Shoebox'.
Then came those magical, chemo induced, months of good health.
September, 2010: We were just back from the west when it was agreed that Jon was well enough to travel independently with some buddies for a week of golfing in Florida. Good fortune was raining down because Neil Young was there at exactly the same time and Dave had managed to find a ticket for the concert. Then the story got better. Doug had met Bob Young at a concert and after sharing Jon's plight and his fanatical love of Neil the artist, it was suggested that a letter to Neil might result in a meeting. Bob Young forwarded my letter to Peggi Young and Neil agreed to a backstage meeting. On September 19th Dave and Taz collected Jon from Sunnybrook Hospital for the drive south.

Jon, Dave, Doug and Taz.

Jon and Dave

For Jon the next 10 days were incredible. They played multiple rounds of golf. They went to three concerts. The most important being the concert where Jon watched Neil perform from the backstage and then met his hero. They took in a football game.

Jon, Dave and Taz at the football game.

Is it any wonder our children would like to see 'the shoebox' continue granting positive life experiences to adults diagnosed with a terminal illness. Jon's 'shoebox' granted him much but it also gave us, the loved ones left behind, the opportunity to build memories to last forever. You need only to glimpse the smiles in the photos to understand a 'shoebox' experience is priceless.