Parker was such a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, kind-hearted boy who had a special love for winter hats, he wore them all year long. Parker was always ready and willing to help anyone, for any reason, whether he knew them or not. He had such a big heart. When he was 16 , he came home after getting his driver's license and told me that he set it up to be a donor so he could help someone. His wish was granted and he gave someone in need the blessing of sight through the donation of his eyes. (insert a proud mama who's heart just breaks over this everytime) This is just one of many stories of Parker's compassion for others. One day, Parker told me that he felt like he was put on this earth to help people. He definitley did. Everyone that knew Parker knows of that infectious smile, those warm bear hugs, and that laugh of pure joy. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone that feels he didn't help them in some way.

Parker had many loves in his life... mainly his mama of course. ;) He loved music from the first time he heard it. He focused intensely on learning to play guitar at age 17 and became and incredible guitarist. Some of my favorite memories include him playing guitar and me singing to his music. His second love was snowboarding. He absolutely lived for that first snowfall and couldn't wait to ride through that powder. He became one of the best snowboarders I've ever seen. He worked at June Mountain Ski Resort in California during the winter seasons and was given the nickname 'Sensei' because he took pride in teaching his friends how to master their skill. Parker also enjoyed rock climbing and would go whenever he had the chance. In his short 22 years on earth, he accomplished more than I have my entire life. I couldn't be more proud of the person he was. He loved enjoying life and lived it to the fullest everday.

Unfortunately, his depression over losing several close friends within just a couple years, gradually got unbearable for him. We searched and tried so many times to get him the help he needed, but he refused no matter how much we begged. Parker attempted once before we lost him... just over a week before we lost him. We called for help and he went to the hospital. Then, because it was a suicide attempt he was sent to a psychiatric hospital where he sat for 2 days with people of various issues so he even started questioning his own sanity while he was there. He was so upset that they put him in there that he wouldn't talk to anyone. He finally realized that if he lied to them and said he wasn't suicidal, even though he received no help while in there, that they would let him go. They did, and we lost him 6 days later. Six short days. There has to be a better way. I look back all the time and wish we had support. Someone we could talk to for help and someone he could talk to for help. I miss Parker so much and I would give anything to be able to hold him in my arms again. My hope is that no one ever has to go through this living hell, but if they ever do, they will know there is help out there for them. If it starts with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline because they heard it here, mission accomlished.

Our goal is to try to make more help available in any way we can!

---Parker's mama