Troy

The suspicious-looking character above is our son Troy. His hair is so curly that woman can't keep their hands off his head (he wears the stocking cap most of the time to avoid confrontations). Hair has never been a divisive issue between us (not even the summer it was bright green).

He was born two days after Mt. Saint Helens erupted in 1980. Apparently there was something in the air that year, or something, becuase we know literally dozens of young men whose live experiences and troubles could be interchangeable with Troy's. Yet, the kids at church camp think Troy's the most awesome counselor around and he really cares about them.

We let him drop out of high school. Then he lived at home, without a job, for several years, while we drummed the table and bit our tongues. In 2003, he aannounced that he was getting his GED and going to college. And, sure enough, he did. He started at the Art Institute of Seattle last winter, studying filmmaking. He couldn't wait to pass the test certifying him as qualified to borrow a school camera.

Troy plays electric and acoustic guitar and he dropped in and out of a variety of bands, depending on the line-up. He accompanies the worship team at church and I believe he's memorized every chord in every song in the songbook. He's used his schooling and natural creativity to concoct amazing music videos, including one featuring photos of the camp kids.

The heartbreak of his life was losing Houdini in 2002. All color drained out of the whole world for about four months. Then young Rocket J. Cat appeared suddenly one Sunday—and has been thoroughly adopted. They are inseparable … J-Ro follows Troy everywhere, purring, and cries his little heart out when he can't find Troy.

The kitten's name comes from his standard operating practice (SOP), a mad-dash through the house, tossing throw rugs everywhere. One day, Troy said "I heard the brakes go on, I really did, but it was too late!" Sure enough, there were kitty-sized skid marks in the linoleum, and the overturned food dish was scattered clear across the family room.