Some Goodbyes Are Shorter Than Others
This is a post I would rather not write, had guessed I would probably have to write, but had also hoped it would be much longer down the road than today. But today is that day.
After a meeting with Jon’s family and Jon’s doctors, the decision has been made to move Jon into hospice care. No one ever wants to make this decision. The reality is that these kinds of decisions are well above our pay grade.
The goal at this time is to keep Jon comfortable and manage the pain that is forever enjoined with stage IV cancer. He’s mostly soothed at this time. It is our prayer that he will remain this way during the days he has left.
Please continue to keep Jon’s Mom Caroline and sisters Anne and Amy in your prayers. Say one for comfort and peace for Jon, as we prepare to say our goodbyes, and “til we meet again”.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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I hate reading these words. Praying for peace for Jon and all of his loved ones.
This is awful. Prayers to Jon, his family, and his family here as well. Peace with all of you in the difficult days ahead. The goodbyes are the hardest part, but they’re also preparation for the joyous hellos to come. When my father was dying of pancreatic cancer and after my mother, sisters and I said our farewells, he began to drift away. You then heard him softly say something: “Hello, dad.”
My grandfather died in the war when he was just 28 and my dad was 1 year old: He’d never gotten to know him, and that had always been a deep and everlasting sadness in his life, an emptiness that was never filled and a fascination always there. Now, it was being fulfilled. In the end, we’ll miss Jon for a while, but eventually, we shall find those we love once more. God bless him.
Nothing but good thoughts and hope for comfort for Jon and his family.
I am praying for Jon and his family. That his family can surround him often. That the hospice nurses aren’t just attentive to his needs, but proactive in giving him the comfort he needs. That, if pass he must, he’ll pass peacefully and with the dignity he deserves.
This time 10 months ago, my family was experiencing the same thing with my father. There’s no two ways about it, it’s tough, but family and faith make it easier.
The hospice people for my wife’s father were very comforting and have stayed in touch. I don’t know how they do it.
Peace and strength to you all. Jon has touched me and I am sure many others in a positive way.
Hospice is a treasure in a terrible time. My best to Jon and his family.
Edited to add that I’m glad he got a chance to go by the Capitol.
May the Peace of the Lord be with Jon and all who love him — which is a very long list.
Very sorry to hear this. Jon’s a good guy. I’ll keep praying and hoping good things happen here.
My heart goes out to his family. Jon is a good egg. 🙁
True and heartfelt pain and sadness as I write this. Charlie, thank you for keeping us aware of things.
Jon is been a true friend to all, and an honest player on the harsh field of politics, campaigns and government. Your positive way of dealing with people has been noticed by all, and has impacted the lives and behaviors of so many. Jon, if you are reading these posts, know that our best thoughts are with you.
Mark Rountree
I’m happy that he was able to make a trip to the Dome and be recognized.
I’ll miss his posts here, but that won’t be but a tiny fraction of friend’s and family’s sorrow. I will be thinking of them.
Jon, I hope you are able to read this and know that we love you, will miss you in our midst. Know that your family is in our prayers, and will stay there in days to come.
Jon explained 10,000 things to me, bless his heart. Thank you Jon, and comfort and peace to you.
As a college republican, Jons one of the best people involved in politics. There’s a lot of people who focus on the big whigs but he’s one of the few who makes sure all the college republicans and younger volunteers know that there respected and valued, that’s so rare and part of what makes him a great guy.
Thanks to Jon for making me feel welcome whenever I saw him. From the governor on down, Jon seemed to treat everybody the same. That’s not easy. Thanks!
Many prayers, comfort and healing energy to Jon and his family!
Every time I read a post here, I look to see who the author is first. When Jon wrote an article, I always knew it would be worth my time to read it. He is fair, consistent, digs deep, and tells you the information you need to know. He never used this space to score political points, although he was always honest about who he supported or opposed.
We were just discussing in the office that Jon could see right through the B.S. of a political situation, explain the real problem, tell you what anybody involved was trying to get out of it, and expose hypocrisy without being snarky. Jon’s writing is what I hope journalism (in whatever form it eventually takes) can someday become again.
To any of us who operate in this too-often crass, sarcastic, and disillusioning world, Jon Richards’ legacy should be to serve as an example of how the game is supposed to be played. The quality of his analysis was worthy of the New York Times. We are all better that he chose to engage here, and to dedicate his time to Georgia politics. I will miss seeing him at the capitol, at events around the state, and I will miss reading his posts.
May God grant peace to Jon and his loved ones.
A man who is truly loved by so many. Never one to show partiality, but who extends kindness to everyone. Prayingfor Jon and his family. May his kind increase. Jon, may the LORD bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.