That picture is actually me in Kindergarten. But, since we’re going to run out of the cute pics pretty damn fast, I’m just going to hit you with my best shot. And that’s it.
I don’t remember very much from Nursery School but I do remember a few things. I can recall my sister getting in trouble because she danced to the National Anthem. And I know that I developed a lifelong hatred of Macaroni Salad during that time.
But, mainly, I remember a friend of mine, who’ll remain nameless. We used to steal uncooked spaghetti until he fell off a chair and we were caught. Once we tried to dig a hole to China. When we found pieces of brick, we knew we were getting close because they were red and so was China. Another time, he hit me in the face with a rock. I still have the scar.
I don’t remember why he did that. It might have had something to do with a game we’d play. I can’t remember the game but I remember that you could either be “Fred” or “Joe” and that one was much better than the other. We used to always fight about who got to be who. We were constantly hurting each other. We were good friends. When I pitched in Little League, he was my catcher. We fell out of contact after grade six.
I ran into him a few years ago in a local kick and stab bar. He’d just gotten out of jail. (Assault, I think.) Kept saying shit like: “I know we’re good friends Ryan but I’d fuckin’ kill ya. I’m not the same. I’d kill ya.” We talked for a while. I don’t think he’s getting better.
4 comments
Anonymous
August 8, 2007 at 9:26 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m loving this glimpse into your life, when you were developing your wings so to speak Can’t wait for the next one . With you totally on your description of school .What a nasty institution to inflict on all those wonderful little minds .No wonder so many of us are fucked .
Anonymous
August 8, 2007 at 9:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love those eyes . Full of wonder and fear ?
Marcia
August 9, 2007 at 6:55 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You look like you were such a cute, sweet boy. What the fuck happened to you?
Ryan Oakley
August 9, 2007 at 7:41 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Don’t be fooled. Back then, the older kids used to call me Damian. I was a fucking brat.