I sit down to write today with more purpose and less excitement than usual. My blog today is a memorial, a remembrance of a dear friend and mentor, Jon Randall.
Jon was a deacon at my church back home. He was also a husband, father, attorney to my family and my boss. He hired me to be in charge of all grounds and building work that needed to be done. He made sure I had my tools, put me on payroll, and gave me the assignments I needed to get done. His confidence matched his expectations: he demanded results, but also had faith that they would be delivered.
Jon also served as my dad's attorney, and between his work with my family and the glimpses of him on the job I had while working for him, I gained an admiration for the work he did. In fact, when I decided to change my major at the beginning of this semester, and I was trying to decide which History degree to pursue, I chose History/Pre-Law... with Jon in the back of my mind.
To those of us in the youth group, Jon and his wife Kathy frequently opened their home. We often had devotionals and parties at their house, making good use of their living room and, (of course) swimming pool.
Jon passed away yesterday after being taken off life support. He had spent over a week battling a rampant infection that had almost shut down his body. Finally, it became apparent that the Lord wanted Jon to come home. His battle is over, and we are left with the memories.
This hits me so hard because Jon wasn't very old. He was around the same age as my dad. His oldest son is just a few years younger than I am, and I can't even imagine what he is going through. Jake, know that you, Jared, and your mother are in our prayers. I can't bear to think what it would feel like to lose my dad.
As those of you who read my blog often know, my titles are taken from songs that are relevant to my post. This one comes from the song "Yesterdays" by Switchfoot, a line that says, "I'll remember you like yesterday, yesterday. I still can't believe you're gone. I'll remember you like yesterday, yesterday. Oh, so long my friend, so long."
We will do just that. We will remember Jon like the yesterdays, the man he established himself as in life. His strength and kindness will live on. His generosity remains as an example to us all. For my part, I have only this to say:
Thank you Jon, for the memories. I still remember that massive couch you had Lane and me try and get upstairs. I still don't even know how we got it up that stairwell, only to have to bring it back down because it wouldn't fit through the doorway. Hope the dents and scratches in the wall weren't too bad. Even still, you held up your end of the bargain, teaching us that there is always value on a man's work, and on his honor. Your legacy will live on, and we will see you again someday.
To my readers who didn't know Jon, I hope you will forgive this break in my usual posting routine. This is the tribute I offer to a friend.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." -Psalm 119:76
Grace and Peace be yours in abundance,
The Wayfaring Stranger
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