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In the Face of Adversity

2/22/2017

14 Comments

 

Memories of My Father:
Thoughts from an Episcopal Senior on Integrity in the Face of Adversity"

In Memory of Kirk R. Jackson Sr. (February 22, 1957 - October 11, 2009)

Picture
“Wake up! Wake up!”. Those were the first words that Dad said to me that day. It was 6:30 in the morning on Sunday, October 11, 2009. I was just beginning to wake up as the sunlight crept through the windows and crawled onto my bed. I hurried to get dressed and ran out of my room and into the kitchen. The smell of grits, eggs, and bacon filled the entire house, as it did every Sunday morning ever since we evacuated.
​

We moved to Gonzales, Louisiana in December of 2006, the year after Hurricane Katrina, because my parents felt that it was best to leave New Orleans. For the next few years, I truly believed that this was going to be the biggest challenge of my life. I was terribly wrong.

Later that Sunday morning, Mom, Dad, and I were packed and in the car on our way to New Orleans. Even though we lived in Gonzales, we still visited New Orleans every Saturday and Sunday. On Saturdays, we would drive over to Grandma’s house and visit my grandmother, cousins, aunts, and uncles. On Sundays, we attended our church in New Orleans. However, this particular Sunday, Mom and I decided to stay at Grandma’s house while Dad attended church alone.

Later that day, I remember hearing crying through Grandma’s bedroom door. The next thing I knew, my cousins and I were rushed into the car and drove swiftly to the hospital. With Grandma crying profusely, Mom walked me into a hospital room-- my Dad’s hospital room. As I approached the room, chills rushed through my veins and my heart felt like it was about to beat out of my chest. Dad died that Sunday, October 11, 2009, and that’s the day that I actually had to grow up.
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​“Integrity is doing what’s right, even when nobody is watching”
​“Integrity is doing what’s right, even when nobody is watching”. That was Dad’s favorite quote. He constantly preached this to both my brother and me. I never really understood it, nor did I care about it until that Sunday. Now I understand. Although Dad is not here to tell me right from wrong, his morals and values are motivation for my success in all aspects of life. His work ethic is the reason for my work ethic. I remember seeing him wake up early on weekend mornings to either finish some work or take a quick jog before anyone was awake, so he would not take time away from the family. I think about this when I wake up before dawn to run a few miles or go to school early for extra help.
​Yes that day, and the days and years following it, was a tough battle. I still have not fully recovered, but that Sunday has shaped me into the man that I am today. Dad was the leader of the family, and after he was gone I stepped into that role. I have attended many leadership programs and been appointed to numerous leadership positions. As much as I would love to take all the credit for my success, I could not have done it without the help of Dad. I often wondered why my friends, family, and teachers consider me as a leader, but I now know that it is because in the back of my mind I always try to do what is right even when nobody is watching. And no matter what college I attend or job I pursue, I believe that it is my duty to help others overcome similar situations like my own. Dad always helped and put others before himself. That is exactly what I intend to do as well.

Picture

Kris Jackson

Kristopher Jackson was born on July 3, 1998 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kris moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2006. He is currently a senior at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and has participated on the school’s track and cross country team since he was in the 6th grade. Along with being an active distance runner, Kris has been working hard, since 2014, as President of Club U-Knighted. For the past two years, Kris has participated in multiple leadership programs, such as Carleton Liberal Arts Experience, the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and the American Legion: Louisiana Boys State. ​

14 Comments
Tonya Maurice
2/23/2017 08:35:18 pm

Kris, I am so proud of you,your father was a great man and he has left behind a legacy . I know he would be proud of you.
Love, auntie Tonya.

Reply
Wendy TerHaar
2/25/2017 08:29:15 am

Chris,
You are one of the finest young men I know. It is a great blessing to Brian and me that Jack has been able to know and run with you. Your integrity has not gone unnoticed. You have touched countless lives that you will likely never hear about. Your character is a reflection of the God you serve. You make your Mom and all of us very proud.

