It is with much sadness and heartache that I must do this final update on Jonathan. On April 4, 2005 Jonathan was declared cancer free. April 6th, he was admitted to Pottstown hospital with an infection. He was then transferred to Hahnaman Hospital in Philadelphia, where he fought for his life until God told him that it was his time to come home. Jon went to be with God May 7, 2005. As hard as this is for everyone who loved his spirit, his joy of life, God has better plans for our friend. Jon said that God wasn't finished with him yet, and that is so true. It was just not in the way that we were praying and hoping for. We prayed for healing, and that is what he received. He received the ultimate healing, and now is in heaven painting with the other angels. Please join me in supporting his wife Melanie, as she tries to cope with his loss. If anyone would like to say a few words, or light a candle in his memory, there has been a website set up in Jon's name.Memory-of.com - Memorial website in memory of Jonathan Alting (1954-2005). I want to thank everyone who befriended Jonathan in class. It meant so much to him, to Melanie, and to me. Again, I am reminded why I paint. It may not always be happy moments, but these memories will last for a lifetime.
Art as Therapy
Jonathan's Story
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As told by his wife, Melanie...
Jonathan suffered a brain injury in August of 2001. He had brain surgery, was in a coma and went through extensive rehabilitation. As a result, Jonathan suffered a lot of physical and cognitive limitations. About 1-1/2 years into his recovery, Jon began to paint again. He had done some painting in college, but did not continue it. As he painted, his focus and concentration improved. He was able to multi-task and increased his productivity, but most important for Jonathan, his self esteem returned. He has gained life-long relationships through his painting.
A note from Jeanie...
When I first met Jonathan, he was just beginning to paint again. He needed to have his wife Melanie stay with him during most of the class. As time went on, Melanie was able to drop Jonathan off, and he would stay for the entire day by himself. But, as the day went on, he would call Melanie many times just to keep in touch. Eventually, Jonathan became much more independent. Jonathan progressed so quickly, that in July of 2003, he went to Florida to go through the Bob Ross Certification Course. He spent 7 weeks in Florida, 5 weeks entirely on his own. This was such a huge step for Jonathan, in fact a huge step for anyone to go through that much instruction in such a short time. Watching him progress, seeing his enthusiasm as he completed each painting, seeing his pride as he showed off his paintings was one of the highlights of my life. Melanie said that my patience with him really played a role in his recovery. But....Jonathan gave me far more than I gave him. I've grown to love them both, and feeling that I may have helped a tiny bit gives me such a feeling of joy. They have become dear friends, and I will always be grateful for the chance to have met them.
Now I know why I paint.
Update on Jonathan:
After all Jonathan as been through with his recovery from his accident, he found out that he had Mantle Lymphoma in April 2004. Jonathan went through many hospital stays, intense chemotherapy, and finally a stem cell transplant in December 2004. All the while, he continued to paint, (he painted in his hospital room and donated the painting to the hospital) and to do Tae Kwon Do, another love of his. In fact, in the midst of his chemotherapy, he went to a National Tournament and took first place in forms. When he was in the hospital, they allowed him to bring a stationary bike to his room, and he continued to exercise and practice Tae Kwon Do. One day I called him, and asked him how he was doing. He said his foot hurt, and I asked why....turns out, he hit the wall of the room when he was practicing his Tae Kwon Do!!! He called me when he was on the way home from the hospital, and said that he was going to be okay. He said that God wasn't finished with him yet, and there was a plan for him. How right he is.
Another lesson learned from Jonathan.........do not give up, thank God for every day, and enjoy life to the fullest.
