I’ve been in the TV business for nearly 20 years and have done hundreds of stories, but no story affected me more than the Chandler Jackson story. That’s Chandler’s picture below. If you haven’t seen the story, grab a box of tissue and click here : http://video.nbc5i.com/player/?id=255725
Stories that involve the death of a loved one are tough to tell. A story on the bizarre death of a child is even harder to tell. I have a son that is just four years younger than Chandler was when he died. When I was writing this story for air, I couldn’t help but think of my own son.
Chandler’s mom, Charmane, talked about the things she missed about her son… running her fingers through his hair and seeing him burst through the front door after school. I realized it’s the little things that we love about our kids.
I love when my son laughs. I love hearing his laughter while he’s watching SpongeBob Squarepants or Drake and Josh. I love when he reads to me. I love seeing him run with the pigskin at his football game. I get a kick out of him trying to rap like a rap star. It’s the little things.
Charmane’s best advice in our interview was not to sweat the small stuff. Don’t get too mad when your son or daughter leaves clothes on the floor or doesn’t make up the bed. She also urged all parents to spend quality time with your children. Quality time isn’t driving them to and from baseball practice or dance lessons. Quality time is one-on-one… reading, talking, singing, laughing.
So treasure the little things. Dont’ sweat the small stuff. Cherish the time you have with your children. Love your kids like there’s no tomorrow, because there might not be a tomorrow.
You can learn more about the Chandler Hugh Jackson Foundation at www.chandlersfoundation.org