THE ARTISTIC APPLE has not fallen too far from the Callender family tree.
With a glint of pride in his eyes, Troy Callender talked about the plans he and his son Jaden have to publish a comic book together, born out of a shared love for drawing and animation.
“It is called Twin Dragons . . . and it is basically a story about these two dragons and they each have a sword, but in order for the sword to have power they have to combine them. They were separated at birth . . . and there are a whole set of obstacles that keep them from being united,” the 33-year-old explained.
Even though most of the work will be done by Troy, a graphic artist by profession, Jaden will play a pivotal role in the process, since the 12-year-old also has plans on becoming an artist.
Jaden certainly looks up to his father, so being a good role model is very important to Troy.
And to ensure he does his job well, he kept his son as a focal point in his life. Jaden has resided with Troy along with mother and sister, since he was an infant.
“We were always close from day one. His mum and I broke up a year [after he was born] and then he was living with me from about a year old till now. I am the main provider for him, and my mother helps when I have to work.”
Troy was approaching 22 years and had just enrolled at the Barbados Community College when his then girlfriend got pregnant.
“It was a little shocking but then I started to get excited . . . I wanted a child, just not so young. I thought that I would be 30 when I had my first child, when life would be a little more stable.”
His excitement allowed him to be quite involved in the months leading up to his son’s arrival. Troy chose the name and was present for the birth.
“One of the best times in my life was when I saw him coming into the world. I was in the delivery room,” he remembered with a smile.
“I can’t explain it: I was excited, happy, overwhelmed . . . it was a whole sea of emotions. I even shed a tear because I was so happy to see what we produced.”
Over the years, Troy patterned a parenting style with a mix of quality time, strong support, a healthy friendship and tough love when needed. And as a single man, Troy always made sure any girl he was dating was aware that his son came before all else.
“He is not really a stressful kid, and I love him very much and I enjoy spending time with him.”
This time usually revolves around sporting activities, video games, going to the beach and watching movies. But scholastic efforts were also taken very seriously. Troy has started asking the first form student of the Parkinson Memorial School to read to him before going to bed.
Troy believes it has paid off, and enjoys seeing the fruits of his labour thus far.
“One time, we were doing social studies [homework] and he got full marks. He also loves running and he was Under-13 champion for Parkinson at his school sports,” he said.
“Knowing that I made a positive impact in an individual’s life. . . is a really good feeling.”
