When I married Laura Gail, twelve wonderful years ago, I added another family to my life. It included two adopted daughters and two sons. The youngest of the boys was only about nineteen. They’re all family, but I’ve had many opportunities to get to know this young man over the past twelve years, and I can honestly say it’s been a pleasure to get to know him.
When we first met, he wore an ever-present black knit cap. He wore mainly black, with slacks and work boots, plus a jacket. Year-round. In Tennessee. He kept his blond hair a little long, and it sprang out of his knit cap from all sides. He had an honest smile, and a quick sense of humor. He was also a little different. Just a tad.
He was rarely seen without that cap. It was like an extension of him. And I like black as much as anyone, but he wore that color plumb out. The jacket was always on, too. I couldn’t figure that one out. It gets hot around here. Real hot. Jackets still there. Weird, I thought. He was into wearing ankle weights and a weighted vest back then, for strengthening his core, I was told. Add the black clothes, jacket and cap and I fully expected him to pass out at some point. He never did.
The first time we went to Beech Lake to go swimming, he wore the entire ensemble. To swim in. He took off the cap and jacket. But he left the boots on. I thought the boy might be “a little bit special”. Turns out, I was right. He was special.
He worked for a local paper as a graphics designer, despite being color blind. He turned a love for video games into a career that cranks out video, computer and print ads and campaigns that are amazing. He went from a shy, reserved kid, to being an accomplished and outspoken adult. He works a problem until he finds an answer, or he pulls the thread until it’s gone. He worked with me at the nursing home for several years, showing me that he can handle manual labor, interact with patients like they are family, and be very efficient at what he does. He makes it a point to own what he does and takes pride in it.
He married a great gal that also worked at the nursing home, and they had a child. That little guy, Cayde, is one of my most favorite people on the planet. He made my life better. He makes me happy by just showing up. He gets that from his Dad, I think.
When you marry someone, you marry their family, too. That’s the rules. Like em, or not, they’re family. This kid made his way into my heart from the beginning and I’m proud to know him as my son (put a “step” on it, if you like.). He turned thirty-two last Saturday, and he’s grown into an amazing dad, husband and son. I like him.
Happy Birthday, Cody!
God Bless Y’all!
Rolling Stones 