|
In 1998, I created Daniel's Diary to entertain my teen friend Cody, and also to provide him with a confidant his own age. I thought I was too old for that job, but as it turned out I wasn't. Cody ultimately called me his Soul Buddy, which was one of a number of great compliments he paid me.
Little did either of us realize what a profound impact we were destined to have on each other. His and his best friend Paul's lives would be saved after they'd aborted a suicide attempt at the last possible moment because of something I'd written. I didn't find out until some months later. Another time Cody kept a secret from me for a few weeks was when he'd been raped by a 30 y/o guy on a school swim tour. Cody eventually told me the story, and I created a character named Matt in Daniel's Diary to protect Cody's identity at the time, but to also tell a story well worth telling.
Cody lived for another 4 1/2 years after the aborted suicide attempt at age 15. It was a remarkable life with the most remarkable friends and lovers imaginable. He was eventually killed in a car crash after thumbing a ride home with a stranger. He never made it home that Saturday morning. His family and friends were totally devestated.
But Cody's life is a celebration of friendship, loyalty and love. Yes, and sex as well. He was quite busy in that department. "Surely I'm not the only fucking teen in the world who has to put toilet paper down his briefs when he reads one of your stories, G." One of Cody's great loves was a guy who began as a homophobe and bully at school. He underestimated Cody, though, and eventually made the most remarkable speech to Cody on 'his' mountain. Then he kissed him on the mouth.
Everything you read about Cody will affect you one way or another. His hills and valleys, his triumphs and failures. But overall my friend triumphed. He was truly the most special person I and many others have ever known, and the greatest inspiration to all of us.
So what about me? It doesn't matter about me. I am the result of Cody. I've written over 3.5 million words since meeting him, not all about him but all of them inspired by my awesome friend. Here's to you, Codeman. May your words long continue to be our teacher.
CLICK HERE FOR TESTIMONIALS FROM MRB MEMBERS.
Sample Stories | About Stories | About Pics | This week | About MrB | MrB Interview | FAQ | Main Page
Enjoy the net's most inspiring stories from less than $1 a week!