• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS

5 Minutes for Mom

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Snack
      • Lunch
      • Appetizer
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Ingredient
      • Apple
      • Beef
      • Blueberry
      • Chicken
      • Chocolate
      • Cranberry
      • Peach
      • Pumpkin
      • Squash
      • Strawberry
      • Tomato
      • Vegetables
      • Zucchini
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Baking
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • No Bake
      • One Dish
      • Slow Cooker
    • Type
      • Breads and Rolls
      • Cakes and Muffins
      • Condiments
      • Cookies and Bars
      • Drinks
      • Food for Kids
      • Gluten-Free
      • Main Dish
      • Pies and Crisps
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Wraps
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies
      • Soup
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Kids Crafts
    • Printables
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing
  • Family Life
    • Giveaways
    • Lifestyle
    • Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Parenting
    • Pet Care
    • Special Needs
    • Time Management
    • Travel
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

Jackson and Parker

January 24, 2009 by Janice

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail

My boy Jackson is a handful.

He is an active, testosterone infused seven year old who is long on energy and short on impulse control. Raising him is as exhausting as it is entertaining.

But beneath all the wildness of Jackson, is a tender heart.

It is easy to miss. When in trouble, my little monkey might hand over any unlucky soul standing nearby if it would allow him to escape punishment.

But if you get a chance to really see Jackson’s heart, you will see it bruise and bleed at the thought of someone suffering.

I had a peak at his sweet heart yesterday. As I hollered at him to hurry and get in the car for school, I heard a horrific, ear piercing shriek.

“Mommy! Mommy! The worst thing has happened! The bird — the bird is hurt!” Jackson was frantic and inconsolable as he pointed to a small bird lying in the driveway, struggling and failing to fly away. (And if you know Jackson, that child does frantic like no other.)

Now, while I rescued many a wounded bird in my childhood, even sending a tar-coated pigeon in a pet taxi to a wildlife rescue an hour out of the city with my parents’ credit card, I no longer have any desire to nurse a parasite loaded sparrow back to health.

I went and inspected the bird who now appeared lifeless.

I got Jackson in the van, trying to console him that the bird had died and there wasn’t anything we could do.

As we drove to school, I felt for my son who was grieving over a wild bird. But I was relieved to see that my son’s compassionate heart was alive and well, and without letting Jackson see, I smiled a little.

Then tonight, Jackson made me smile again.

Even though Jackson has never met Parker, 5 Minutes for Special Needs‘ editor Tammy’s son, Jackson adores little Parker.

He prays for him regularly and longs to play with him. I can just imagine how he would tend to Parker if given the chance. He would just love on that little guy!

When Parker is sick and in the hospital, Jackson’s voice cracks with worry as he prays for him or asks me, “When will he be better?”

So tonight, when Jackson was pestering me to play video games on my computer, I told him that he could actually play video games and it would earn money for Parker.

“You mean I can earn REAL money for Parker JUST by playing video games?!? SWEET — I am going to play every day!”

And Jackson played his little heart out, “I am earning sooo much for Parker!”

I didn’t have it in me to tell him that his score wasn’t determining the amount earned. He was so excited at the thought that as his fingers flew, he was sending money to Parker.

“Boy, Parker is going to feel better in seconds — everybody is playing for him!”
Jackson was simply thrilled.


Playing for Parker
I wish it were so simple. But at least as Jackson played the video game, he felt like he was helping his little friend.

While it certainly won’t make Parker “better” and it might not even earn that much for his medical care, we can actually all follow Jackson’s lead and help Parker by taking a break and playing video games at Playing for Parker.

Thanks Jackson for caring about sweet, little Parker!!!

ShareTweetPinPocketMail
Why You Should Comment On Blogs
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere – Week 68

About Janice

Janice is co-founder of 5 Minutes For Mom. She's been working online since 2003 and is thankful her days are full of social media, writing and photography.

Reader Interactions


Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

16 Comments

  1. melody is slurping life says

    January 27, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Well, I know 3 boys who will pop over and be frequent players for Parker. Thanks for sharing this project.

    P.S. Love Jackson’s tender heart!

    Reply
  2. Maria M (Conversations with Moms) says

    January 26, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    Your son is a great example of what happens through good parenting. I’m still praying for Parker.

    Reply
  3. Jen says

    January 26, 2009 at 1:42 am

    I love the games pages.

    Janice this post really had me in tears. I have always said my Madisyn is such an old soul. She is the same way as Jackson. Always looking out for others and caring so much. She is even the same way at school her teachers say.

    What a truely remarkable and wonderful boy you have! Give him a big (((HUG))) from us :).

    Reply
  4. Mozi Esme's Mommy says

    January 25, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    What a sweetie! That’s the type of attitude I’d like to ingrain in my little girl…

    Reply
  5. casual friday everyday says

    January 25, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    Janice,

    Your son sounds so much like my oldest. And my oldest gets his heart from his Mommy. It is sometimes a huge burden to have such a soft heart but it’s one of the greatest gifts ever.

