Help a Horton Out

My big brother Jon was 25 years old when he got the shocking news that he had multiple sclerosis. That was back in 2004, but we remember it like it was yesterday. We were dismayed, but the specialists predicted a mild case with minimal disruptions to his life. LOL. Oh boy, were they ever wrong! The disease showed itself slowly at first, but then it quickly distinguished itself as an especially aggressive case, first affecting his balance, coordination, and lower extremity function, and then his upper body joined in. As he walked this path he first needed a cane, and eventually a walker (a wheelchair when necessary). He’s been bravely soldiering on with a walker ever since despite the herculean effort it requires. Jon’s never been short on effort though; if there was ever anything he could do to help himself along the way he would throw himself into it with everything he had. He stubbornly kept working long beyond the point most people would, eventually waving the white flag in 2018 when he’d completely exhausted his energy and remaining abilities. But man, he was such a trooper! I still remember dropping him off at Protective Life and watching him slowly, doggedly make his way in the door. I remember not only because it took a staggeringly long time, but also because I watched him smile and share a kind word with every single person he passed. This was touching to see but not surprising in the slightest. Jon has always been like that.

Despite having lost the ability to do so many of the things he loved and so many of the things we all take for granted he’s remained a beacon of light and positivity. He radiates a beatific acceptance that mystifies me to this day. Self-pity isn’t in his repertoire; bitterness isn’t in his vocabulary. His ability to adapt to his loss and even laugh about it along the way really show you a thing or two about what it is to be grateful for what you have, no matter how small. Despite the indignities becoming disabled requires you to accept, Jon has always maintained his dignity. He may be pretty bad at standing up, but man, does he have poise. You get the idea. And if you’re reading this and know my brother you already know exactly what I’m talking about.

Against all odds he met an incredible woman along the way, Jamie, my indomitable sister-in-law. She was able to see past my brother’s failing body to the heart and soul underneath. She had the courage to choose him anyway and face this disease with him head on. Her support is unwavering. Her work ethic is staggering. Her creativity is inspiring. He may be basically homebound, but she has transformed that home into a magical place where Jon can still find joy and inspiration. Their gothy love story is one for the ages! They are locked in a beautiful danse macabre that only they fully understand, but all of the Hortons are grateful every day for the life she’s helped my brother have despite his diagnosis. She does all this while being a mother to their daughter Roxie, a full-time nurse, and an attentive sister, daughter and friend.

But she’s one person, and those medical bills pile up. As if MS weren’t enough, he’s had some other weird health conditions emerge (trigeminal neuralgia chief among them), and the strain it’s put on his family finances has been significant. They’ve been making it work, living frugally and living on love for a long time, but even the strongest people need help sometimes. If you could see fit to throw a little change their way you can rest assured it would be received with the purest joy and utmost gratitude! Neither one of them is keen on asking for help, so I’m doing it for them.

To know Jon is to love him, and whether or not you’re able to give we’re all so very grateful for the love and support you’ve shown him and our family in this strange, sad, but somehow still uplifting journey (spoiler: the somehow is Jon himself). We’re so very grateful for him, and we’re grateful for all of you.