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Brady Stidham is the son of Missy’s youngest brother, Christopher Stidham, and his wife, Katrina. We refer to Brady and his brothers, Evan and Maddox, as the “Birmingham boys” because that’s where they live now. Brady is very close to Callie because they have a lot in common and are close to the same age. They can talk about “Star Wars” for hours! These days, though, they are both more concerned about their “dating lives,” and Dad/Uncle Kevin doesn’t always get to hear the scoop as much, but they’re still as close as ever. Brady is a gifted actor/performer, is excelling at his academics, and is involved in many different sports with a real passion for football. He’s playing on the high school junior varsity team in Hoover, Alabama, where football is as big as church, and we’re thrilled to find out where that path leads him. Evan Stidham is the middle son of Christopher and Katrina. As a middle child myself, I have a special connection with Evan. He has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. He’s one of the most kind, compassionate young men of his age I’ve ever met. He has a sensitive spirit, so when people go through things in the family, Evan is really attuned to them. When my mom was in poor health and I lost her, his parents told me that Evan said a special prayer for her and Uncle Kevin. That always meant a lot to me. He also has a very creative mind and draws art and writes stories that are so imaginative, you have to wonder if they’ve actually happened! I could see Evan being a pastor or counselor one day — he’s a pleasure to be around because his creativity and empathy can be felt by anyone around him. Maddox Stidham rounds off the “Birmingham boys.” Maddox is the youngest son of Christopher and Katrina, and at 7 years old, is my youngest nephew. Even though he is the youngest, Maddox definitely holds his own with the other seven nephews.
Colby Cleghorn is the stepson/son of my younger brother, Jeff, and Gina Tharpe. Whatever Colby does, it’s with a full heart and a fiery passion. Like any great country song, God, country, and family are very important values to Colby. Colby is as a true American patriot. I am grateful for Colby’s protective and servant heart, especially when it comes to his mom, sister, and cousins. Gifted with both brain and brawn, Colby will make a great husband and father, and he would be comfortable in a history class, catching fish, or hunting deer all just the same. He also has a strong love for law and order, which as an attorney, I certainly respect! I could see Colby serving as a police officer, history teacher, or a game warden in the future. He has the patience for the job and a heart of gold.
Colby, I’m very proud of you.
Carson Cleghorn is Jeff and Gina’s second stepson/son. Carson is an extremely special nephew because his heart truly knows no bounds. When Carson speaks, it’s always very profound or extremely funny. He loves church, but as it is for many kids, it can be challenging for him to put down a fun video game when it’s time to go to Sunday service. One of my favorite Carson stories was when he said early one Sunday morning, “Ugh, God again? I just went last Sunday!” The more you interact with him, though, the more you realize that Carson is both deeply loving to God and his family. Carson is also very smart. I’m sure he’s going to invent something to cure the common cold or end up owning the world. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing it!
Maddox is the type of young man that sets his mind to something, and he accomplishes it no matter what.
Last year, Maddox noticed that a classmate always had the most awesome snacks. When he asked his buddy where he got them, his classmate replied, “Costco.” So, wanting to get in on the “snack action,” Maddox decided to approach his Aunt Missy and I and ask us for a Costco card for Christmas so he could get the world’s best snacks. Missy and I got a kick out of that, and so that Christmas, we got Maddox a whole bunch of Costco snacks. Maddox was a very happy kid. It’s an excellent skill to always know what you want and how to get it. I’m sure with his personality and skills, Maddox will either be the best salesman or the best president of the United States that we’ve ever seen, as they are both kind of the same thing. Maddox is doing well at school and is also involved in many different sports, including baseball and swimming. I also understand from a reliable source that Maddox is quite the “lady’s man” with several “girlfriends” showing up to watch his ball games. I am interested to find out where that path leads him. I’m so incredibly proud of these eight young men. They’re a very special part of my life, and I am blessed that they have allowed me to be a part of theirs. I’m a better person, a better dad, and a better uncle because of each of you. I look forward to seeing your futures unfold.
You are the man, Carson, and I could not be prouder of you.
I love you, guys, and I am very proud of each of you.
www.kevintharpe.com - Uncle Kevin
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