Perfect in my Mind

Perfect in my Mind

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

I've been thinking a lot about . . .

Jaden John Reardon. What an incredible little peach. Throughout the years our friendship has experience many different levels. Acquaintance-->Annoyance-->Friend-->Best Friend-->Boyfriend-->Family. I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who could so beautifully fulfill each of these roles, and still come out favorably in my eyes. Some things you should know about Jaden: 1) He’s incredibly fashionable. He knows way more about brand names, designers, patterns, and how these things co-exist than I ever hope to understand. 2) Every time I see him, he seems to somehow be closer to the Lord. He’s truly begun to radiate the Light of Christ from his countenance—and I feel stronger spiritually just by being in his presence. 3) He is unbelievably intelligent. Jaden has a brilliant mind. In high school he always got amazing grades—and continues to do well in his academic pursuits. This little nugget is entering the mission field with his Associates degree. Holla. 4) Jaden is very productive. Every time I call or text him he’s doing something to either better himself or the world around him. Last summer he even took up gardening. And no. He’s not eighty seven. 5) He has a gift for design. He knows exactly how to place something to make a room go from drab to fab. He’s going to do great things for the aesthetics of the world. 6) He exemplifies Gordon B. Hinkley’s counsel when he said, “whatever you do, do it well.” He literally does everything well. Or better than well. 7) Jaden is exceptionally self-less. He would give the shirt off his back (provided it wasn’t from Neiman Marcus) if it would help someone. He has driven miles, given up hours of time, and spent his own hard-earned money in an effort to help those loves. 8) He knows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint is the only true and living church on the earth today. His passion for the gospel exceeds that of almost anyone I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. He is serving a mission because he wants those who don’t yet have the opportunity to experience the joy he knows to be eternal. 9) He has the power to make anyone smile. He’s got a killer sense of humor. Sometimes I chuckle involuntarily just thinking about some of the outrageous things he’s said. 10) I’m going to miss him so, so, so (etc.) much for the two years he’s away—but I’ve never seen Jaden happier, or more prepared to do anything. Thus, I am happy for him. He is going to make an incredible missionary.
Good luck out there, kid.  You're going to do great.

2 comments:

MicheleBryant said...

Love your blogs. Good girl, my Chelsea!

Chelsea said...

I LOVE you, my darling mother!