GORHAM, ME — After being medically retired out of the Marine Corps, Cody found themself separated from their wife and son, and struggling to deal with a brain injury that had fractured their personality and robbed them of all the things they thought they were. No longer able to stand the face in the mirror, they quickly fell down a rabbit hole of alcoholism, and self-loathing unable to forgive themself for the life they destroyed. Even though they moved to a new city and tried to start over by going to school and doing the ‘right’ things, they still felt like an empty shell, a ghost living in skin that didn’t belong to them. It all came crashing down one summer afternoon when still suffering from a massive hangover, they truly saw themself in the mirror for the first time, gaunt, broken, and pathetic. Staring at their reflection they knew something had to change. One way or another.

Cody is a Pushcart nominated writer from the woods of Maine. When not writing, you can find them investing way too much time in reading and collecting vintage fantasy books. They hold degrees in English, History, an MFA in Creative Writing and is currently working on their Masters in Library Science. Cody is also a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for mental health.

Wednesday, August 7th 6pm at Baxter Memorial Library