Theodore "Theo" Parlin

Theo Parlin

A poem written by Theo's father, Andrew Parlin in 2013 when Theo was 9 years old

RENAISSANCE MAN (noun): a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas

"Theo is a Renaissance man. He is a piano & saxophone player, lego builder, whittler, reader, cat groomer, music lover, chess master, swimmer, bird watcher, grass mower, firewood stacker, dishwasher unloader, mathematician, scientist, and artist. But most of all, he is a chef.

Theo knows and appreciates the cooking process. For soup, he starts by lightly sauteing butter and onions. His eggs are light and fluffy. Cupcakes are moist and delicious. Every once and awhile we are lucky enough to have his hashbrowns, served piping hot out of a cast iron skillet.

A chef's life is not always easy, however. There have been times when chef Theo has filled the kitchen with thick smoke, once attempting rice krispy treats with no oil, another time cooking birthday eggs for Jack. Occasionally he punishes our toaster for crimes unknown. But a renaissance man perseveres, and chef Theo keeps things positive.

We are proud to be Theo's parents. He is wise, kind, lives in the moment and is a dreamer."

Our family is honoring Theo by receiving guests at our house this week. Thursday through Saturday, 11-2 and 5-8. Please bring only your love, all food is being provided by Taglio, La Soupe and loving neighbors. If you feel called to make a donation in lieu of trees and flowers, please support either The Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati (donate here), where Jack works or La Soupe (donate here), where Theo worked.

We are choosing to focus on joy. If you cannot attend an open house, please send us a list of things in your life that bring you joy (parlinmarlo@gmail.com). For through joy, we will find the light.