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DAD | FROM PAGE 8 believe he can see color and shape, but no detail. “I pretty much take him with me everywhere I go, and I don’t treat him any differently than I would a typically developing child,” Cady said.
Father, caregiver Cady and his ex-wife divorced in 2006, and Cady became the custodial parent in 2008. While Joshua’s mom has weekend and summer visits, Cady provides the bulk of his care. He has a meticulous support system in place for Joshua, including nursing care so Cady can receive a good night’s sleep. When Cady has to travel for work, Joshua’s mother or nurse step in and take charge. Cady was nominated for Military Father of the Year by friend Wendy Kruse. When she heard the National Fatherhood Initiative was seeking nominations, Cady immediately popped into her mind. “His story is so remarkable,” Kruse said, “how he has turned tragedy into triumph is amazing.” Kruse, who is also a special needs parent, met Cady through special education programs at
the Central Kitsap School District. They both serve on the advisory council for the Military Special Needs Network. Kruse recounted a recent conversation she had with Cady. “I asked him, ‘Aren’t you ever sad?’ and he said, ‘Sure, I’m going to mourn the fact I’ll never teach him how to fish or play football, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give him that experience. So I take him fishing and to games. I can either be a victim, or make something better out of this.’” Besides working and being Joshua’s primary caregiver, Cady fills his time helping other families in similar situations. “Being a typical man, I’m a problem solver and obviously a lot of Joshua’s problems, I can’t solve,” Cady said. Instead, he uses his energy and advocates and helps other special needs families, especially those who are navigating the special needs resources for the first time. “If I can help guide them through the process and help them solve problems that I’ve already solved, it helps me rejuvenate,” he said. “I actually draw strength and recharge by helping others.” Jamie Goodman,
APRIL 15, 2011 | PAGE 9 although Joshua can’t vocalize, you can see how much he enjoys his father’s company.
www.militaryspecialneedsnetwork.com. This organization was started at Naval Base Kitsap, and organizers are hoping to launch it nationally. www.cmvfoundation.org. Cady and an Army wife from Fort Lewis, who also has a child with CMV, are putting together Washington state’s first ever Walk-N-Rollathon to raise CMV awareness on May 21 at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. Contact: wacmvwalk@ gmail.com.
Soon to retire
Christorpher Cady and son Joshua. PHOTO COURTESY OF CADY FAMILY master chief at the Priority Materials Office Headquarters where Cady works, said when it comes to stressful conditions, it’s impressive how Cady handles them. Under pressure, Cady is graceful and has an unflappable demeanor. “He will tell you that he’s learned a lot from his son, like how to stay calm,” Goodman said. Friend Jessica Huckaby also knows Cady through the Military Special Needs Network. She said the love between father and son is obvious to anyone who sees the pair together. “Joshua looks towards
EARTH DAY FAMILY FUN FAIR 10-2 Sat.
April 23 at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club With Special Guest Willie Weir “a cycling fool” at 1pm.
Resources
Celebrate the Year of the Bike! Bring the family for this festival of fun. Kids’ Bike Rodeo (10am-noon), Beater Bike Give-Away and Bike on the Bus Rack Practice. Play Pitch the Poop, Wheel of Waste, or the Recycle Relay. Learn how to set up a Rain Barrel, start a Worm Bin, or make Non-Toxic Cleaners. Plus food and drink for sale downstairs. Come by bus, bike or your own two feet and get a prize.
For more information visit: www.oakharbor.org or call 360-279-4762
Chris almost in awe. He’s everything to Joshua,” Huckaby said. “And Joshua is Chris’s breath of fresh air.” Friends comment that when Cady rubs Joshua’s head, it’s almost as if Joshua melts. He does his own unique laugh, and
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Cady retires from the Navy later this year, and Kruse said she would love to see him end his 20 years of service with the honor of being Military Father of the Year. “He makes me want to be a better person,” Kruse said. “He’s an inspiration.” As for Cady, he’s handling the spotlight with modesty and would rather the focus be on Joshua and his disabilities. For the first time ever, the winner of Military Father of the Year will be decided on which nominee receives the most votes via online voting. Cady hopes online voting doesn’t diminish the integrity of the award. “I am humbled and honored to be nominated,” he
said. “But I would rather lose based on the merit and strength of the other applicants, than win the award because it turned into a popularity contest.”
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I-5 EXIT 232, 5 MIN. NORTH OF SHELL ON HWY 99
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