This story draws heavily from my experiences growing up trying to understand my learning disabilities while dealing with the grief of losing a parent. This June, I'll be coming up on TEN years without my Dad in this nutty world. It's still crazy to write/read that. I don't think it ever gets easier, but it certainly becomes more tolerable. Losing a main pillar in my life was hard and disorienting. Believe it or not, I'm still processing and digesting. I used to get mad and frustrated with my processing speed, whether inside the classroom or out of it. From an early age, I built this narrative that there was something "off" when it came to reading, writing, math, etc. I didn't love school, and all I wanted to do was just be outside. So, naturally, I often dreamt of flying.

Fast forward two decades later, and that little kid, who questions his intelligence, receives an MFA from the top Film school in the world - in WRITING. If you told me that when I was in 3rd grade, I'd probably think you were nuts. The amount of reading alone would most likely make me pass out. But through my graduate school experience, I felt comfortable in my own skin regarding my process for the first time. Something unlocked within me that helped me realize my "slow" processing speed when reading and writing was called "feeling." I wish someone sooner explained that one to me. I am different, but now I see it in a positive light - and that's something I want my young audience to feel, especially if they are experiencing similar hurdles.

Writing PTERRY sure was cathartic for many reasons. However, I think the best thing about this project is that it hopefully can connect with those experiencing loss while trying to find their superpower.

- John Michael Riva Jr.