Watching Odessa's youngsters grow up

One particular thing I have truly enjoyed while living in Odessa is watching the little ones, kids and teenagers, grow.

In eight short years I have gotten to know quite a few of the kids around Odessa. I have witnessed two siblings close to toddler age as they became pre-teens and began playing sports. I’ve seen teenagers graduate from high school, become young adults, move back after college, get their first career jobs or settle down and start a family.

I’ve sold lottery tickets to kids who just turned 18 and a couple of first sixpacks of beer, along with a quick lecture on being careful (ju...