Well, another semester is rolling to a close. The birds are chirping. The sun is shining.

This felon is smiling.

As of yesterday, I am a Microsoft Certified Software Developer. Long way from scrubbing toilets in the joint, for sure.

I am now five months from the end of my parole and I’m really beginning to believe I can do this. You know how many people have asked me if I’m a felon? Hell, I don’t know, but not very many. I’m just another person, just like everyone else I meet every day. Many even look up to me, which is a big change from the inside let me tell you. So maybe the birds aren’t chirping every day, but I’m having a lot more good days than bad. And believe me when I tell you that if I can do it, anybody can.

Now I know you’re all out there—I can tell from the numbers that hit the site everyday—and I hope that you’re benefiting from the things you read, so why aren’t you speaking up? Why aren’t you relating all of your stories so that someone else can be inspired by you? I know if I can keep just one person from going back, all this hard work will be worth it. I’m sure if someone emailed or commented to you “Hey, you changed my life. The stuff you said kept me from getting in the car with my boys. Now they’re sitting in county and I just got a promotion at work.” I’m sure if someone said that, you’d be filled with such a sense of accomplishment. What’s God’s plan for you and me? I’ve got no clue, but I’m sure it has to do with keeping the prisons empty and the streets safe.

Thanks for you continued loyalty. Stay safe and free.