Reply
Kathy Leggio
2/25/2017 12:29:24 pm

Kris, I'm so happy I had the privilege of knowing your dad. I loved sitting there and talking to him, at your basketball games. I know he would be so proud of the man you have become. Thank you for always being there for Allissa, Tyler, and Brandon. Our family adores you, and your Mom. She's done a great job! I know your dad is looking down, and he's so proud of both of you. We have been so blessed to have you as a part of our lives. We are going to miss you both very much next year.

Reply
Sandra Jackson
2/25/2017 05:43:46 pm

Kris I am so very proud of you. Your dad is looking down at you with that big smile of his. I love you very much.

Reply
Deane Frazier
2/25/2017 11:38:15 pm

Kris, I never had the opportunity to meet your dad, but it's been a pleasure to get to know you and your mom! You are a fine young man, and we will miss you next year.

Reply
Chiquita Spears
2/27/2017 06:25:14 am

Kris,

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting your dad. However, I still remember you from the Annie play at Episcopal. I was so impressed and followed you throughout the years. Your mom is a great person and I admire her dedication and strength. I will continue to listen out for the many great things that are coming your way.

Reply
Dr. Dereck J. Rovaris, Sr.
3/1/2017 09:27:44 am

Kris, I met you just last month when you introduced me as part of a Black History Program at Episcopal. I was completely impressed then and am even more impressed now, You can tell how good a person was by their fruit. Based on what I've seen in you, your Dad indeed was as remarkable individual.
PS. Contact me anytime. I welcome the opportunity to stay in touch.

Reply
Kelly Dorris
3/6/2017 04:32:40 pm

Chris, You are a remarkable young man. It is an honor to know you. I know you will be successful in all your pursuits.

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Cheryl Ollmann (Ms. O)
3/6/2017 06:11:11 pm

Kris,
I recall the day you lost your father with such clarity. Your mom phoned me personally to share he sad news. I wept. I wept that you, your mom and your brother we're experiencing such a tragic loss. I wept because I so admired and enjoyed your father. Every day I looked forward to seeing him pull up in carpool, an effervescent smile and hearty laugh sure to be shared. I vividly recall his service - standing room only and a memorable celebration of his life. He adored you and I know he is looking down upon you with such pride. Although I haven't seen you in some time, and I imagine that should our paths cross, I would see glimmers of your father - in your smile, in your attitude, and definitely in the way in which you approach things. That's been a part of you since you entered Episcopal. Your quote is one that I have used with many, many students. And, you are the example of what the quote teaches. I wish you all things wonderful, Kris. Give your wonderful mother a hug from me. I hope we have an opportunity to cross paths again. It would be such a privilege. Best wishes to you!

Reply
Sandra Jackson
3/6/2017 06:38:05 pm

Reply
Jude R Chatelain link
3/7/2017 08:07:40 pm

Best wishes Kris. I remember you as I substituted at EHS for many years.

Reply
Kris Jackson
3/8/2017 07:06:03 pm

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for reading my blog and thank you all for the great comments. As a fifth grader, that experience for me was very hard to overcome, however, I am blessed to have been a part of a great community that cared for me when I was down. That year I received numerous cards and flowers from faculty, students, and parents, which really meant a lot to my family. It’s moments like these where I truly feel that we are more than a school. We are one big family. Thank you to everyone for the support and thank you again for reading my blog. Go Knights!

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Coach Cointment
3/9/2017 12:51:28 pm

Kris, I have fond memories of you from early on at Episcopal in P.E. classes. You were always so polite and helpful and caring with your classmates. I knew you would develop into a fine young man. Good luck to you in the future, your Dad is certainly smiling on you from heaven.

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Lisa Winslow
3/29/2017 05:46:05 pm

Kris and Sandra, it has been our joy to have you as our friends. Sandra's kindness, strength and positive outlook is always inspiring and Kris is a gifted, accomplished, and precious young man. You both have handled unbelievable tragedy with grace and faith. We love you!

Reply

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  • Home
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