Jackson’s mom: He’s had ‘enormous disappointment’

The mother of Jesse Jackson Jr. said Friday the congressman has dealt with “enormous disappointment” in recent years and needs time to heal, the first time she has publicly addressed her son’s secretive leave of absence.

Jacqueline Jackson made the comments during a speech at an Operation PUSH event in Chicago that also touched on her work in the civil rights movement and other issues.

“I’m not ashamed to say he thought he was going to be a senator,” she said. “He thought he was going to have a chance to run for mayor. And young people don’t bounce back from disappointment like me and my husband.”

Rep. Jackson’s office said this week he is suffering from a “mood disorder,” but did not provide any details or name the facility where he is being treated during his monthlong leave of absence. Several doctors interviewed by The Associated Press have said that, based on the use of the term “mood disorder,” they believed the 47-year-old Jackson might be suffering from depression.

Jackson, who once aspired to succeed Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, is now under an ethics investigation in the U.S. House. The probe focuses on accusations that he discussed fundraising for then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign in return for an appointment to Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich is serving a prison sentence for corruption. Jackson has denied the claims.

In her remarks Friday, Jackson’s mother said young people should to prepare themselves for life’s disappointments.

“They need to make themselves available to understand many of the illusions and the trinkets that are being dangled in front of their faces,” she was quoted as saying by WBBM-TV (http://cbsloc.al/NizwoR).

She also appealed for prayers and privacy.

“My son is unwell, and he needs a moment to heal,” she said. “And I ask you to pray for me without cease. Do for me what I’ve done for you. I want you to respect that. Give us a moment. Most of all for him.”