March 29, 2020

His Last Gift

The decision to write this post did not come easily. How much of this family’s intimate journey do we share? Where is that fine line in the sand when it all becomes TOO personal? Jon’s last few days were excruciatingly painful and yet, they were heroic and noble and beautiful at the same time. I hope my writing abilities do this man justice because the community of you who have been faithfully following along in this agonizing journey should know exactly how selfless and courageous Jon’s last act, Jon’s last “gift” to his family was. It is also fitting as today marks what would have been Jon’s 37th birthday. If my previous posts haven’t fully painted the picture of what a beautiful human Jonathan Watson was, Jon’s last acts on Earth certainly will. They are testament to him, to his boys, to his friends and family and they are a testament to Megan.

It’s Monday, February 17th, 2020 and Megan is uncontrollably sobbing in a UCLA Medical hospital waiting room; a tiny, stale chamber that had become our makeshift disaster nerve center. It was the second worst day of Jon’s journey, tomorrow would be the worst. Jon’s team of doctors and nurses had just finished telling Megan what a best-case scenario would look like for Jon, and it wasn’t good.

In addition to other life support machines Jon, in a best-case scenario, would always need to be strapped to a feeding tube. He would never be able to breathe without the assistance of a ventilator and because of that, he would never be able to leave the hospital or caregiver facility, he would never be able to come home. More devastatingly, Jon would never be able to actively contribute to his boys’ lives ever again. Like a rapidly-spreading wild fire, the pneumonia and secondary infections ravaged Jon’s lungs leaving only an area the size of a silver dollar of healthy lung tissue in their wake. Jon’s condition, best-case scenario, left zero room for “quality” in his future quality of life.

The state of Megan’s quality of life after what she had been through was also a source of constant worry for her family and friends. How much grief and sadness can one person physically and mentally handle? Megan still has to be a mom, Megan still has to live, Megan still has to go on. Watching Jon’s body deteriorate over the past few weeks, it was at times grueling to know that despite it all, Jon’s mind was still there. Aware, for the most part, of what was going on. Aware of his sickness. Aware of the daily, hourly struggle. A sign posted at the head of his hospital bed reminded guests and medical staff that Jon could hear and understand all that is being said around him. How cruel and devastating can this disease possibly get? However, what was once considered merciless punishment would now serve as a guiding light for Megan. In their 10-year marriage, Jon and Megan had countless strengths; a strong communicative connection was one of them.

“I know what I have to do” Megan gasped in between weeps.

Putting aside her tidal wave of emotions Megan found herself again at Jon’s bedside. Running her fingers through his hair and speaking to him tenderly Megan conveyed what she had just learned from Jon’s doctors about the quality of his future life, in detail. “Blink if you understand me Jon” she requested. On command, Jon blinked. Not surprisingly, even at his most ill, Jon’s mind was still uncompromisingly strong and mercifully so as the next question Megan knew she had to ask was the hardest and most life-altering.

Throughout his illness Megan, along with friends, family, doctors, and nurses alike all fought tirelessly for Jon. For weeks on end, day and night each of us carried our own heavy torch, adding it to the fire we hoped would burn bright and finally demolish his disease.
All the while Jon remained a helpless victim to it. But that soon changed.

Courageously, Jon was able to bear the burden for his friends, family, and most importantly Megan and their boys. Megan gave Jon the opportunity to carry his own heavy torch along with each of ours and bravely heave them into the fire.

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Today; Jon’s 37th birthday will be my last GoFundMe post. I realize the campaign platform has a shelf life, grief however does not. Going forward I will be posting a regular blog for those of you who wish to continue following Megan, Landon, Maddox, and Wyatt’s journey. Along with a good friend, we have created a website www.WatsonNation.com. Additionally from there you can support and get information on upcoming events; including Jon’s future Celebration of Life and fundraisers. You can also learn about and help support other families who have found themselves on similar heartbreaking journeys.


The love that has come from those of you who funded this campaign was a secure and ever-faithful crutch Megan found herself leaning on during many difficult times. I want to personally thank each one of you for your generous donations and thoughtful messages. The humanity and kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, each one of you.

#WatsonNation