Jaden Jackson, a Keeper

            Jaden Jackson was a small baby, just over eight pounds at birth. His hair was jet black to go along with his penetrating hazel-blue eyes. At an early age he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. For most, those deficits would have been handicaps. For him, as he matured, he used them to his advantage. He was never one to blame his shortcomings for any of his upsets in life. He learned, early on, people who place blame on others for their own weaknesses, were just weak and always looking for excuses. His cup was always half full never half empty. It made no difference to him what the situation he found himself, he was totally self-reliant. Jaden possessed many fortuitous talents. He had strong character, intelligence and was wise beyond his years. Though only nine years of age, he was persistent to a fault. Always smiling, it was next to impossible to tell what was on his mind. His head was thick with a shock of jet black hair. He stood straight as a string and constantly kept his head held high. He loved people in general and to have him as a friend was the envy of all who knew this effervescent boy. His mind was constantly churning with ideas and he sought adventure at every turn. His favorite activity was solving mysteries, no matter how insignificant they might appear to those who observed the youngster’s actions. He loved all sorts of sporting activities. He enjoyed watching his share of television, however, he found it next to impossible to sit still for long periods of time. This was especially true when it came to participating in video games. He just didn’t have the patience for electronic endeavors. Perhaps someday that would change as he did appreciate “surfing” the internet. Reading was a challenge, due to his dyslexia, but he continually worked hard to overcome this deficit.

         Jaden above all else was gifted when it came to intuition and deductive reasoning. His mind was such that he had the ability to solve even the most intricate problems that confronted him. He dearly loved to solve math problems as well as provide solutions to the most difficult mysteries he involved himself with while he read. His mind was like a “steel trap”, he could instantly grasp but a few clues and quickly provide a solution to solve a crime or mystery. His friends often referred to him as “Sherlock”, as he was so gifted with all sorts of puzzles. He would daily look for some adventure to involve himself. He could never let his mind relax and become idle for any length of time. His behavior often border-lined hyper activity. None the less he was a great kid to raise and a true friend to those who accepted his individual quirks.

         Jaden was often charged with taking care of his younger twin sisters Jolie and Josie. Like many kids his age, he fought with his sisters on a regular basis. However, little ever came from their confrontations. His mother, Julie, always stepped in to settle any all differences the children with one another. One of his new responsibilities was delivering the local newspaper. He covered his route six days a week. The money was good for a kid his age. His Stepfather, David, filled in for him if he was unable to make the deliveries himself. Jaden wasn’t thrilled about putting his money in a savings account, but he knew, deep down, it was best for him.

         As October advanced, Jaden spent much of his time playing football, either by himself or with some of the boys in his fourth grade class. Jaden had a strong arm. He enjoyed the game with the exceptions of losing or being tackled hard by an opponent. Such was the life currently for this growing youngster. Life was good and just recently he had enjoyed a visit by his Grand Pa Artemis, who had driven in from Denver for a short visit. Grand Pa Artemis had taken Jaden with him to Sky View, the local golf course. Jaden had been his caddie. He even helped his Grand Pa find several golf balls the old guy had driven in the rough grass as he played a round of nine holes. For his efforts, Jaden received one dollar and several hints as to how to be an excellent caddie, should he have another opportunity accompany his Grand Pa in the future.

         Jaden’s family had adopted a beautiful tiger-colored cat. He looked like Garfield of comic fame, however, they named him Jack. Jack was a wonderful pet for Jaden, as well as for Jolie and Josie, his younger sisters. He was little trouble except for one minor flaw. Jack loved to play with his water dish. often he left large quantities of water on the floor after he had a session messing with the dish with his paws. Not a big issue, however, very unpleasant when one walked barefoot through the puddles while entering the kitchen without turning on the lights. What a surprise for the discoverer! For some unknown reason Jack after being let outside, disappeared for some time. Jolie and Josie were the first to become aware of the absent Jack. They told Jaden and after a bit more time, even Jaden became concerned for Jack. An hour passed then another hour elapsed. Jack was nowhere to be seen or heard. The kids became frantic. Alas, they heard Jack “meow” from high up in a tree in the front yard. They all tried to coax the cat down from the tree. They had no luck. Jaden, being the oldest, took it upon himself to shinny up the tree to try and retrieve Jack. It took courage for the little guy to climb that tall tree to attempt the rescue. After several nervous moments Jaden returned to ground, Jack in hand. All was well and everyone got a good night of sleep.

