Jon’s Misericordia Thank You Story
by Cynthia Maroon
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 40 years since that day when Vicki and Patty Gloor, two of my best friends, and I drove Jon for his placement at Misericordia South. He was only 4 ½ years old, and it was one of the most difficult days of my life. Little did I know that it was also the beginning of what’s become Jon’s full, rich life! I must admit that for the first six years I felt guilty and sad, and I would cry on the way home after taking him back following our frequent home visits. But as the years rolled by, I slowly began to realize that Jon was not only happy at Misericordia South, but he was thriving there! He was surrounded by staff who called him “Chocolate Eyes,” and who could offer him so much special attention, loving care, and stimulation. With all of that, coupled with his weekly home visits where he was constantly entertained by his brother, Michael, and his sister, Laura, and all their friends, Jon was living what I can only call “the good life”! Eventually Misericordia started bussing him out to school in Oak Park and I could also visit him frequently when I became his elementary school, middle school, and finally his high school “honorary room mother”.
Midway through high school, Jon became the first Misericordia North resident to have a g-tube! Pam Dryer, the Head Nurse there at the time, told Jon it was his job to teach all the other Mis North nurses about g-tubes, and he loved this great new challenge! The move North also resulted in his being transferred to Park School in Evanston, and his life continued to open in so many wonderful ways with everything that Mis North had to offer. Things only got better when the McGowan Home opened its doors and Jon was one of the original sixteen residents to move into this beautiful home designed especially for the non-ambulatory. Windows and tables at wheelchair height, open spaces, and wide hallways, two levels with a big elevator – true family style living, and to this day always an exceptional staff.
Jon’s life continues to be rich and full, and over the years he has grown in ways I never dreamed possible. He’s busy every single day, and he has the advantages of DT, Art and Music Therapy, PT, OT, and Speech Therapy, Recreation & Leisure, Bob & Madge’s Sing-Alongs, the Fitness Center, Gym, and Pool, as well as his regular home day visits. Also, Misericordia long ago “adopted” both Jon and me into what I consider to be our second family. I love volunteering, spending time with Jon both on campus and at home and interacting with the amazing staff and the other residents and their families. And as I age, I sleep better at night knowing that Jon has a real “home away from home” where he is loved and where he is safe, happy, and genuinely cared for. Blessings and my heartfelt thanks to Sister Rosemary, Fr. Jack, Mary Pat O’Brien and the entire Misericordia staff who work tirelessly to make Jon’s life so happy and healthy!
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