. He feels everything deeply and has always found comfort in his stuffed animals. His absolute favorite is a panda named Mr. Bamboo, a constant companion since he was three.

My family, though, comes from a very different world. My father, Frank, is a retired military man who believes above all else in raising “strong men.” My younger brother, Derek, is the golden child who followed in his footsteps, all alpha-male swagger. Growing

up,