"BRAUD"

I have been sitting here looking at my computer wondering where and how to begin this post.

For those that know me, know that I am very seldom lost for words........

However today I am.......

So as I begin to type, I ask God to give me the words to tell this story of love, a love that began many years ago......

BHS ROCKS THE HOUSE!!!!

BHS BUCS

This is one of the many chants you could hear from the football stadium years ago as our beloved Broadmoor Buccaneers took the field.

The stands are filled with parents, fans, pep squad, otherwise known as the Buccarettes.

The band fills one side with the dancers, Babes in Blue, while the cheerleaders fill the side lines.

The excitements of those “Friday night lights” are one in a million for us all.

It was our time, our days and nights of our youth....

Where memories were made and relationships formed....

Crisp cool fall days, Friday morning pep rallies,  everyone either in uniform or spirit designed clothing,  When I close my eyes, I can see it all as if it was yesterday.

I can see “him” walking across the court yard, in his football jersey, the famous mullet haircut, crooked smile and eyes that sparkled.

His “strong teddy bear” stature made him all the more popular along with the love he had for all his friends.

I can hear his voice yelling my name…”Wilson” because none of us had first names, right?!

I remember him as a precious friend from high school; there are others who at a very young age he became their “brother” and long time friend.

* Lanya and Jon..her brother, his sister*

Once again in the world of facebook, our BHS family has been able to remain in contact and up to date with each other’s lives.

 It has been through this, we all have been able to keep up with “him”…..

“Jon Braud” or known to most as Jonny B…….

~Friends that last a life time~

Jon was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Alzheimer’s when he was 40 years old. 

To say it broke those of us who love him hearts would be an understatement,

However to watch Jon and his beautiful, strong courageous wife fight this fight has been a testimony in itself.

 (I have never met his wife, but she has now been added to my list as one of the strongest women God ever created)

~Jon and his beautiful wife Cindi~

I have seen the pictures where Jon, his wife and several BHS friends have walked and campaigned to find a cure for this disease.

We all have been privileged to see him, family and friends standing to fight this fight.

 Words can never express the pride so many of us carry in our hearts for him.

For we all are………..

~Ties that bind, the love of friends~

It is with a heavy heart this story, Jon’s story, takes a turn that saddens all our hearts………….

Jon was recently diagnosed with yet another disease……

Cancer…….

The time the doctors gave him sadly came faster than anyone would have thought.

For many watching from the side lines, the disbelief, the sorrow and sadness has been heart breaking.

“He is too young to go…..” plays through some many hearts and minds.

For those who have been a part of Jon’s journey on a daily bases, it has been overwhelming as well as heart breaking.

And once again, the images of my high school friend are replayed in my mind……..

It doesn’t matter how old we all are, how many gray hairs, or lack of hair, crow’s feet, or changes to our once fit bodies…….

I still see the football player, the cheerleader, the dancer, the baseball player, the class president and choir singer.

Yes, I still see us all as the teenagers we once were……..

It is a precious image~

I do not know much about Jon’s adult life, other than what the world of technology has allowed him and his wife Cyndi to share.

And for that I am grateful…..

God’s words tell us in

Hebrews 12:1-2

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I believe part of Jon’s great cloud of witness came from those that have gone on before him.

His Father…..

His brother….

And even our beloved Coach Carter…..

Jon has ran his race, made it to his destined finish line…..into the sweet arms of Jesus.

Jon went to be with the Lord on September 24^th 2012

 Jon’s journey has taught me to love stronger, love harder and love deeper.

His precious wife has taught me, in a world that gives up so easily, what it means to truly stand by and fight for the one you love.

His sweet, loving mom Ms. Sue …there are no words that can describe how wonderful of a woman and mom she is……

She is amazing~

*The love of a mom is unmeasurable*

For all of Jon’s BHS family, I believe when those crisp, cool fall days approach us, there in the wind we will hear the soft version of “BHS Rocks the House” and there we will see Jon walking across that court yard, wearing his football jersey, crooked smile and eyes that sparkle, as he now has become a part of our great cloud of witness, cheering us all on to finish our race………….

We love you “Braud”

God Bless~

xoxoxox
"Wilson"

 

*Donations can be made in Jon Braud's name to the following:*

Alzheimer's Association

Mississippi Chapter

196 Charmont Dr.

Suite 4

Ridgeland,Ms 39157 

*Photo Credits* The photos I have posted are borrowed from Lanya Verdicanno and Jon Brauds FB page. I take no credit from these photos.*