Harlan Place

James Taylor may have only gone to Carolina in his mind, but for my little brother, goin’ to Carolina is the real deal… well, to South Carolina, anyway. In just over a week, my “little” (6ft+ tall!) brother Jordan will be graduating high school, with plans to head south to study at the University of South Carolina. . I can hardly believe it. When did he grow up?? I can still remember him clomping around the house in cowboy boots and a diaper, with a fully-loaded bottle as his pistol.

I can’t help but smile at the memories of him as a little boy. My parents named him Jordan, but that didn’t suit me. I’m a nickname girl, and I just couldn’t bring myself to call the little guy “Jordie”. So I picked apart his name “Jo – or – Dan” and decided I had two choices. I tried out both names, but Dan didn’t fly, so “Jo” it was. I’m pretty sure my family thought I was nutty but it worked for me. I still call him Jo. It fits.

So anyway, some memories of Jo …
… born with a head chock full of thick dark hair, unlike the rest of us baldies (I think my mom may’ve actually cried that day my dad took the electric shaver to those beautiful locks!)
… enthralled with a broom and dustpan as his play toys (who needed GI Joe?!)
… a total man’s man right from the start (and yet possessed an unequaled charm that never failed to woo the ladies)
… a special talent for melodrama (any backyard bruise would have him dragging himself laboriously across the kitchen floor on all fours… groaning with a measure of agony befitting a war-torn soldier!)
… and of course, there was the cowboy boots/bottle routine (which went on for more years than he’d care to admit!)

I teased him relentlessly, as big sisters are wont to do. And I guess I haven’t completely given up the habit. Though these days, despite my playful jesting about his early years, I can’t help but look at Jordan in a different light. While he still makes me laugh with his boyish charm (and a good dose of Spillane cynicism!), he has matured in ways that have both impressed and inspired me. His faith, love, and commitment seem to know no boundaries. God has certainly blessed him with a servant’s heart, and a heightened understanding of, and dedication to, church as a true community of believers.  Jordan would (and often does) make any sacrifice to come to the aid of a brother or sister. He has poured out his heart, his love, his talent, and his time in a measure of selflessness that is unparalleled in even the greatest men of our day. And I have the honor of calling him brother.

Jo… I just want you to know that I see the fire that Jesus has set aflame in your heart, and I am moved beyond words at the tenderness He has given you for your brethren. I am already inspired by the strength of your faith and the depth of your love, and yet I know it is only the beginning. I pray that God would continue the good work that He has started in you, and I just know that He’s got awesome things in store for you as He expands your ministry and deepens your faith. I can’t wait to see His plan for you unfold, and realizing that your move to USC is undoubtedly the start of the next phase of that journey, I am truly excited for you. But Jo… I’m really gonna miss you.

Our little “monkey” definitely likes to monkey around! He is crawling and climbing and bouncing and jumping and keeping Lane and I on the move (to catch him when he leaps for the fire or loses his footing while hanging on for dear life to the coffee table!). It’s amazing to see how fast his little motor skills are progressing. He is changing from a baby to a little boy right before our eyes. What an awesome blessing this child is to our lives!

After four years of stellar academic performance, my oldest younger sister (Favor) is graduating from West Chester University on Saturday with highest honors, Summa Cum Laude. I am so proud of all that she has accomplished. For those of you who don’t know Favor, she is a fun-loving, spirited girl with a genuine enthusiasm for life. With a ready smile and a joyful laugh, she is always ready to embrace life’s next adventure. Her adventure at WCU has reached its completion, but her next advenure is already underway. Favor has accepted a teaching position in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Florida is already called the sunshine state, but with Favor as its newest citizen, it’s about to get a little brighter. Favor, I know that your dedication to your students, your commitment to excellence, and your love for teaching is going to impact Broward County in ways they never imagined. You will touch lives there, just as you have here… and I am excited to see the growth and success that you will experience in return. Congratulations for not only reaching this exciting milestone, but for attaining your degree with such high honors and with such a gallant plan for a very promising future. I love you and wish you great happiness in Florida.