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Jon Sr. wrote this open letter in regard to his health crisis in 2002 .

I just want to thank everyone for your prayers and expressions of concern for my recent health problems. At the moment I am doing very well, regaining strength day by day with the loving care of my wife and family. Back in January I had a routine colonoscopy, which revealed that a section was at risk for cancer. We found a surgeon to operate on me, and I stayed in the hospital from April 2 -5. The operation was satisfactory, but then I began having strange, unrelated symptoms of a neurological nature. After suffering for several months from a variety of symptoms, my doctor asked for a CAT Scan of my head, and they saw the cause of my troubles--- a small tumor on the brain stem! We found an excellent surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital who removed the growth on Friday, May 3rd. The operation was a complete success, and we found that the growth was not cancer, even though it happened to grow in a very bad place, putting a lot of pressure on the nerves that go to the body from the brain, causing these symptoms of dizzyness.

I stayed at the Mass. General for about two weeks to recover from the operation, and then transferred to a hospital nearby in Vermont. That gave me time to regain some strength and some practical training to prepare for going home again. I was released from that hospital on Tuesday, June 4, just one month after the operation in Boston. Even though I have been weak, I can tell that my strength is returning very gradually. Only one problem resulted from the surgery: a clot in one leg. Clots aren't terribly unusual for surgery, though, especially one which took over 12 hours in the operating room.

Brain surgery is a very serious and intrusive medical procedure. I was very much aware of the nearness of God throughout those six weeks, and I believe that is because of the prayers of so many people all over the world, asking for protection for me and skill for the doctors. I am very blessed to know that God does watch over every thing that happens in our lives, and uses every circumstance to our benefit. You can read about this very subject in the 8th chapter of Romans in the Bible. So I am returning with confidence to my work in the shop, trying to keep from doing more than I should each day, taking naps in the morning or afternoon to keep up my strength, and walking once a day.

As of October, my strength is nearly 100% again and I am working fully as before. The time in the hospital was redeemed somewhat by making new plans and developing new ideas for the flute. Now that I am back to work once again, I will try to fulfill the calling of making the finest flutes and head joints possible using the tools and equipment that are available. I will also schedule training courses once again during times when people are able to come to Vermont. Please pray that God will continue to bless this work and my mortal body toward that end. I know He has important plans for me and good uses for the gifts He has given. My family and I are all very thankful to God for His mercy and grace towards us!

-Jonathon A. Landell Jr.
October, 2002
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