No celebrating for me though, just feeling grateful that's all. Back in 96 I celebrated 6 years on the bricks after a string of bids, and 2 weeks later found myself in a cage facing 21 years. By the grace of God I only served 5 of a 13 and half year sentence. I'm just going to stay focused. It feels good though. All I hear in my head is them guards telling me, you'll be back as if they were trying to program me. I ain't trying to hear that. The best revenge is success, and you can bet ya last dollar I am going to succeed. Hell I already have in my eyes. When I first started doing time back in the 80's I was an 8th grade drop out trying to climb the latter in the drug trade. When I got tired of going back and getting beat down by the police, I strapped up. I got my GED in 3 months, showing all and myself that I wasn't stupid. I scored college level shocking the teacher at Leesburg State Prison. Everyday of my last bid I prepared for my release, read everything I could get my hands on. I applied for college from behind the walls, and when I walked out the front gates, it was with a full Pell grant. Straight A's for 2 years till I dropped out because my business was doing that well. I got hired to work on the Vans Warped tour, and got to travel across the whole country and into Canada. In these passed 5 years I have lived a life I never knew existed. I have had my temptations, ups and downs, but for once in my life, I have a lot to lose. I still have a long way to go, but looking at it right here right now, life is good. So what now? Keep going and never look back? Hell no, time to give back. I can never forget the hell I went through. The hell my people are still going through right now as I write this. I live in this world, but from a distance. I'm an X-con, they never let you forget it. So you know what, I remind them in case they forget. Cause yea, I am an X-con, but I'm a human being first. Every brotha and sista locked up is a human being. And I'm a make people see this one way or another. Is this a success story? Hell yea it is, a never ending success story, cause I'm not done. In closing, I wanna give a big ups to all the ladies and men standing by their loved ones behind the walls. My wife, divorced me after year 1 of 5. But success is the best revenge like I said. God blessed me with the greatest supportive women I could dream up. So God bless you all for real. Stay strong. One love, One movement. Peace. "X" (Hebrews 13:3)

What an inspiring story! I wish you continued happiness!!! Thanks for posting, and welcome to PTO!!!!!! :)

WOW!!! All I can say is well done to you!!! My husband has only been in 7mths and I worry about when he gets home if he can make a life for himself again and you have just proven to me that if you want it you can have it. I am so pleased that you have proven to them all that you are not a criminal first and human second.

Is this a success story?


Yes it is and you should be proud!! Congratulations!!

JJT

Congrats :)

Congrats and welcome to PTO!!!

Well done !!! from the UK :D xxxxxxx

You have no idea how much I needed to read you post. All the negativity does get to ya sometimes, but your story overpowers that! I wish you much happiness in your life!

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story. It is so good to hear that people do actually make it after doing time. Keep staying strong!

Thank you all so much for the love! Big smile on my face over here. Love right back at yous!

Succeed you will...you sound very strong willed with all the courage to set an example out in the free world that, just because you made a mistake, you served the punishment and are still "a human". Some people don't see it that way and it is so sad. I love my husband unconditionaly, regaurdless of his faults (God knows we all have them). I have found that he is more of a human than some of the ones out here in the world. When we said our Wedding Vows, "till death do us part"...we made that promise to eachother as well as to God. I am so sorry to hear that your wife divorced you during your time of needing her the most. You are definately a SUCCESS! I wish you a very bright future. My prayers are with you. Thanks for your story:thumbsup: ...Cathy

Wow, that was inspiring! I think I might print this out and send it to my man, do you mind? Congratulations with everything, I wish you and your new girl the best of luck in life and love!! :thumbsup:

Congratulations, I wish you much success and luck in life. I am sure you will prove them wrong and will never go back. Thanks for the story. God bless

That really touched my heart! All Praise is due to God for everything..........I truly pray for many more happy days for u......May God continue to strengthen you and make lifes test easy for you. God bless you!....

Congrats! I'm glad I read this thread. Success stories like your's make me feel a lot better when I'm feeling down. My man (and the father of my son), has been sentenced to 6 years. Hopefully he won't have to serve all 6, but I'll be here waiting for him no matter what. He's determined to accomplish his goals once he's home, and it's very encouraging to read about people like you. Thanks for sharing, and best wishes!

Thank you everybody! Still going strong too. And I just gotta a full tank reading these posts. God bless you all!

congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woo! hooo! I am so glad for you! and remember "The greater the trial, the greater the glory, if we do not lose heart" !!!!!!!!! way to go !!!!!!!!! and God bless you and furnish you with everything that his divine power gives us to endure and to succeed! The sky is the limit..................... welcome to P.T.O too :)

You Are A True Man Keep On Keepin On & Never Ever Go Back Best Of Luck To U

Capital X, congratulations to you! I wish continued success for you and send many blessings your way, though it doesn't seem like you will need them.