Family – nEveresting Recovery

It’s been 13 years

Lawrence Jay Long — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:54:02 +0000

…And too many spent apart. I love you and think of you everyday. I hope for you this day is and all the others are filled with love and joy.
-Dad

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A Card From Afar

Lawrence Jay Long — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:19:55 +0000

Happy birthday, JW! It’s crazy to think that it’s been 5 years to the day since we last talked. You were turning 10 and we chatted about your new guitar. A real guitar I had sent you for your special day. I wonder if you still play it–or if you ever did. I imagine you learned and perhaps fell in love with the sound of your own music, the process of creation and with the peace and calm that practice brings.

I have another milestone gift in the works. For a young man of your age it’s all I dreamed of: a vehicle of my very own. I have one for you that should get you through college. When I bought it 5 years ago, my intention was always to take care of it so that someday you could do the same. When you’re ready, it will be ready for you.

2013 Subaru Forester XT (Turbo, Dude!) shot today 😉

Of course there’s the issue of transferring it to you, but leave that to your mom–she’ll figure it out if she wants to.

I hope you’re doing well in all areas. Take care of your brother and your mama.

-Love Dad

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Happy b-day, MT

Lawrence Jay Long — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:34:00 +0000

Today is your special day, son, and another we don’t get to celebrate together. I wish things were different, that I hadn’t made a mess of things all those years ago. Some people just don’t accept that we are greater than our mistakes. They don’t believe in change nor have the heart to forgive. I hope you’re not growing into one of these. The burden of hate and inability to forgive is a self-imposed prison.

I digress… these years have been especially difficult without you and your brother close by. This note is for you, though, not me, so I’ll just tell you that not a single day passes when I don’t think of you both. I miss you more than you’ll ever know.

Your pain is felt by me, too. I remember when I was your age and longed for my dad’s presence—at games, other events, and just wished he was generally more involved. And he was around… he wasn’t alienated from my life, he just had more important things to do.

Know that when you’re ready, you can reach out. I will always be here for you, son.

Your birthday gift(s) will only appreciate with the passing of days. I used to send you actual presents, but someone evidently didn’t like that, so… Someday, you’ll have a nice stack of bonds just for you. 😉

Take care of your big brother and be good for your mama. Keep being yourself as long as that self is kind. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not enough. You’re beautiful and capable of anything you’re willing to work hard to accomplish.

I told your brother on his birthday and I’ll tell you too: read Desiderata and try to live by it.

I love you.

Lawrence and his son M.T. at Bowl & Pitcher, Riverside St. Park, 2015

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Happy birthday, son

Lawrence Jay Long — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:34:00 +0000

I love you and find it difficult beyond words to miss another of your special days. Know that I am doing my best to resolve the strife that keeps us apart. Know that none of this is your fault. Know that not a day passes I dont grieve for you and all that’s been lost–so much unrecoverable time. Be strong, always be kind, and know you are capable of greatness. Take care of your brother. Be a good son to your mom. If you haven’t already, read Desiderata and live by it. All my love. –Dad

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