Supa Fly Turns 29!!!

Twenty nine years ago, my mother was unpacking our things with my sister who is a year younger than I, into an apartment in Las Vegas. During this time, and on this exact day, a baby was born unto her, and he was, to put it kindly, gigantic.


Taylor Oblad was born to our family in the hottest summer I can remember and do you know why I said that? Because I used to run around in the streets with bare feet because I didn't realize that Las Vegas was a huge frying pan, waiting to sizzle my delicate California girl feet skin right off.

As he grew, so did his sense of humor. Even when he was starting to walk, he'd make our family laugh. I remember him biting the head off of some huge bug he found in the crack of the sliding glass door in our family room, and I believe he enjoyed it. He was the cutest baby you'd ever see wearing lederhosen. (please, if you are a family member with this picture, please email it to me so I may add it to this post)


Taylor was born with one eye drooping lower than the other one. I remember when he went to kindergarten, and how protective I felt seeing his cute little face going into class. It broke my heart and I still feel that ache when I think about it. I was afraid someone would tease him, and I knew that I'd have to kill them for it. When he had surgery, and had to wear a little flesh colored patch over his good eye, so his bad eye could get strong, I swear my mind and heart was occupied about 99% of my awake time just worrying that someone would tease him. He stole my heart when he was born, and he's never let it go. As far as siblings go, and the affection they can feel for eachother, mine was and still is as strong and protective as it can get. I loved that boy, and I still do.


When he was in High School and wanted to run for President, we knelt on the floor in the long tile hallway in our Gowan house, and made posters. Posters so good, they should have won awards. I just know that we tried really hard to entice the black folk into voting for him...and guess what...they did. His brutal honesty and ability to get along with anyone and everyone won everyone over. This continues today.



Tay used to sneak any food he could get his grimy little mitts on. He'd eat an entire bag of Doritos (behind furniture to "hide" no less) when he was like 3! He'd eat Jello straight out of the package...as in...dry. If mom set her diet Coke down, she'd better understand he'd drink it til there was a drop at the bottom, and then deny ever touching it. I thought that was hilarious! There were times that he and Eric would get in trouble, but I remember making them dress up like a bride and groom. Tay was the groom, and Eric was the bride. He wore my baptism dress, and they were both only like 5 and 6. I remember Susan coming in and freaking out, yelling that "you're going to make them gay Allison!" Um, Susan, I don't think that's how it works, but it was funny none the less.


Tay's always been a good dancer, and he's mastered the jazz square. Just ask him, he'll show it to ya. Oh and athletics? Not a problem. This kid is a born athlete. See?



Anyway, Tay married Mandy, who we love, and soon after, he had 2 little boys who are a perfect mix of the two of them. He's just graduated from Law School, and that protective feeling, the one that I used to feel, and have always felt, well, when I saw him walking onto that stage to get his diploma...I saw his slight nervousness as they were about to call his name and I have to admit, I tensed up. I just wanted it to be perfect for him. I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of YOU Tay.


Tay's the best brother, dad, uncle and friend anyone could have. Everyone loves him, especially me. You're one of my favorite people in the whole world...and I love ya. Happy Birthday!!!

(the picture above is from Taylor's 28th Birthday party last year...how time flies)