Field of Bittersweet Dreams

Chandler Jackon was killed a year ago during a freak golf-club accident. Tomorrow, his family will officially debut the foundation named for the 12-year-old.

A year ago tomorrow Charmane Jackson bid her son Chandler farewell as he left their Frisco home early for the family's annual July 4th reunion in Kentucky. Tomorrow night, during the Frisco RoughRiders-San Antonio Missions baseball game, Charmane won't see Chandler, but she will see a vision of his legacy. It was on July 6, 2005, that 12-year-old Chandler died in a freak golf-club accident during a family tournament. After 12 months of struggling with her emotions and grasping for hope, Charmane established a foundation in her son's name, and Saturday night will mark the foundation's official coming-out party, as the RoughRiders host Chandler Jackson Night at the Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Because her son so loved baseball, Charmane was determined to host an event on the diamond. She'll throw out the first pitch, watch Chandler remembered via video tributes on the scoreboard, see his former teammates and coaches get recognized on the field and probably tear up as proceeds from the game benefit her fledgling foundation. Full disclosure: In the past year I worked with Charmane providing media contacts and editorial content for the foundation's web site. The Jacksons are great people and good parents trying to make the best out of a very bad experience. --Richie Whitt