Life According To Jordan

This is something I actually wrote last year and have already shared with many of you. I’ve chosen to use it as my second official blog post as it gives a true flavor of what I am all about. Jordan just visited me for a week recently, and every time I spend time with him I am reminded of all of the valuable lessons he has taught me, and continues to teach me about life.

Life According to Jordan

My younger brother Jordan is classified as special needs due to a long childhood battle with leukemia which had him frequently hospitalized and heavily drugged. Through his strong spirit and determination he won his battle with cancer, but as a result of the treatment and illness he sustained lifelong brain damage.

Having Jordan as a brother has certainly kept life quite interesting. I am now 31 years old with two young children of my own and I can’t help but reflect on the valuable life lessons that Jordan has unknowingly taught me that I carry with me each day. Because of Jordan, I am a better mother, wife, and person.

#1. Be friendly and non-judgmental to everyone you meet – One of Jordan’s best qualities is that he doesn’t have the ability to judge anyone. Therefore, he treats everyone equally with no judgment.

#2. Don’t spend time worrying about what others think of you – Jordan looks different, but the great thing is that Jordan doesn’t realize he looks different. When we go out in public, everyone stares and Jordan is completely oblivious! What a wonderful quality.

#3.  Hang on to your innocence – Jordan strongly believes in things such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. I love how throughout the years, even as my siblings and I continue to grow, our holidays are still filled with the magic of childhood, thanks to Jordan.

#4. When people least expect it, surprise them! – Jordan has an amazing ability to come up with a gesture, a speech, an action, a phrase out of the blue which is usually surprising, often shocking and totally spontaneous. It usually elicits lots of laughter.

#5. Stick with what you believe in – Although it can be frustrating at times, if Jordan believes in something (even if it is getting his own way), he does not waver and is completely uninfluenced.

#6. Trust your instincts – Jordan has an amazing ability to instinctually determine a person’s character. Usually upon first meeting them. Jordan steers clear of those who are unkind and uncaring , while he gravitates to those who are open and warm. Jordan is lucky. He is completely surrounded by love, and I don’t think that’s by mistake.

#7. Dance like no one is watching, and dance more! – Jordan LOVES music and loves to dance. He does so without inhibition, no matter who is watching and he really “feels” the music. I wish I did that more.

#8. You can do anything you set your mind to, and you can do it REALLY well – Even though Jordan is unable to live a “normal” life for a young man his age he is an AMAZING skier.  He loves to ski, he approaches every turn with utter passion, or shoots down the hill with pure, giddy enjoyment.