The Friday Feature w/Sean: I Swore I’d Never Go Back

“I can’t escape my past, no matter what I do.” That lyric hit me hard last night as we were driving. It’s from Ghosts by The Red Clay Strays—and it’s exactly how I feel standing in this trailer court for the first time in 47 years

This trailer court holds mostly bad memories – things no child should experience. But before we moved at age nine, something good happened:

My last name changed from Hunt to Vanslyke. I got a dad who didn’t have to be a father – he chose to be.

Today, I returned to this place for the first time in my memory. I’m back in my hometown for my 40th high school reunion. And I’ll admit—I’m nervous. Nervous to be seen. Nervous to remember. Because don’t we all want to be accepted?

I’ve spent my life trying to help others feel seen, safe, and valued – because I know what it’s like not to.

Is there a part of your past you keep avoiding? A place, a person, a memory you’re scared to face?

This week, maybe it’s time. Because healing often starts where we least want to go.

Let’s keep pushing forward.

See you next Friday.

Thank you to The Red Clay Strays: https://lnkd.in/gaz8h8td