         It was late Fall and Halloween was rapidly approaching. Josie and Jolie already had their costumes. Jaden wasn’t sure how he wanted to dress up or pretend to be. There were lots of good choices, but he finally decided to dress up as “Wolverine”, it was the latest in action movies and Jaden was enamored with the part Hugh Jackman played in the movie. Actually he got real creative with the costume he designed himself. He borrowed one of David’s old flannel shirts, he wore a pair of beat up old boots, a pair of used work gloves that he and David put some “fake” claws on to replicate the “Wolverine’s” claws. To top everything else, he stopped by a local barbershop and picked up a bag full of hair clippings. Julie, his mother, helped attached the hair clippings to his face and scalp using rubber gum cement. Once he was all dressed, he could pass for the “Wolverine” anywhere! He was all ready to go “trick or treat” that Halloween Night. In the past, all three kids had been accompanied by their parents on their trek to acquire as much candy as possible. This year, however, Jaden was given the responsibility. He was so proud to take charge. He promised faithfully to have the girls home by eight-thirty that night as the next day was a school day. Off they went to secure large amounts of goodies. Everything went fine and at the specified time Jaden began to herd his sisters homeward. But, alas, he had an idea. The kids were but two blocks from home so Jaden told the girls to go ahead and that he would be right behind them. Onward the girls went toward home. Jaden, however, crawled into some bushes just off the sidewalk next to the street. He had seen a small group of “Halloweeners” approaching and it struck him it would be the perfect opportunity to see just how scary his “Wolverine” costume could be displayed. He lay in waiting as the tiny youngsters approached near to where he was hiding. At just the right moment the small group of kids passed under the street light near the corner, Jaden sprang out roaring loudly. The little ones screamed and disappeared as they fled the scene as fast as their tiny legs could carry them. However, to Jaden’s surprise and delight all the frightened children had left their bags of Halloween goodies behind. Their loss Jaden’s gain. He dumped all the goodies into his bag and ran to catch up with Josie and Jolie. He would think up a story later to tell his mother about the extra candy. For now he was still the “Wolverine!!!”

         One while Jaden’s grandfather Artemis was in town for a short visit, he asked his grandfather to visit his fourth grade class and put on a science demonstration. Grandpa Artemis was only to happy to comply with the youngster’s request. Little did Jaden realize his grandfather was going to pull a prank of his own on the class of fourth graders as well as their teacher. Jaden’s grandfather appeared at the class with only an empty coffee can, some lighter fluid, and a pack of matches. He took a bit of time explaining to the class about the expansion of gases as it applies to them in an environment where the gas is heated and as a result expands within the limits of the container the gases are contained. With this explanation completed he showed the class the coffee can, its plastic lid and the small hole he had punched in the side of the can near the bottom of the can. He carefully sprinkled a few drops of the lighter fluid in the can. He then covered the open end of the can with the plastic top. He waited a few seconds and then introduced a lighted match near the hole in the side of the can “BANG”, there was a small but loud explosion, the plastic lid had been blown off the can. More interestingly, however, the whole class, teacher included, jumped and screamed with a start when the explosion erupted. Little wonder as to where Jaden had gotten his ornery genes from that day. Jaden was so proud and Grandpa Artemis had enjoyed the whole experience!

         Just prior to the Christmas Break, Jaden’s school held their annual Christmas Carnival. everyone worked very hard to make the Carnival a success. The parents pitched in, with teacher support, to create various games and booths for children and parents to enjoy while visiting the Carnival. Th kids were all charged with selling coupons so the purchasers could enjoy beverages, games and fun while at the carnival. All the proceeds would given to the P.T.A. as they primary sponsor of the annual event. Jaden and his best friend, Mike, sold their fare share of coupons. However, there were always plenty coupons left over after the sales drive for the Carnival. Jaden and Mike noticed that their teacher had gathered all of the unsold coupons and left them neatly stacked on the counter behind her desk. With Mike’s help, Jaden devised a plan to acquire the left over coupons. Jaden and Mike approached their teacher just before dismissal one day and offered to sweep up the room and put it in order for the next day. Of course the teacher was thrilled the two little snooks offered to be of service. Little did she know that  the little guys had an ulterior motive for their volunteer services. That day the teacher left the room and headed for the teacher’s lounge. Jaden and Mike quickly swept the room, emptied the trash and straightened all the classroom furniture. In a heartbeat the two culprits helped themselves to a good quantity of the carnival coupons and  shot out the door and headed for home. Arriving at home the two quickly divided up the coupons and parted ways for the day. Jaden, overjoyed with the prospect of having a large quantity of coupons to use at the Christmas Carnival the following week.

         The next Monday at school and just before the teacher dismissed Jaden’s class for the day, the teacher made a comment to the entire class. “Students it has come to my attention that most of the leftover carnival coupons I have collected are missing.” Jaden and Mike froze in their tracks. the teacher continued. “I will be willing to overlook this theft, if those responsible will return those coupon.” She continued. “I am going to leave the room now and if those who are guilty of the crime return the coupons, I will overlook their crime at this time.” With that being said, she turned and quickly left the room. Everyone was totally surprised by the teacher’s comment. It appeared no one was going to come clean of the crime. Like all of their classmates, Jaden and Mike quickly left the classroom appearing head for home. However, they both returned to the classroom. After a quick discussion each boy returned the stolen coupons to their rightful place on the counter. Mike, on the other hand, only returned a portion of the coupons had stolen. Jaden made a mental note of this fact and from then on he never fully put his trust in Mike. Next day the teacher made a big deal about how nice it was that all the coupons had been returned. Beyond tis she spent some time talking to the class about people making good versus bad decisions. She closed with a comment that stuck with Jaden. The teacher commented, “In life we alone are responsible for our hands, our mouths and our feet.” The comment made an imprint on Jaden and he promised himself he would do his best to always try to abide by that bit of philosophy.



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