Special day

This particular blog is meant for a special person, who is at this moment changing his life in a positive way. I would love to share many stories with you, however, do to confidentiality, I do not get that chance. In this case, I do. It is special day for a young man who went into the system 17 years ago. This man had seen it all, and to some extent done it all. The last ten years of his incarceration life he decided to start working on his self, and stop feeling pity for him self. He began by agreeing to talk with this writer, and begin to work through his pain. Over the last 8 years and change, I have began to form a positive helping relationship with this special person. Today this man will be released and will start his new life. Over 17 years inside this man was able to pass his GED, graduate from a two year college, but most important, (according to him) be able to do his time in a healthy way. At first he was the same person who and what got him to incarceration. I met his family 8 years ago, and we began the helping relationship. Prior to meeting him, he will be the first to tell you that 10 years ago he made the choice to start living for him self when his cell mate was killed. In those two years he worked him self from a maxium custody level to a camp level or minimum level of security. As the man learned how to develop a positive daily routine, accepting his crime, making amends, and working his higher power he became alive again. I would be lying to you if I said there was not any hurdles in the 8 years that I worked with him. Actually, he would be the first to tell you that, be he would also let you know that each struggle was a healthy one. This man has reconnected with his family, while being incarcerated, and has played a positive role in his families life the last ten years. I'm so proud of this man, that tears are flowing down my face as I write this and can see him in my mind with his smile, and his familiar saying, "Tod, I will make it out of here, you will see amigo" Over the last year, when I get his monthly phone call, I could sense his anxiety and curiosity of what his life may be like. Today this man is released, and will start a new life, where he will be the first to tell you, that it started inside 10 years ago. My prayers go out to this special man, and I wish him all the best amigo. Thank you for touching my life, and giving me the opportunity to meet you and your family. Stay in your health, stay in the moment.