During the years when the Bokenkamps called Burbank home, I was lucky enough to get some very special time with Jackson (and Ella). At Comic Con, on the Paramount lot, and at their home.
Two memories that immediately come to mind were during a time I stayed with Jackson and Ella for a few days while Jon and Kathy went out of town. Before Jon and Kathy left, they mentioned that Jackson and Ella were very into Top Chef or Masterchef Junior — some show in that universe — and that they would often cook meals in the style of the show at home and would probably want to do so while I was staying with them.
I sort of forgot they had mentioned it until, on night one of my stay, Jackson had an idea for a very elaborate meal that he planned to cook; I was immediately intimidated. I remember sitting him and Ella down and trying to negotiate — perhaps pizza (or really anything that didn’t involve kids handling knives, stoves and cooking tools under my watch) could also be an idea for dinner. But Jackson would not be deterred.
So finally, I admitted to him, that despite the fact that I was an adult, I mostly microwaved my meals and wouldn’t be able to help… like at all. With confidence and conviction, he assured me he wouldn’t need my assistance. This wasn’t his first rodeo. He was TEN. Semi-reluctantly, I allowed the plan to go forward — and I watched as he made an exquisite meal start to finish. There were garnishes. There were cooking tools I had maybe seen but certainly didn’t know how to use. And there were a few moments when I do think he wanted some adult help but muscled through on his own because I was genuinely useless. And at the end of it all, there was a terrific, honest-to-god, gourmet meal. I was blown away…
Another memory of that particular stay involved the Nebraska football game. Jackson begged me to watch it even though it was way past his bedtime. He had all his gear — the jersey, the helmet — and so much passion — and who was I to stand in the way of such passion? To be a fun-sucking babysitter? I immediately caved. I ended up going to bed as he was still watching the game and would periodically peek into the living room to make sure all was well… I can still see this image of the TV reflecting off this little boy in silhouette, glued to the game, helmet on, in his happy place. It was beautiful…
Even after the Bokenkamps moved backed to Nebraska, I got updates on Jackson’s life and accomplishments and it felt like his star just kept getting brighter and brighter, always challenging himself and ready to start his next adventure… what a special, special young man.
Sending love to Jon, Kathy, Ella, his extended family and friends.
August 29, 2026