For Cody…
Years ago I cross paths with this bright eyed girl from Dorchester. She always stood out from the crowd because of her infectious smile, she was part of the younger crew but always took the time to ask how I was. Over the years I would see her at various spots and we would chat it up about typical twenty-something stuff – who was dating who – what music events were coming – ect. Like any Dot girl she seemed to have the pulse of the entire neighborhood.
One night all of this changed on a stroll through Victory Road park (or McMorrow for the translplants). My old friend stood there talking with her girlfriends as I walked up behind her. I belt out, “Hey stranger” she turned around and her face lit up with that familiar smile. I lean over, give her a big hug then we start chatting up like time had never passed. For some reason the convo felt different, she seemed happier than normal, and for good reason. She stops mid-sentence and asks “have I introduced you?” I know had a completely puzzled on my face at that point. She kneels down to the baby carriage I paid no attention to and picks up this little guy. “This is Cody” she said with a glow on her face. Of course I reply with typical Dot Rat response “WTF….you had a baby?” He was a handsome little guy and I couldn’t for the life of me tell you how old he was at that point but his eyes were wide open and I felt like I was staring at a mini version of my old friend. From that point forward Ann Flynn’s entire world was little Cody….
As time went on I would still see her occasionally and catch up. Cody was always at the forefront of conversation and all seemed good for Ann and her young boy. Life tends to make those occasions a bit scarce as we age and children always come first on the list of priorities. So when I lost touch for a couple of years I didn’t think much of it.
One evening, roughly two years back I found out just how precious those moments in life can be when I learned that Ann had passed. Like most young Dot Rats I have seen taken from us too early, I wasn’t too concerned with the details. All I sensed was loss….here was this great young lady that was woven in my experience…who if nothing more…just made me feel like someone was psyched to see me.
As these past two years passed by I always wondered about her boy. How was Cody doing?
As it turns out….a little neighborhood center that has blessed the lives of so many would play a role. Oddly enough it just happens to be across the field from where I first laid eyes on this kid. The Leahy Holloran Community Center was making sure Cody would be ok.
Cody – I doubt you would ever remember me – but I will tell you that Ann’s spirit lives in you and I know she is proud. Keep up the great work!
Too cool, and quite sad !
I could have written this story. I knew Ann enough to know that same infectious “hi!” I witnessed her beam when introducing me to the then baby, Cody, and ill miss running into her however infrequently and recieving that warm hello. Rest in peace Ann you’ll be missed.
Ann Flynn was and always will be so dear to my heart. She was my son’s first girlfriend, and a fellow Aquarian. I always kept in touch with the family, and Annie(as I called her). Annie loved life, and her son Cody more than anything in this world! May god hold you close my friend as I know I will see you soon.
Cody, your mum would be very proud of you! Your mother was very special to me, she was my fifth grade student at St. Mark’s School! Keep up the great work! I am proud of you. Oh, and by the way, I noticed Charlie in the film… He is also a former fifth grader of mine from St. Ann’s. 🙂
Perfect. Great job Cody, I know your mom is so proud of you!! RIP Ann
Cody ur mom is def proud of u! She was a great person. We were best friends in elementary school. We lost touch as we got older but we would chat every now and then via fb.
Cody I just watched the video, it’s amazing. Wow I cant believe how much you have grown up and I am so proud of the man you have become. Ann raised you well and I see your mom in you. That same smile she had that lights up a room. She will be with you every step of the way as you go through life. Keep up the good work. Aunt Shelia and cousins in Ireland.
Nice video. Keep up the good work Cody.
This video is extremely touching and well put together. I grew up with Cody through the tight-knit bond that my mother and Ann Marie shared. I grew up in Port Norfolk with Ann Marie and Cody, and considered eachother family as we did everything together. My brother and I shared a commonality with Cody in having strong mothers take the reigns when a father could not. I also want to praise the work that Charlie Conners does for the community he touched my life in a positive manner and can see his work through Cody already. Im always here for you Cody. RIP Ann-Marie Flynn
I met Ann in 2008 she n i spoke all the time when we were roommates together for some months, so fair to say we got close sharing 1 room and we spoke allllll the time. Then Ann passed I found out n felt so awful for her lil family. Who would have known that you would end up being my grandsons father. Cody I hope to see you happy more then you could ever dream. I think that Mason was, destiny! You know all about what that means. My daughter does too.