Hey, Kid.
Hey, Folks.
I hope that this finds you all well.
Me?
Hmm.
One of my aunts passed away today.
Death is strange, you know.
So sudden.
So permanent.
Unlike life.
Unlike Love.
Hmm.
I will mourn her and keep living for her.
As best I can, you know?
Life is short, but sweet, Kid.
Do whatever you can to enjoy it and all that comes with it.
Even death.
As hard as that part is, and is going to be, it is a part of the ride.
Celebrate those who have lived before you, and keep going.
That stands for me as well, Kid.
You may be reading this after I am long gone, you know?
I love you.
Keep going.
It's okay to not be okay.
See you back here soon enough.
(Moves sandwich in search of time machine's ignition switch while wondering why my sandwich wasn't in its designated sandwich holder.)
-----
November 26th, 2019.
-----
Dear You.
Hey you.
I'm sorry it's been so long.
The last few months have been tough.
Weeks, even.
But today started on a high note.
I interviewed at a school called XXXXXX XXXX.
An interesting school, with some amazing concepts that I really hope more schools pick up on.
I hope to be working there soon as a Reading Interventionist
I spelled that VERY wrong.
*I, in fact, had not spelled it wrong.
I really hope the rest of this year turns out well... It's been a tough one thus far.
With a spot of luck, I'll be in a new, better job and life position very soon.
A couple of weeks...
Here's hoping.
I love you, Kid.
When life kicks you or slaps the shit out of you, just try to keep your chin up.
Us Ivy bloods are tough like that.
Very... Resilient.
-Dad.
-----
(Pops back into 2025, wondering why I haven't just NOT returned yet.)
Hmm.
-I recall this interview. It had actually gone quite well! So well, in fact, that I had been invited back for a second go!
I was very happy, as I hadn't been teaching for quite some time, and this would be my return to the field.
I was very, very happy.
But alas, it was never meant to be.
They "went with someone more qualified."
And I was brushed aside, lol.
Such is life, you know?
Crazier still, they called me several months later, after the onset of COVID-19. They really wanted me to come in during their shortage, and I wouldn't have it. By that point, I had started working for a small security company that I had thought had my best interests in mind.
lol.
Lord, was I wrong.
I am sure a few entries will address that, lbvs.
-As for the "Us Ivy bloods are tough like that." I wouldn't disagree...
Just keep in mind that there is a time and a place, you know?
Know when to let go, or the wrong things and people will let you hold on, and they will never let you let go.
You have to do that yourself, Kid.
You as well, Folks.
And you can.
And you will.
And maybe THIS is your sign.
Let go.
It's okay to not be okay.
I've been at the end stage...
The last phase of letting go of the love I had for my ex.
I have been feeling very bitter and angry as of late, you know?
I am sure that it's that last veil being shattered.
That last illusion of what I thought was love.
She isn't your mom, Kid.
She can't be.
Believe me.
If I've never listened to myself, this will be the one time.
I cut what remained of her out of my chest.
I'm good and healed.
I believe that.
I wish her the best, just far away from me.
I hope that she finds whatever it was that I wasn't, you know?
I hope that he treats her well.
I hope that all of their dreams come true, together.
I just hope above all else that I never see her again.
And You?
Maybe you will be born.
Maybe you won't.
I can't say, you know?
Being human is weird that way.
We think we know so, so much.
We think we are doing everything we can.
But you know what?
Sometimes we have to give LESS.
Give, but know when to stop giving.
You can never be too kind.
You can only be too kind to the wrong people.
I will leave you at that, Kid.
You as well, Folks.
Be the light in the dark, yeah?
People need people.
The world may never change, but we can change as individuals.
Safe travels, Folks.
You as well, Kid.
And as always:
Stay safe.
Stay healthy.
Stay vigilant.
-Redd.