Jamie Guy

I knew this book was going to make me feel many heavy feelings and it sure did. I've spent the better part of the last 3 days crying. Jack has always been a very large part of my life. I know him. I know his humor. I know his laugh. I know he loves soap operas and hates salad. I know he loves his family...all of them. I know He shows up for everyone. What I didn't know were his vulnerabilities. His fears. I didn't know he was ashamed of not having an education. I didn't know there was a time he almost lost hope. I didn't know so much that I have learned in this book. I know now and I don't pity him. I admire him more. I always thought he never let anything stop him cause he wasn't afraid of anything. Turns out he just won't let fear beat him. Because of his fearlessness and determination he has changed this world for so many. He has furthered the cause for children's advocacy. There was a true horror to this story but there was also a side I didn't expect. I didn't know I would feel my grandmother's arms wrap around me this week. I didn't know I'd remember Jimmy John down on the road, full of grease, working on cars. I didn't know I'd laugh remembering Debbie yelling out at us to not mess up the tidy beds. I guess she was just always a Mother. I didn't know I would see my own Mother as a child. Running wild and free. I didn't know I would miss my family and long for the past. I have so much more I want to say but more than anything I want you all to read the book for yourselves. This story that is so unbelievably true but true all the same. The bravery of a small boy standing up to a corrupt system and a family that loved each other so much. Congratulations Jack! You did it!! XO