BY TED SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post —
Jasper Parks, of Bloxom, had never seen snow in his 2 1/2 years.
Maybe he’d seen it on television or in books. But never the yard.
So when he awakened Monday, Jan. 6, to a winter wonderland, the only child of Steven and Ashlin Parks was giddy as he looked through the window.
“He was just staring and laughing,” said his father.
After several winters without it, the Eastern Shore of Virginia received snowfall — several inches in northern parts of Accomack, a dusting in southern Northampton.
The snowfall and slick roads prompted the cancellation of schools, closed businesses, and caused a string of vehicle crashes.
But children like Parks, who had never experienced the chilly pleasures of a snowball fight or construction of a snowman, welcomed the wintry precipitation.
“He was playing in it — running, jumping, falling,” said his father.
The youngster may get another chance to don his boots and coat, forecasters say.
Although forecasts were preliminary, the National Weather Service in Wakefield reported that there was a 35% chance of snow totals reaching 2 inches overnight Friday, Jan. 10.
“It looks like for the Eastern Shore most of that snow should get in there after about 10 p.m. Friday, with the best chance late Friday and early Saturday,” said Roman Miller, a National Weather Service forecaster.
But he cautioned that the predictions could change.
“It’s going to depend on the exact track” of the low pressure systems, he said.
Jasper Parks, who has overcome much in his young life, will be rested by then.
He spent 91 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital after being born prematurely Aug. 31, 2023 — he was 2 pounds, 7 ounces.
“But now, he is a strong, fun-loving toddler,” said his father.
The Monday activity in the snow, however, wore him out.
“When he got back in the house, he just lay on the couch,” Steven Parks said.
“I think he will remember this for a long time.”
