The next day, I took Cody and his sister Casey shopping to replace every item that had been thrown out. Slowly, I watched the light return to his eyes as he picked out mixers, pans, and his favorite cookie cutters. We turned the moment into a celebration of who he is—creative, strong, and full of heart. That night, as we baked together, I promised him that no one would ever make him feel ashamed of his passion again.

Some people might say I overreacted. But being a father means standing up for your children—even when it’s against your own parent. My son’s love for baking is not a weakness. It’s a gift. And if protecting that gift means cutting ties with anyone who tries to crush it, then so be it. Family should build you up, not tear you down and I’ll always choose love over tradition.