I was subjected to horrific trauma at a very young age and grew up to become an abuser. As a result, I began my incarceration journey at the age of 13 and spent decades full of repressed anger and resentment that boiled over many times resulting in irreparable harm to others. Simply put, I was hurting badly and wanted to see others hurt the way I was hurting. However, I reached a point about 10 years ago where I became tired of living in resentment and unforgiveness. I didn't want to hurt people any more. That's when I began the journey towards my healing that continues to this day.

I met Nora Jacob in 2024 while I was at CIM on Facility C and working in the library. That chance meeting resulted in her attending my college graduation and my attendance at many programs she facilitates, including the Quarterly Grief and Loss Memorial and the Proof of Life program. Nora taught me about the principles of restorative justice and actually showed me what love and compassion looks like. She was and is one of the few people who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I went to Board this year and won my release against all the odds.

Now that I'm free, I am determined to continue living out the principles of restorative justice while encouraging others to do the same. Thank you, Nora! I love you and please keep doing what you're doing.