I guess I can list this under success stories... though my 'success' won't sound like much to alot of people.

November 28th marks the day I come off of probation after 5 years of being on Supervised... that followed 3 years of incarceration. To those around me, the people that haven't been in prison or haven't been affiliated with the system, I am no success... but I can assure you that it's the small things that have made my coming home a success.

In the 5 years I've been out, I've been able to hold down steady employment, bought a car, traveled, and am living a normal life (finally). No, I don't have alot of money... or a career so to speak... but my obligations are fulfilled, my bills are payed, I have a wonderful man in my life, and I'm happy. To me, that is a success.

Quite honestly, the 3 years I served in prison were a breeze compared to the 5 years I've done on Supervised probation, (with a year of that being Intense probation).... but, it can be done. Here I am... a 27 year old ex-felon, finally becoming a part of society again... for anyone who has done time... that's a success in itself.

Anywho, I just wanted to share that little bit of me :)..... And a big WOOOOHOOOO for the 28th.... That will start my first day of REAL freedom! :)

Jodygirl

Congrats to you Jodygirl! Soooo Proud of you!

WooooHooooo for the 28th!!!

Jody everything sounds great! I'm so happy for you! :) 4 more days!!!! yay!

WAY TO GO JODYGIRL! WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IS DEFINATELY A SUCESS! DON'T LOSE FAITH! TAKE CARE!

I definitely think that your a sucess! You have a job, got a car, traveled! Thats great! Its an inspiration to know it can be done. My boyfriend is serving 2 1/2 years and will be on 5 years probo, so your giving me some real hope! Thank you!!

sometimes just to get to the next day is a success...congradulations...on yours

Jodygirl!!!!!!!! You ARE a success! Congratulations to one of the biggest accomplishments. I am proud of you.

Jojo,

You ARE a success, don't ever doubt it !!! I'm very happy and proud to know you, and wish you and Dale all the best for your future.

Love
Phil xoxo

You are a SUCCESS...be proud of yourself! :)

Congrats and wishing you and Dale the best there is....

Deb

No doubt you are a success story. Congratulations, I'll make a Martini and celebrate on the 28th with you. :)
Kim

Jody,

Congratulations! Linda and I will toast your anniversary on the 28th.

Good to see you around again.

Patti

Jody!!
Congrat!! I will be thinking about you on the 28th!!!
*HUGS*

I know you are a success. My free date was Aug. 22. After serving 2 years 11 months. And 2 years on parole.

In a few days you will be riding down the road and it will be like wow. I am free at last. And your right prison was a breeze compared to this. So you have made it through the test.

I am very proud of you!!!!!And I have a big smile on my face right now. I wish you all the luck and love in the world.

Enjoy!!!!!!!! But always remember those left behind.

Kathy

******************************************** CONGRATULATIONS }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Jody, I am so very proud of you girl ... you done good!!!
****** HUGS }}}

Thank you so much everyone... It really does feel good to know I'm really gonna be free...

And Kathy... believe me, I'll never forget where I've been and those I've left behind. So many of the women I done time with made a huge impact on my life.... I'll always remember them!

jody, i must say, i truly admire you for your strength, courage, and determination. i did 7 yrs. and am currently on probation. thank you for sharing your SUCCESS story. it lets me know i can do the same. and yes, i understand, it is so much harder out here than on the inside. you stay committed to the freedom you've earned. it makes others who know where your coming from much stronger.

Jodygirl,

This is so awesome!! It is a great success and be proud!!!
You have accomplished so much in this time and your story just goes to show everyone that it can be done.

Blessings,
BlueLily

Happy November 28th to you Jody. You are an inspiration and I wish you continued success.

Peace.

You've received some very encouraging comments from PTO members, so one more the better! Yes! You ARE a success story! If to anyone, to yourself and your family. Those are the people that really count here. I've been home 8-months and am still hangin' in there, so to speak. After some 1,000 days plus being locked up, I came home to quite a different world. My Mother suffered a stoke in 01' and was no longer the person we all remembered and loved. My Father, who took on the task, no, the labor of love of caring for mom single handedly-NO HELP of any kind from any other family (and I use the term"family" loosely!) members, was always there for me, and still is. After 71-days out, my Mother had a second stroke which took her from us. Dad still has not eccepted the loss and it effects his life in many ways I never whould have imagined. Me, I guess I'm ok, at least as far as Mom's passing. In retrospect, I'm much better than I've been in the past 3-yrs. simply because I'm free. However, I have alot to do personally to be where I want to be. Patience, more so now than ever, seems to be the answer to most of my problems. Sure, I'd like to see changes in my life appear when I want, but I know it doesn't work like that. So, in the mean while I'll continue smiling! You keep smiling, too, Jody! Good-luck in all you seek, want & do. Peace

Thank you RC... and kudos to you for making it this far on your freedom! :)

I think it's amazing how life works.... it's like, you get out of prison, and all of a sudden, life wants to throw all these hurdles, obstacles, and challenges in your face. I remember two weeks after my release, my mother and I had a huge falling out and weren't even on speaking terms for about 6 months. Just out of prison, and the very person who supported me the whole time disagreed with the lifestyle I chose upon release... and we couldn't even hold a conversation.

Anyway... I'm very sorry to hear about your mother, and I'll keep your father in my prayers. Keep your head up and your eyes to the future.... wonderful things will come in time.

Jodygirl

Wonderful and importantly, you are an inspiration for those to come. I'll send this one to my son.

Thanks