MACON, Ga. — Painting your parking space is a special tradition at some Central Georgia High Schools, like Tattnall Square Academy.
The private school has kept the tradition for three years; now, you might see a few rows of student artwork in the parking lot celebrating the senior students' final year.
One senior's dad said he wanted to help his son with the parking project because art helped him heal into sobriety.
"I'm not a painter, so this was challenging," Geoff Thames said. "But, it was fun and something I wanted to make special for him."
Geoff said he's a Trojan who graduated in 1997 with his high school sweetheart, Natalie. They've been together since and have a daughter, Ella, and a son, Griffin, who've attended TSA since they were in kindergarten.
The alumnus said he didn't get to paint his senior space during his time, but Griffin's a senior now, and he commissioned his dad this year.
Griffin said he reads "a lot of comic books," so that was the framework Dad based his piece on.
Several artists crafted the space around their cars, where each senior's parking space now serves as a canvas for self-expression.
Some coordinated their designs; their murals span several spaces.
Others wrote inspirational quotes and incorporated their favorite characters and hobbies.
"His first movie I took him to see was "Man of Steel" way back when," Geoff said.
As you drive through, you'll see childhood gems displayed on the pavement at the school.
Geoff said he freehanded his son's mural, yet he doesn't consider himself an artist.
Sketching was one of his childhood hobbies, which he left behind growing up, but he returned to it for rehabilitation.
"I think with art, it allows you to focus on just one thing, and you can kinda escape everything else," Geoff said. "I think, for a long time, that's what alcohol was for me. I was trying to escape something."
Then, on October 21, 2019, Geoff escaped his addiction.
"When I decided to get sober, I didn't look at it as 'I can never have a drink for the rest of my life,' It's, 'I gotta stay sober for the next 24 hours, I gotta do what I gotta do to get through this day and keep moving forward.'"
For nearly five years, Geoff's gotten through those days. Now, he's getting through to people.
"He helps out at church with his 'Celebrate Recovery' class and helps other people struggling," Griffin said.
Geoff said his group meets at Northway Church in Macon every Monday.
"Any kind of hurts, habits, hang-ups," he added. "It's not just alcohol or drug-related. It could be gambling, it could be codependency, stress, anxiety, depression, things like that."
The artist is leaving marks and sharing lessons that could last a lifetime.
"Keep moving forward" is Geoff's motto. "Whatever issues or problems you're facing-- keep moving forward."
The mantra Geoff said he lives by is "Glorifying God through the talents he gives us."
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, addictions or substance abuse of any kind, you can find resources at United Way of Central Georgia, River Edge Recovery Center, Beyond the Bell, and the Georgia Recovery Project.