Classmates of Jonny Baggett, a Birdville High School senior who has been fighting leukemia, have nominated him to the homecoming court. The gesture is one way of showing him how much they care about him. Here is a message one friend posted on Facebook recently:
For those of you who have not had the blessing of meeting Jonathan Dean Baggett, I'm sorry. You're missing out on knowing an extremely awesome guy. I realize that despite murmurs of him across the school, those not in the Senior class or those that didn't attend Birdville last year( i.e Freshman, transfers, etc.) may wonder, what's the deal? Well this is an informational note for you about Jonathan "Jonny" Baggett.
It's hard to find just one word to describe Jonathan Baggett. One that does come to mind is: Devoted. anyone who knows Jonny knows that he has an unending faith in God. Whether you agree with his views or not, his ongoing loyalty is a source of complete admiration. Jonny is a dedicated member of Richland Hills United Methodist Church. Within this tight-knit group of Christian followers, Jonny served as the lead drummer in the praise team, and held a seat on the Central Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church. Throughout the week, and especially on weekends, the most common answer from Jonny when asked what he was doing that day was "Church stuff." Jon enveloped himself in the family he had at RHUMC, and never stopped contributing.
You always know where Jon stands on a subject, especially religiously. And nothing shakes Jonny's love of the Lord.
There's only one aspect of Jonny's life that he's even remotely devoted to as much as his relationship with God, and that's his family. Personally, I've only known Jonny since our freshman year (2006-2007), and that's fairly vague for me. However, I do know that his family was shaken that year. Jonny's father, a well established Methodist pastor, passed tragically due to a brain tumor. Although God may have a plan for all, it does not make the loss of someone any easier to swallow. Despite this loss, Jonny and his mother (Teresa), and sisters (Melissa and Holly) pushed onward. Their bond is stronger than many, evident to this day. They're always there for each other, offering the most support possible from one to the other.
Not everyone in the school knew Jonny, but those that did knew he was a great guy. He always studies hard, pushes himself to do his best, and tried to help those in need to the best of his ability. Courteous, kind, and a little shy, a person didnt forget Jonathan. He may not have been the most publicly outspoken person, to those who he knew well his opinions were quite often known loud and clear (as we from 3rd lunch Junior year know hahaha).
One of the most important parts of Jonny's life was simple: Soccer. Soccer was Jonathan Baggett. His entire life Jonny was associated and dedicated to soccer. Although he did have a brief stint with basketball, in the long run soccer proved to be his true sports love. ( On occasion, Jon has been known to become a "Fundamental Superstar Point Guard" while playing a game of basketball or two".) He played three years on Varsity for Birdville High at sweeper (or defense for those of us not soccer savvy), along with multiple indoor and outdoor club teams. Jon was at his most competitive and fierce while playing soccer (Not counting of course video games, which were a totally different story. Be prepared for a battle if your going up against Jon in Madden. Or Pokemon stadium. Definitely Pokemon.)
Finally, the pinnacle of this account.
For the duration of March, Jonny had been battling what was thought to be the flu. This was around the time of the first swine flu "outbreak" so tests were taken to be sure that this was not the case. Expecting simply negative swine flu tests, what came back was completely unexpected and frightening: Leukemia. Jon was rushed to Cook's Children's downtown, where the fight began to unfold. now his sister has kept a MUCH better account (www.carepages.com/carepages/JonathanBaggett, register for free to view the page) than I could provide here, so I will only make a note or two of Jon's fight with Leukemia. Since his initial chemotherapy and the ensuing complications that arose, Jon has fought for his life, in the most literal sense of the word, without ever seeming to slow down or be deterred. Always, he has kept his famous smile flickering across his face. Even in the down times it could be seen, waiting to re-emerge. Since that day in March, Jonny has dealt with the most off the wall, unexpected complications, in addition to his deadly disease, and handled it all with grace. He himself summed up the general attitude at the very beginning; upon learning of the approaching road and the demands it would take, Jonathan simply remarked: "The Battle Begins."
Jon has taught me many things, and despite it's over use and corny sound, this rings true: life really is a rollercoaster, with some valleys much deeper than some hills, and vice versa. No matter what point your at in life, you must always work to get yourself to the top of the next hill, and trust God will help you get there. Always keep your faith, and never give up
Since Homecoming nominations have come about I've heard many different things regarding Jonny's nomination. from "Yeah! Vote for Jonny!" to remarks such as , "Why should I vote for him besides the fact that he has cancer?". The latter remarks are not without base, and perfectly understandable.
Hopefully this has shed some light on why Jonathan is held in such regard among friends, and loved by so many, including myself.
Now I'm not trying to make Jonny seem like a saint, but he is genuinely an amazing man. I realize my accounts may be flawed, and that I certainly missed aspects of his life and personality that I simply do not know about. Please, all who know and cherish Jonathan as a friend, family member, acquaintance, or simply as someone you've heard about and wish to provide support, post your own accounts of Jon. any outstanding memories, or simply something you think others should know. Also leave prayers or support for those of you not familiar with the carepages website. Thank You for your attention.
** I would also like to note the amazing supporting cast Jonny has in his ongoing battle. His mother, Teresa Edwards, is an incredible woman with unparalleled resolve. She's by his side every day, with unfailing love and compassion. His sister Melissa and Holly strive to help their brother any way they can, and always carry him in their hearts, and strive to find new ways to help their younger brother, no matter the cost. His stepfather Robin loves Jonny like his own son, and never hesitates to drop everything to be there with him. In addition his grandmothers can often be found alongside their grandson, anytime they're even remotely thought about being needed. The gravity of Jonathan's personality has provided him with an enormous support base, and everyone praying for him daily, thank you for the continued support**
~~~~~~ Proverbs 3: 5-6
" 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."
God Bless You Jonny
-William Michael Hutsell
