I adore Parker. Love him to bits!!! In fact, so does my son Jackson. Even though neither of us have ever met little Parker, he is a part of us.
So, when I realized I was going to be in Salt Lake City for the Startup Princess conference, only 30 minutes away from Parker and his mom, Tammy, (our 5 Minutes for Special Needs managing editor,) I scheduled a flight that left at 8:25pm so I could spend all Saturday with Tammy and Parker. (If you haven’t met Parker before, he is also the star of his own blog, Praying for Parker.)
I hadn’t even stepped through the doorway before Parker’s eyes lit up — his whole face breaking into the most enchanting smile. Tammy introduced me to Parker and signed that I was a “friend.” Parker instantly reached out to hug me — Parker style!
Hugging Parker is like hugging love itself. He throws his arms around your neck and wraps his legs around your waist, squeezing with all his might. (And he has quite a bit of might!) He laughs and squeals and kisses.
Tammy was surprised about how quickly he took to me, “He doesn’t usually hug new people like that.”
I whispered to Parker, “It is because you know I love you!”
I asked my new friend Marcel Walker, a professional photographer and creator of www.myphotographica.com, if she wanted to come shoot Parker with me. She was thrilled for the chance to meet Parker and brought her camera and her daughter along. (Marcel took the two pictures above of me with Parker.)
The two of us shot photos of Parker and his family for about an hour. We all had a blast. Marcel is a beautiful soul and a wonderful photographer. I will share more of her photos of Parker later this week.
Here are some more of my favorite shots that I took of Parker on that wonderful Saturday afternoon — one with his big sister, (Parker has five older siblings!) one with his Daddy, one with his Mommy, Tammy, and one with both Mommy and Daddy.
I also have embedded a video of me introducing YOU to Parker! Don’t miss it. He is simply heavenly!
Finally, here is a video of me just minutes after meeting Parker. Spending time with Parker was pure bliss!
Janice,
Your words about Parker are so lovely and true. Your shots are lovely:) I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to go and meet Parker and Tammy. What a blessing! Thank you!
I didn’t watch the video however I looked at all the photos and have sort of “met” Parker before at magic marker mondays.
He looks and sounds like a sweet little soul!
He is so precious. Thanks for sharing.
We all love Parker! So glad you got to hang out with him!
Loved, loved, loved being able to get together! Thank you so much for all of the love and support you have shown Parker.
Parker has a right heart cath tomorrow. Could use lots (and lots!) of prayers for the procedure and it’s outcome!
Tammy and Parker
http://www.prayingforparker.com
What beautiful photos. They tell a story so well. Thanks so much for sharing it 🙂
He is beautiful. thank you for sharing with us.
How wonderful! Thanks for sharing,
Parker is just a SWEETHEART!
I’m so jealous that you got to meet Tammy and Parker! Beautiful pics and so happy to see a video of Parker!
Janice~ you are simply beautiful! You have such a natural beauty and your face just radiates happiness. I’m so glad that you got to spend this special time with Parker and his family, and that you were willing to share it with us!
What a beautiful boy!
I hope one day I get to meet Tammy and Parker in person too!!!!
Be still my heart.
Nell
Oh my goodness… I smiled so much reading this post and watching the video. Tammy just rocks and Parker is so darn cute. What an honor Janice that you all got to meet. Love the pictures 🙂
What a sweet soul and a precious little boy! (now I can’t wait for my daughter to get home from school, I could use a hug or 2!!)
That video just made my day. What a sweet, precious little man. Those hugs look like just the best!
Gorgeous pictures and family, Janice! Thank you so much for introducing our family to Parker. We’re praying for you, little man!
Thanks for sharing your first meeting with Parker…I’m tearing up. Hugs to Parker!
God Bless him!
That is such a moving story. Thanks for sharing it.
He is absolutely precious!