Jackson (the Jumper)

Neither of us can say when Jackson (the jumper) first came to visit us...

Jackson (the Jumper) began appearing at bedtime. It was sometime after the girls moved in together to their "new" room. Jackson (the Jumper) often visits our backyard, jumping around from tree to tree, sometimes landong on the roof outside their window. Both girls see him from time-to-time and hear him frequently, and often ask for a bedtime story of his adventures. 

Landon has spotted him in crazy places (when we're on a long car ride and it's time for a nap but the kids won't settle down... Jackson sometimes comes "jumping"; when we're waiting in line on the brink if a melt-down). We discuss Jackson (the Jumper) when we see a pic of something really cool like the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon ("Jackson (the Jumper) can probably jump over that"; "Once I saw Jackson (the Jumper) jump the Ravenal bridge").

At some point the girls wondered what Jackson (the Jumper) does? That's a great question. Santa brings gifts. The tooth fairy exchanges coins for teeth. The Easter bunny hides eggs... But what about Jackson. Landon (at some point, a long time back) explained that Jackson (the Jumper) makes kids feel better.  When their tummies hurt and they don't feel well, Jackson jumps in, touches their bellies, and makes it all better. That's the job of Jackson (the Jumper).

*******

So tonight Cora has something like the stomach flu, and Landon and I have brought our work home to brace for several days of sick kids (and selves). We've settled into the office, me grading as many papers as possible, him revising some red-lined plans. The kids are in bed, Cora calling out every 10 minutes; us responding by sprinting up to offer her water or Gatorade (and to pray she hasn't vomited her water or Gatorade). 

On my last trip up, I suggested she potty. She did. While washing her hands she started crying and saying her head hurt (clearly viral). As I picked her up and carried her to her room, she said:

Cora: I want [what I thought was daddy]

Me: ok, I'll go get him.

Cora: he's the only one who can make me feel better. 

Me: ok baby, he's downstairs. 

Cora: not daddy; Jackson!! He hasn't come yet and I've been waiting and he's the only one who will make my tummy feel better!!!

Sure enough, when I went down to prep some Advil for her head, I saw a quick speedy flash and heard a "bo-ing" and turned to see a little medicine cup full of rainbow sherbet to make the medicine taste better. 

That Jackson (the Jumper). So thoughtful!