In this touching tale, a neighbor, affectionately known as Grandpa Chip, steps in to offer care and compassion to his companion, forging a love friendship that transcends familial boundaries. A family is made rather than born. Not everyone is blessed with loving biological family connections, but they are blessed to be surrounded by people who make them feel at ease.
Cody Shugart, of Victoria, Texas, is one of many people who never met their real father. Cody describes growing up without the guidance of a loving father as challenging. He tried to overcome the difficulties that a youngster, teenager, and adult face in the absence of a parent. Cody was fortunate to grow up in a family of respectable, kindhearted men who didn’t mind performing the role of father figure for him.
Years later, Cody, who was young and inexperienced at the time, grew into a decent person and married the lady of his dreams. He suddenly found himself responsible for his own child. When he thought back on his childhood, he realized how important it was for young Cody to be surrounded by friendly neighbors who served as his father figure. Out of all the individuals who happily became his father, Cody couldn’t forget Mr. Milton West, whom he lovingly dubbed Mr.Chip.
As a consequence, Cody found himself presenting his favorite father, Bob Wayne, to his child. Cody took a picture of his beautiful kid, Bob, sitting on Mr. Chip’s lap. Cody posted the picture online because he loved it and the emotions it brought back. Within minutes, it had hundreds of likes and shares, and it immediately became viral! Thousands of people’s hearts melted when they saw Bob, a white and blonde infant, with Mr. Chip, an African American.
At a time and place when people are divided by racial conflicts, misogyny, and prejudice, it’s nice to see a picture with a strong, timeless message. Cody enhanced the photo he posted on Facebook with a customized comment to make it even more memorable. “So many people like this photo,” the post continues. So I wanted to take the time to inform you about my experience. Milton West was my childhood next-door neighbor. His name was Mr. Chip.
He was an operator at DOW Chemical before he quit. He has always been there for me, since I was two years old. It was never easy for me to grow up without a father. But the Lord surrounded me with great men, one of whom was Mr. Chip. He constantly preached the need for education, taught me how to care for a yard, taught me to see people for who they are rather than what they seem to be, taught me to revere my mother like a saint, and many other life lessons.
His contributions to my growth as a decent son, man, and parent were immense.” “I will be eternally grateful to God for bringing him into my life.” Cody praised Mr. Chip for his responsibility and diligence. “My wife and I had a son named Bob Wayne Shugart this past May.” Mr. Chip and his wife Shirley were immediately smitten by him. They sometimes babysit him, and we pay visits when we can.”
“Mr. Chip said last time we were over there that he wants to be called ‘POP.'” He says it is his grandson. So we had to come up with a name for his wife. “We chose Lolli!!!!””So we inform Bob Wayne that we are going to see Lolli Pop!” I’m glad Lolli and Pop will be in my son’s life. He will be a fantastic son, man, and parent if he learns half as much as I learned from Mr. Chip.” Cody said, “I know my son Bob will be a great man with Mr. Chip by his side!”
Statistics show that one in every three children grows up without any aid or support from their biological father. Cody, unfortunately, is one of these tragic figures. His experience is not entirely dismal, however, since he met genuinely wonderful individuals like Mr. Chip, illustrating to the world that a family recognizes no biological connection, skin color, or age. Sometimes a family is merely a bunch of people who make you feel at peace.