Cody, The Miracle Baby

Cody is our youngest, and from the very beginning we have called him our miracle baby. Born at just 28+ weeks, he fought to survive. He was tiny and determined and wrapped in more tubes and wires than any parent should ever have to see. But he made it. And not only did he make it, he grew into the most gentle, big hearted young man you could ever hope to meet.

When I began the journey of writing Annie the Porcupine, Cody was the person who kept me grounded. He believed in me on the days when I struggled to believe in myself and reminded me simply by being himself why stories matter.

So when it came time to add a new friend for Annie in Book 3, it only made sense that Cody would become part of her world too.

That is how the porcupine version of Cody was created.

A martial artist porcupine with a hearing impairment.

A character who gently shows readers that sometimes sounds are difficult for people and that awareness and compassion matter. A friend who teaches Annie that true friendship is not about giving presents. It is about being present.

And now, as real life Cody takes a huge step into adulthood and moves into his first apartment, I am feeling all the emotions a mom can feel. Pride. Nostalgia. Hope. A little bit of "How is this happening already?" And so much gratitude.

Because while Cody begins this next chapter in his real life, I still get to keep another version of him forever in the pages of Annie's world. Porcupine Cody will stay young, brave, patient, and full of quiet strength, just like the miracle baby who grew into an amazing man.

And that, to me, is the real magic of storytelling.