I Am Jack's Grateful Spawn

What I have to say about my Dad is more than I could fit into a status update. Growing up, my favorite memories as a child were with my father. As a kid, my Dad worked nights as chef in Santa Monica, and rather than spend his afternoons resting, he would take me out on adventures. We spent countless afternoons fishing at the Santa Monica Pier, eating Pac-Man popsicles at Griffith Park and going to the movies. Those afternoons are some of the happiest moments of my life. My Dad was my best friend and my hero. When my Mom decided we were moving to Connecticut, I was devastated to learn that my Dad wouldn't be joining us until a few months later. I was heart-broken and lonely in a place where I didn't know anyone. I vividly remember that winter afternoon, when I saw my Dad's green Ford pulling up that driveway on Cedar Lane. I ran out in the snow and hugged him and never wanted to let him go. My Dad worked for the United Methodist Church in New Canaan for 16 years. Every single member of our congregation loved him and were sad to see him go. He now works at a retirement facility and it makes me so proud to visit him and have residents come up to me and tell me what a wonderful man he is. My father is a quiet man and seldom has much to say, but he is the funniest person I have ever met. Even though I was a terror growing up, he never struck me, he never cursed and I've never seen him have more than a couple glasses of white wine in my life. I almost lost him a couple years ago and we had another health scare a couple months back, but I'm fortunate to still have him around for a little while longer. When I told him about my impending relocation, all he said was "I understand". And those two words were the greatest vote of confidence I could receive. It saddens me that we're not as close as we once were, but that's life. Dad, you will always be my hero and I'll always remember every single piece of advice you've ever given me. If I can live my life and be a fraction of the great man that you are, I'll known I've done well. I love you with all my heart and I will miss you dearly.

I Am Jack's Desire To Escape.

The wind was particularly strong yesterday. As I was walking, at that moment I wished I were able to run with it, be able to jump and have the momentum of the wind carry me away. Just glide and soar away from it all. Nowhere in particular. Just. Not. Here. Nothing seems to have been going right for me lately and it's been getting harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning. I don't really have anyone to confide in on everything that's been going on, but it's something I've gotten used to. I've always been a loner, and have become accustomed to those closest to me walking out of my life. And it's those experiences that make me want to abandon everything and forge my own path with new surroundings. Far away from here.