Cody

As Father’s Day approaches and as his birthday also draws near, I’m taking a moment to post about the coolest guy I know. This guy is hilarious, makes me very angry, asks way too many questions and is the nicest person I've ever known. I still remember when I met this fella, a handsome guy starting a new school. I had no idea he’d turn into my best friend and years later my companion & even more years later the father to our Baby M.

CODY

Cody & I met in 2001 and later really started our friendship while working at a clothing store. He was the new guy, nicest dresser I’d ever met and he smelled like a dream. A lot of people ask me when I knew I liked Cody. The moment I knew I’d marry my then best friend, a guy I had not even considered dating, was in the scariest moments of my life. 

I was 17 years old and I had already lost my mom and all of my siblings were off to college, minus my little brother. One night when C and I were working together, I rushed home on my break to change pants – everyone was wearing jeans except me and I wanted to change! As I turn the corner to my house my heart drops. I rush in and I see my little brother crying. He is rushing me out the door and tells me to go to the hospital. In my driveway was an ambulance and my father was already in the unit getting care. The siren lights started as I pulled out of my driveway. I called my job and told them what was going on and I remember hanging up, while parking at the hospital. I remember my little brother running to the entrance of the hospital and screaming for me to run. For some reason he thought the faster we got in the faster we could get my dad admitted. I was 17 years old and no one would talk to me. I was a minor and so they called some close relatives. The close relatives didn’t want to tell us bad news, so they kept us waiting. About an hour in I finally called my sister who was 3 hours away and I told her what happened and what was going on. She immediately called the nurses on staff and she called me back, telling me to stay calm she was on her way. Next thing you know, my brother is calling the hospital and I hear my name over the intercom. He tells me he can’t get a flight out so he’s driving, he’ll be in from Michigan by morning. We STILL didn't know what was going on, but I knew for my siblings to be heading our way, it was serious. Through the roller coaster, no one will let us see our father. My little brother starts telling me how hungry he is and I have $0, I’m too scared to leave and the cafeteria is closed so I’m at a complete loss. I remember someone tapping me on my knee and asking me if I was okay. I looked up and it was Cody. My little brother has met him several times before and promptly tells him “Mercedes doesn't have money and I’m starving.” My little brother shot straight to the point - FEED ME! Without hesitation Cody stands up and tells my brother he'll take him to get some dinner. I wanted to stay, but I needed to watch my little brother, so I went too. We leave for less than 10 minutes and when we’re pulling into our parking spot I can see the relatives frantically searching, they’re searching for us. My dad had taken a turn for the worst. The time is about 9:30 pm, I know Cody has a 10 pm curfew on a school night, so I beg him to go home.  He refuses and stays until my sisters arrive and barely made it home just after 11 pm. The next morning I remember a knock at the door. I also remember thinking, “who the h#$L is at the door!” I open the door and it’s Cody. He’s on his way to school and wanted to see if we needed anything.

That’s the moment. 

He had no idea that in that very moment, I knew he was legit, he was in for the long haul. That’s the moment I knew I could possibly marry this guy. 

A lot of people said we were too young to understand love, but I knew. I could list the countless sacrifices C made for us, but the list is forever long. I’ll leave you with a few of my Cody favorites.

He’s Tough

He’s physically and mentally tough. He’s endured a lot of heartbreak over the years and I've just about made him check into a few mental institutions, but he still stands strong. I believe he’s the strongest man I've ever met.

He’s Smart

His ability to think outside the box will blow your mind. He can solve any problem faster than anyone I know and he’s a whiz at planning or organizing.

He told me a long time ago about 3 of the smartest people he knew, I told him I knew 2 - him & my sister.

His heart is Big

His love for others is so amazing. He doesn't love with conditions, he loves because it’s what God has instructed us to do.

If I could have tried 1,000 times again, I could never have found another Cody. I feel blessed to know he is riding the waves of parenthood with me and I can’t believe I get to grow old with this cool cat. As he celebrates his first Father’s Day and turns 30, cheers to you. Special thanks for spraying our house for spiders last night at 10 pm. - Yes, that's what happens when I have to kill 5 MASSIVE spiders in one week. 

May you always know how truly loved you are and how grateful we are to have you.