Odin Frost and Jordon Granberry faced great difficulties.
Both were born with conditions that, at best, would make their lives much more difficult than other children. At birth, they were given about a 2 percent chance of survival. Doctors said neither of them would reach the age of seven, and if they did, they would never be able to walk.
In June Odin and Jordon went for a ride that defied those odds. The two men, now 18, strutted around the stage as they graduated from high school.
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Jordon, who suffered brain damage from lack of oxygen, and Odin, who is nonverbal autism, first met when they were three years old, according to KXAS-TV. Odin’s father Tim Frost told the store that he had a memorable first encounter.
“Jordon had just bitten Odin, and Odin retaliated by pinching him,” Frost said. “I think that was their way of showing each other what they were capable of, and in a fun way, a bonding moment.”
Frost, who called the graduation a “surreal” moment, shared a photo of the ceremony on Reddit. Along with him, he included a picture of his first day of school so many years ago.
The two men graduated from their school in Tyler, Texas, on June 16. Frost said it was particularly special that Odin could earn his diploma with Jordon at his side.
“Most children of Odin’s age, as well as adults, have not been kind to him,” Frost told KXAS-TV. “They look at them, look at them or even fear them … [But] with each other, the world never thought that there was something different or wrong with them, as it should be. “
Reddit users also seem to love Odin and Jordon’s friendship. Frost’s post has generated more than 120,000 positive votes and thousands of positive comments.
“Defying the odds! Wonderful! Congratulations! I work hard for parents too, ”wrote one user.
“The way your son’s best friend looks at your son … adorable,” added another.
“Their friendship lasted just like them. Both achievements are impressive. I’m so glad to see this! Another addition.
If you liked this story, check out In The Know’s profile on disability activist Annie Segarra.
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The charge Best friends beat the odds after receiving a 2 percent survival rate at birth first appeared in In the know.
