Many people have been praying for Jordan and his progress in the NAVY EOD program. I am appreciative, as is he, for those prayers.
Jordan called Thursday to tell us he was dropped from his EOD contract. He actually dropped because he was unable to complete a very tough aquatic test. He had to tread water, with no fins, while holding a 25 pound block, being constantly sprayed in the face with cold water in an 8ft. pool. Treading water has been a struggle for Jordan so we knew this would be tough. After four attempts, Jordan made the conscious decision to DOR. He knew he wasn't meeting the standard and hated the thought of letting his buddies down. He understood that lives depended on him being excellent at every assessment.
Once he DOR'd he chose to call me, mom. I must say that I didn't respond in the way he was hoping or that I should have. NEVER in my wildest dreams did I expect him to DOR. I wasn't expecting that call so my reaction was shock. I was disappointed, but not in Jordan, FOR him because he had worked so hard to get to this point. I asked the wrong questions and made matters worse.
I am afraid that I will no longer be his first call and I am truly sorry for that.
Jordan sent me a text not an hour after we spoke that day. Here is what he wrote:
"I'm still processing everything but I'm ok. I'm happy. First and foremost God has a plan for me and I'll glorify him no matter what, in good and bad. Secondly, I am in the United States Navy. I've always wanted to support this great country and be in the military. It's what I've been best at so far in my life."
I must say that those words from my 22 year old son, humbled me and made me more proud of him than any position, recognition or award could make me of him.
Like all young adults, Jordan has made some poor choices in his life. He is learning from them and better than learning, he is changing to be better.
When I was pregnant with Jordan and for his entire life, my prayer has been that he would love the Lord and glorify God in his actions. His words to me in that text message revealed to me that God is working in Jordan and Jordan is allowing God to work in him.
As for Jordan's NAVY career, he will go Undesignated Airman to Pensacola, Florida for four weeks of training, sent to a post to serve where he will prove himself. In September, he will be able to stripe up and have more options at his disposal. Until then, he serves in the US NAVY with "Honor, Courage and Commitment."
If any of the facts I have written are incorrect, I am more than certain Jordan, Craig and Lavoy will let me know. If and when that happens, I will post a correction blog.
GO NAVY!
