Memory babe---Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac and his cat---a side of Jack many are not aware of especially being known as the "crazy-mad drunken hipster" leading the Beat generation in Dionysian revelry---which Jack did seem to do his share of while coming of age at a time of great social and cultural change which is often attributed to "the Beats." I become more aware of Jack's natural, spiritual journey by reading Jack's stories, poems and studying Jack's life which reflect the social/ cultural/religious/political attitudes of the time leading to what appears to be a sad, depressing, lonely end of his life brought on by the abuses Jack did inflict on himself . I became aware of Jack Kerouac in the mid-sixties while in college with a required reading of  "On the Road." It "blew my mind!" to use a much abused phrase. I began to follow his writings as well as his life from that time on even until this very moment although his life ended in 1969. I have crossed the US on a Greyhound Bus to California--Denver, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, San Francisco, LA, San Diego, Tiajuana much like Jack did following the routes of his many crossings. I have visited Jack's hometown Lowell, Mass. often and attended the celebration in October of his birthday "Lowell Celebrates Kerouac" several times. Visiting his grave, tours of his childhood, interview w/Fr Spike, visiting his old haunts, etc....I don't want to let go of Jack and his spirit and the impact I feel Jack has had in some way on our country and possibly the world through individuals reading/studying his works. I know I am not alone in my quest to find Jack K and would like to hear from others who would like to share their Jack Kerouac stories, thoughts and keep the spirit of Kerouac alive!