    Jackson is a beautiful soul and I’m impressed by how much he cares. I have a sneaking suspicion that he gets that heart from you.

    Nell

    Reply
  6. Petula says

    January 25, 2009 at 10:51 am

    He’s such a sweet adorable boy with a big heart. It’s “funny” how we notice these traits in our children at the most inopportune moments, but it’s important that we do. I love how you stop and notice these moments. I know it makes me appreciate my children even more when I do. Beautiful story. I have Parker’s button on my blog and I hope he’s doing better.

    Reply
  7. Tammy and Parker says

    January 25, 2009 at 3:23 am

    Dear Jackson,

    I wanted to come and thank you for all of your prayers and for all of your love for Parker.

    I truly believe that it because of prayers, especially the prayers of those who have hearts as good and pure as yours, that Parker is growing and getting better.

    Your love and prayers are so very healing. They bless Parker’s health and my heart.

    With much love and thankfulness,

    Parker’s Mama

    Reply
  8. Mommy Cracked says

    January 25, 2009 at 1:23 am

    What an amazing little guy! Nothing warms my heart more than children so eager to help others. Thanks for the information about Parker’s site.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    January 24, 2009 at 11:30 pm

    I love boys with sweet and tender hearts. Which is good since I have three of them! Sounds like my guys and your Jackson could have a lot of fun together!

    Reply
  10. Amy N. says

    January 24, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    what a sweet heart your son has. i have an active boy as well and it is so rewarding when his tender side comes out too.

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    January 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    And cue the tears… my 9 year old is the same way. Our boys would get along famously. Bruthas from anutha mutha lol

    I hadn’t considered having the kids play to help Parker. Such a great idea I will have them do it later.

    Your son is sweet. I recall the best thing a teacher ever said to me during a conference – we are our children’s ONLY advocates, and we need to fight the good fight for them (my son is one of the oldest in his class, and most gifted intellect-wise, and so he’s easily bored, and often gets in trouble – she was addressing this to me during a conference), that all they have is us to rely upon when needed. It goes without saying, as parents of course, but in some ways, it didn’t until then as far as his schooling goes. I never ever considered that a tired, overworked teacher wouldn’t recognize what my son was, and wouldn’t want to help. His teacher said they might “peg” him as something else, and we’d be his only advocates in his life to ‘fight the good fight’ to protect him.

    So you fight that fight for him, long on energy, short on impulse control. He sounds as though he, too, is smart as whip, with intelligence coming out of his ears, with the hugest heart imaginable, but quite capable of passing the buck if in trouble (just like mine).

    You’re doing well, momma. Does my heart good 🙂

    Alright, off to go wipe some tears.. damn post-pregnancy hormones…

    Reply
  12. Cat says

    January 24, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    If I ever had to describe my 7 year old son, I would you say you summed him up perfectly for me.

    Reply
  13. Michelle Wyson says

    January 24, 2009 at 11:10 am

    Sounds like your raising a real great kid. That was a great story. It was a good way to start my day.

    Reply
  14. Angie says

    January 24, 2009 at 10:53 am

    What an awesome story! Your little boy truly has a heart of gold.

    My 4 year old is a lot like Jackson. He is rambunctious, energetic, and definitely all boy. But, he is the most caring little boy that I have ever seen. I have been dealing with post-partum depression and there are moments when I will sit on the couch and just cry. Jace will always sit on the couch beside me, put his arms around me, and tell me how much he loves me. He’s like this with everyone he knows. He can’t stand to see anyone or anything hurting.

    Our prayers are with Parker. Every night my kids pray for Parker, only they call him “the other Parker” since their new little brother is also named Parker.

    Thank you for sharing such a sweet story with us. Be proud, Mom! You’ve got a wonderful little boy who is going to grow up into an amazing man.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer McCullar says

    January 24, 2009 at 9:35 am

    How sweet & thoughtful, it sounds like you are rasing a caring little man. Just warms my heart.
    Also, Parker is a sweetheart and we hope he feels better soon.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Bringing Moms Together

We are Janice and Susan, twin bloggers and work-at-home moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.

Meet Us…

Work With Us…

Subscribe via Email

to be first to read new posts

Trending Now

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Instant Pot Apple Crisp that is Ready in Minutes!

Instant Pot Apple Crisp that is Ready in Minutes!

browse around

  • Posts by Susan
  • Posts by Janice
  • Favorite Recipes
  • Favorite Crafts
  • Giveaways
  • All Posts

Footer

Recipes

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

25 Awesome Rainbow and Green St. Patrick’s Day Treats

25 Awesome Rainbow and Green St. Patrick’s Day Treats

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Crafts/DIY

DIY Flower Press – How To Press Flowers

DIY Flower Press – How To Press Flowers

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Giveaways

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 5 Minutes for MomTheme by Melissa Rose Design and Once Coupled