About ten years ago, God brought a gift into our life: our little brother, Musa.
He moved in with Jordan’s parents when he was thirteen and became part of the Demos Family. At the time, we were in our early twenties, still newly married, teaching elementary school together and building our photography business on nights and weekends.
When Mu entered our life, so did his best friend Jackson (Jackie!!! for those who know him). Mu and Jackie were an inseparable duo. Two peas in a pod. Like Batman and Robin. Where one went, the other was. They were always at each other’s side and always had each other’s back. It was rare and sweet. Everyone –– especially in middle school –– deserves a friend like that.
For a few years in high school, Jackie moved in with Jordan’s parents, too.
Because, sometimes, when it rains blessings, it pours. It was really like we got two new family members!
Jackie spent holidays with us and survived his fair share of Demos Family dinners. Think, the Bravermans, minus the bistro lights and slow motion laughter. We cheered (embarrassingly) loud for him at his soccer games and worshipped (proudly) together at church side by side.
He was even a part of some of our family vacations, including the infamous Demos Boys camping trip. The one where our dad had the idea… for the purpose of bonding and making memories… to take a bunch of city boys (aka ADULTS) with no outdoor survival skills… and have a train drop us off in the middle of the remote Colorado wilderness… without cell service… FOR A WEEK. While the girls floated in the lazy river at the pool!
Needless to say, even though Jackie isn’t legally a Demos, for everything he’s been through with us and been a part of, he’s certainly an honorary one –– and a fun bonus uncle to all of our kids! We were SO excited when we heard he found the one he’s going to do the rest of his life with.
Jackie, we love you and couldn’t be happier for you and Mikayla. She is such a keeper. The two of you together are such a beautiful duo. Keep smiling big and shining bright everywhere you go and in everything you do. We’re so proud of the man you’ve become and the beautiful woman (inside and out) that you’ve found to be your co-pilot in life. You are a blessed man.
As you enter this new season of life, as two people who’ve walked over ten years the road ahead, our best advice, if you do nothing else, is to always do two things: be best friends, and put God first. We’re so excited for you two and all He has in store for your future together.
