April 30, 2017

Jordan,

​

I have been asked to share a memory or maybe write you a letter. My memories are many and fond, so to pick just one is almost impossible. I could probably write hundreds of pages, but here goes:

I remember you as a newborn, watching you through the glass of the nursery. You were so small and had this huge eye mask on to protect you from the lights. Soon you were home and your mom and dad were so proud, as were the rest of us. I think we all knew then that you would be amazing. 

One time your parents went on a trip. I don’t even remember where they went, but I had the honor of watching you. You were probably not even two, and, as you know with your mom, that was huge. What I remember the most was how happy you were all the time. You would get up in the morning with a smile on your sweet face. I think I held you the entire time. It still makes me smile when I think back on it. You always did everything with passion… from wearing tails to a wrestling singlet. 

I loved to talk to you. You were knowledgeable, funny and remembered things we spoke of and would talk about them later or joke about something silly that had happened. Even when your mom and I couldn’t remember a Disney name, you could (and hated when we tried to sing).

Remember when we picnicked in San Isabel? You were probably five or six. You went through every change of clothing your mom brought. She just wouldn’t let you be wet, but you managed to stay wet (as did your dog Nikki). 

I drove to many a wrestling match and even a play or two. We drank gallons of tea and I would cringe when you ate hash…yuck! I cried when you graduated and celebrated you going off to college. Then when you left for the dig in Italy, I knew you would be amazing. Of course you were…making a find and then having it published and then going a second time! I am sure you never knew how happy I was for you and a little jealous to actually live that dream, Indie! Jordan, you left a big impression on many. On me, it was love never ending.

So in the great words of King Louie “I wanna be like you.”

I love and miss you more.

February 28, 2017

My Dear Friends,

I just want you all to know that I am thinking of each of you. I do so often, but in particular, you are on my mind today and tomorrow. ...and of course, I am thinking about Jordan - what a light he was in so many lives - and how very terribly he is missed. He was one of a kind and i was so very happy to be able to get to know him and watch him grow. 

I often come across a picture of him that I have from one of his trips back here with Lee, this one in 2011. The picture always makes me stop and remember what a fine young fellow he was and how much fun we had on those visits; it was like he had been in High School with us, it was that comfortable hanging out. Truly remarkable!

I don't think I can ever forget him. I just wish I had been able to tell him. 

A lesson here, for me, is not taking people's presence in our lives for granted; so, let me just say to you... even though we don't see each other a lot and you don't hear from me often, I want you to know that you are all like family to me and I love you.

March 04, 2017

Dear Jordan,

​

Thinking back to times we spent together and still I cannot believe you are gone. 

One of my earliest memories of you was in 2005 at our parents’ wedding. You were gracious beyond your years and I recall you and Randy reciting Monty Python, which led us all to laugh uncontrollably. 

Then on a backpacking trip a few years later, you came with me as we trekked out from camp to get water and chatted all the while. You were kind and authentic, so easy to talk with – a truly beautiful spirit. I was very impressed by you, as you were polite and good natured in every way. I felt so happy to have you as a brother. 

On our Belize trip we had such fun – happy memories of adventures and laughs, zip lining harnesses and you smiling in your ray bans en route to the Blue Hole. 

I can picture you playing with my cousins – a natural with children – they simply adored you. 

At Grandad’s funeral you gave the most sincere and loving eulogy – and when our 14 year old yellow lab passed away you sent a hand written note offering your condolences in elegant penmanship. I remember thinking how rare it is for anyone, let alone a millennial to take the time to do this, but that was YOU! 

Always thoughtful, wise beyond your years, a true gentleman. You were incredibly bright, and I frequently would intersect one of your conversations with my Dad about history, politics or anthropology feeling utterly unable to keep pace with your intellect. 

Not only a gifted scholar but also a talented musician, I remember you playing at our wedding – with guitar skills that out shone our hired band. You could play just about anything – with versatile musician tastes you cracked me up last Christmas when you cranked out RL Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.” 

And when last Christmas we announced our pregnancy you gave me the warmest hug – congratulating me – I felt utter delight knowing the positive influence you would undoubtedly have on our little one as their Uncle Jordan. 

And then, just like that, all too quickly, you were gone from us. We love you completely Jordan and feel grateful for the time we did have together. Thank you for being you, for making our lives better just by having known you.