John was a troubled child. It all started when his father left his mother. John thought his father didn't want him and it really tore him apart. Poor kid. And he went to live with his Aunt Mimi. She was a great Aunt but strict. John had a more brother sister like relationship with his mother and it really crushed him when she was killed in the accident. It seems like he was always losing someone. He thought he was an artist and a genious, even if his school grades were terrible.