Jeremy Parker Reed

While Morgan mirrored my personality, Parker was definitely Wiley’s son. My little one always amazed me with how naturally outgoing and funny he was! I would see Parker rubbing the tops of our pets’ heads while saying, “Nuggy, nuggy, nuggy!” I never figured out where that came from.

When Nsync was popular, Parker would watch a tape of their concert over and over. Then I would see Parker imitating them as they did their “marionette dance.” Not only could he dance, he also loved to sing. Some favorites were “It’s my life” by Bon Jovi, Learning to Fly by Tom Petty, and of course “Volcano” by Jimmy Buffet. Despite these talents, I was convinced Parker would be like John Belushi in Animal House when he went to college.

Parker had a knack for sports. Soccer came very easily to him. His first goals on the soccer field were followed by cartwheels of delight. One game he made five goals out of a total of seven.

Along with Morgan, Parker loved to play with the neighborhood gang, especially his best buddy Nathaniel. I will never lose the image imprinted in my memory of them racing their scooters in front of the house. After a day of playing, Parker and Nathanial would depart by saying, “Rocket Bye!” to each other.

Parker adored his big brother Morgan. One time I had taken the boys to the Japanese Cherry Blossom festival. Of course, there were many games for the kids to play. Morgan had already spent his money when we came upon a golfing game. I watched with delight as Parker automatically and unconditionally gave his brother money to play the game with him.

At the same festival, we came upon some booths that were selling hand made items. I was admiring a small Japanese doll made of paper. Parker pulled out his cute little wallet, took the doll up to the lady at the booth and asked her how much it was. After paying the lady $10 (which had taken a long time for him to save), he gave his mommy this beautiful paper doll. It sits today on my desk reminding me to carry forward Parker’s unconditional and spontaneous spirit.

I encourage anyone/everyone to submit their own story of Parker or their own special message that they would like added to this section of the website.