I meant to post this right before the holidays...I did share the story directly with Anna, but I've continued to feel compelled to share it with you all as well...so, bear with me.
Jordan LOVED Christmas. LOVED it--the decorations, the music, the pure joy of the season and how it brought friends and family together. One night, I was picking him up to come hang at our house with Sammy. When he jumped in the car, I was "complaining" to Sammy about how it's too soon for Christmas decorations and why do people already have their decorations up?! I mean, it technically wasn't even Thanksgiving yet! Jordan jumped right in the conversation to say, "it's NEVER too early to put up Christmas decorations!" He was so matter-of-fact. I thought he was just messing with me, "Wait, Jordan, what?" But no...Jordan was 100% serious. He shared with us how much he loved Christmas and that decorations should be allowed to stay up year-round. The kicker was when he confessed how much he loved Christmas music. I was shocked...what 16-year old young male adult likes Christmas music?! He continued to tell us that he's not allowed to play Christmas music until at least the day after Thanksgiving because it drives his family nuts; but that if it were up to him, he'd play it all year long.
I just remember laughing and thinking, that's so cool. It seemed clear that his love for Christmas wasn't about the presents (which, let's be honest, that's all most kids really care about!). It was in that moment that I saw a genuine side of Jordan (usually, he would be cracking us up with his jokes or his singing and dancing). I could tell that Jordan's love for Christmas was more about the family and friends coming together and the magical feeling that we experience when we open our hearts. That feeling of hope, joy and the spirit of giving. At the time, I was simply amused. He and I got into quite the debate about the whole thing; it was clear he wanted to change my view.
This year, I couldn't stop thinking about that conversation throughout the holidays. In fact, this year, I smiled to myself when i saw the first house decorated BEFORE Thanksgiving. Thank you, Jordan, for reminding me what Christmas is supposed to be about. You really did have a heart of gold and it showed in your love for your friends and family. You are missed greatly and will continue to be missed by so many. Your stories will keep you close in our hearts and remind us of the good you brought to our lives every day.