Reply ID: pg4t

I got your response, and I am humbled by your words. I think you're the only one I still hear anything back from. It means a lot that you remember me and think so highly of me.

Believe it or not, I have changed in so many ways, both good and bad. I have continued, though, to not let my life in this place behind these bars to hinder me in any way. Truly, I believe when my mom passed away, it helped me see life through unclouded and unselfish eyes. I have been humbled by the value and the beauty of life itself, and wonder why I took my own for granted when my mom, who was an amazing person, was taken away form this world so quickly. She loved life even more than I could ever understand every day she was sick, and you'd never know it.

I am due to get my answer from parole any day now, and I hope like crazy that this time I make it. I know, beyond everything, I have made greater mistakes than others. I miss my kids. Each day is a reminder of their pain and my own, but nothing can change the past. Only I can do better in the future.

I have been a basket case as of late and still manage to sit down and accomplish things. I have graduated Bridges to Life, and I am now an encourager, which has put me in the form of mind of those people I have hurt, even myself. You know I would deliberately do things to hurt myself like the type of people I chose to be with in the past. I hope to be home before my birthday this year, but even any yes is fine with me. I am trying to work on getting somewhere to stay upon my release but, you know, it's hard with my situation and the judgment people pass on me. I would write you directly but no address.

I hope that all is well for you out there and that you are safe from all that is bad, and that you continue to make great choices. Nothing like a BONSAI tree to get you going? Yes, I remember that...