Sheila Day 22
Today is an incredibly special day for our entire family. My son Jordan a.k.a. my Bunky, has been going through a grueling interview process for a position on the Fargo PD. For those of you that do not know how this goes it is awful! Many times through this journey I remembered how difficult it was as Jordan's papa went through the process to become a Minnesota State Trooper. Jord was just a young grasshopper when Cal first began to interview for the patrol. There was a brutal test . . . and wait. Once that step was done, there was another . . . and we waited again. Then I was interviewed and questioned . . . and we waited. Then another step, and another, and another, and another, and we waited, and waited, and waited and waited. It was AWFUL!!!! When he finally had confirmation that he was going to be part of the rookie school beginning that summer, we were so relieved. I had a little Bunky at home and a Bearsky on the way when Cal finally made his way to Arden Hills for training, That summer was BRUTAL on us as we scarcely saw him for many months, and when we did, he was studying and preparing for tests, washing clothes, and I was ironing military pleats into everything. He hardly ever came home because it would only be for a day or so. It was a difficult journey for all of us!!!!
Cal never really wanted Jordan to follow in his footsteps. You see, law enforcement is a tough life for families. It is difficult when you always have to work on weekends, holidays, or celebratory family events. It means a ton of sacrifice for families as they work together to support their cop. They are often the first person called if someone needs them, and also the first person someone trashes when things go wrong, they get a DWI, or a ticket. I heard awful things said about my kiddos daddy, my kids heard wicked things said about their papa, and to say it hurt was a vast understatement. As a family we knew the dance that happened after a fatality happened, and another, and another--always in 3's. We knew which days were going to be good and which ones were going to be difficult. Cal and I both know how hard this can be, and yet, our baby saw all of the "stuff" and still felt the pull that a much younger Cal felt when he first took his oath as an officer of the law.
Jordan can be a little bit of a . . . well, pardon the French, a smartass! He has a sarcastic edge that I must admit my kiddos come by naturally from my side of the family. He graduated at the top of his law enforcement class and I was so proud. As he began his speech, he said that his dad had been a pain in his ass since the day he started school for law enforcement. He then told of a supper he had with his pops where his dad got really quiet, looked him in the eyes, and said, "With all the time you took to finish school, you could have been a DOCTOR!" Too funny! Jordan talked about his journey leading to that day when he walked across the stage. He drove me NUTS in his academic quest. The boy graduated with his AA, his Law Enforcement Degree, and his BS all in the same week, yes, it IS possible and it CAN happen! Who does that? That being said, this mama was incredibly proud!
Jordan began the interview process in the beginning of September. It is horrible to be a mom in this process and I am totally sure that I deserve a tierra with lots of sparkles. Each and every step had me on edge. He would make it through one and I would breath a sigh of relief. Then there was another and I would pray for him before and pray that he could handle the results if they were not positive. We went through physical evaluations, psych evaluations, brain tests, physical tests, urine tests, and even lie detector tests. I believe I can adequately say that every part of the boys anatomy was probed . . . I am sure the lie detector test was like confession. I might like to see the results of that! Today, on December 18, 2014, I am proud to say that my son is an official member of the Fargo Police Department. On February 2, 2015, he will be sworn in and his father dressed in full patrol regalia will pin on our son's badge assuring the next generation will vow to protect and serve.
Tonight, I pray for Jordan, my future son-in-law Jesse, and Cal who all have vowed to protect and serve the communities in which they live. I also pray for those instructors like Jim Jesme and Chris Bjerken who were valuable mentors to my child. I pray for those who are on the streets right now and for those whose lives were lost. You see to protect and serve is a family affair . . . behind every law enforcement officer is a family that loves and supports them, praying that God will protect THEM while they SERVE.
Sheila
Sarah Day 22
We are all incredibly proud of Officer Jordan. I don't want to call him Officer Michaels because Dad is Officer Michaels. Dad is retiring at the beginning of June, so then Jordan can take over Dad's name as Officer Michaels.
After hearing the good news about Jordan's job, Jesse and I decided to invite he and Sam over for a celebratory dinner and a couple drinks. Drinks for everyone except Sam, because unfortunately she has to work tonight. On the menu tonight was sweet and spicy salmon with parmesan oven roasted asparagus and dinner rolls. Not too shabby for Sarah, eh? AND for those of you who read my post about baking, you will be proud to hear that I successfully baked homemade banana bread! Wooohooo!! It has been a great day.
One thing that has always bothered me a little is I had to miss Jordan's speech the day that he graduated from the Criminal Justice program at Northland. I remember I was working on the campaign that day and I wasn't able to get out of it. For whatever reason, I just haven't been able to completely get over that. As Mom mentioned, Jordan gets sworn in on February 2nd. If I thought missing his graduation speech was a big deal, NOW I have the misfortune of missing that too as Jesse and I will be on our honeymoon. Seriously?!?!? Talk about lightening striking the same place twice.
Nevertheless, I am beyond thrilled for Jordan and his new job. His hard work, dedication, and 45 career changes led him to where he is today. Not really 45, but at least 6 or 7! I admire my big bro for never settling for something he doesn't want. Even if other people disagree or question his reasoning, he's ultimately going to do whatever he wants to do. That's a very commendable and respectable quality to have. I'm looking forward to watching his journey and his career unfold. Officer Jordan is going to be one heck of cop!
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