By Terra Avilla
If you needed a boost in your faith in humanity this week, then today’s article is for you. The subject matter is someone who, if you told me in 2013, that I would love him as much as I do, I would tell you, you were crazy. Absolutely crazy.
Because in 2013, I really, really despised this person. I know “hate” is a strong word, but I would say my relationship with the person was very close to a hateful one. (And the person is Chris Cobian. Writing about how much I disliked him in 2013, hurts my heart today, because ten years later, 2023 Terra adores him more than he knows. This is our story.
In 2013, let’s just say Mr. Cobian wasn’t making the best of choices, and his relationship with me, as a police officer was best described as adversarial. Chris will be the first one to tell you of the antics of Officer Avilla and Christopher Cobian, so I’ll leave that to him.
And to be fair, Chris will also be the first to tell you that he didn’t like me either, before you all start thinking about how mean I sound, right about now. As life happens, I didn’t see Chris for approximately a year and half before he re-appeared, sitting across the aisle from me in church.
I remember that day vividly. My husband elbowed me sharply, telling me to “stop it” as I glared at Chris across the way. (I know… I know… not my proudest moment)
After the sermon, Chris walked over to me, as I held my toddler. I remember thinking, “Ugh – I don’t want to deal with him while I’m with my daughter.”
He looked healthy. Bigger, and healthier than I had ever seen. He walked right in front of me and said only a simple sentence. He thanked me and told me that he was making better choices now. He nodded “hello” to Frankie and walked back to the end of the church.
I was ashamed of myself, and in total surprise. That was not how I thought that encounter would go.
Weeks passed, and there was Chris, every Sunday in church. Months passed. I watched him interact with people at church and read his bible. I watched him get a job. Heck, I saw him get his valid driver’s license.
I remember seeing him on duty and he was so happy. And I realized in that moment – I was happy for him too. You see, the thing about Chris is that you cannot help but like him. He is a very, very tender-hearted person. And funny. He is incredibly funny.
Years passed, and seeing Chris at Church turned into saying hi to him at church, which turned into giving him hugs at church, which turned into him playfully harassing me when I would miss church.
Somehow, along the way, we became friends. Trust me when I say – Chris is a very likeable human.
Chris took over a landscaping business and I watched him flourish. I watched him become a mentor to those around him that were struggling.
I watched him bring my daughter’s birthday gifts, because he actually is really just a big softie. I watched him become a Rotarian. I watched him volunteer his time to others. I watched him donate money to others because he has chosen a life where he wants to give back. I watched Chris be who he really was all along.
Chris spends his time mentoring others and is always willing to help people out.
Now on Sunday mornings, Chris sits right beside me and my family at church, as my girls dance around, and sometimes play peek abo with Uncle Chris.
I am so thankful, not that Chris ‘came around,’ but that I came around. Chris tells people that I am part of his testimony, but I hope Chris knows that he is a part of mine. I see what God can do in lives, and Chris is a great example of that.
Proud of Chris! So, so proud of you! Can’t wait to see what is next for you! You, my friend, are one of the reasons I love where we live! (See you in church).
This story written with permission by Mr. Cobian
