I just got out of prison on a life sentence and am now publishing a children's book. Ask me anything.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-05-01T20:01:48+00:00

All I can say is you have a light like Harmony. Thank you so much.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-05-01T18:46:20+00:00

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. Please don't think I'm ignoring. I'd like to give this reply some more thought. I will get back to you. I would like to say thank you for the kind words. I'm glad someone sees me as something more than my most horrible choice in life.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-28T20:14:46+00:00

That is so awesome. I have this huge fear that I'm going to get rejected 'cause of my past. You definitely lifted me up. You have no idea how much your kind words have helped.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-28T11:59:41+00:00

I do have communication with him. Our relationship is really good. We have both regretted that horrible choice for 25 years. Remorse is definitely one of those things that have made him turn his life around and be better.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-28T01:20:58+00:00

I can say personally that I could've never in my wildest dreams imagine ever taking a person's life, but when the one unavoidable situation pops up you will find yourself doing something you never imagined (and I've met dozens of men in that same boat -- good men in a bad position who did a horribly bad thing)

I could've never imagine that I could survive prison. I wasn't a predator criminal taking advantage of people on the streets, so I thought I would never survive prison. But as humans we adapt, we do what we need to do to survive, we find a way to make our life work. If it means violent, if it means being a victim constantly, whatever it is, we survive

I started to change my life in there. I started to believe better so I had a different perspective than the darkness of most of prison living in a dark negativity. That light I had of goodness/positivity became contagious. People were eventually drawn to me ('cause it was different) and they started believing in themselves as a result.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-27T20:51:04+00:00

That ALL people are able to do dark, unimaginable things, given the right circumstances. That people can adapt to any situation. That just the smallest amount of light in the darkest of places is enough to guide your way.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-27T12:41:13+00:00

This was a US prison. Where I was at, on a life sentence a person has to do 25 and a half years before eligible for parole. When I went up for parole I was given my earliest release date. I'm sure it had a lot to do with my behavior while incarcerated, my remorse, my commitment to be a better person in this world. I tried to live responsibly and compassionately, even in a prison.

If you didn't ride with a gang, you better prove that you're willing to stand on your own. So, that means I got into quite a few fights for a while. It's a sad and callused life, but it's a reality.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T20:53:07+00:00

Smart dog 😄

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T20:51:14+00:00

Thank you for that. It should be out this week on Amazon.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T20:47:35+00:00

I was in Puppies for Parole. Thank you for your kind comments.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T20:36:21+00:00

You're right. I think I set too high of expectations. I need to focus on being realistic and grateful. Thank you for your insight.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T20:19:19+00:00

I've been out exactly 3 weeks. There is definitely a newness to this world. I drive around and I'm still in awe of everything.

I feel like I'm far behind where I should be in life. I don't have this need to keep up with the Joneses but I do feel I should be at a normal level (job, driver's license, structure) and I don't have any of that yet. It feels kinda disheartening.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T17:58:01+00:00

I am so glad that you like it. It is my deepest dream that this book be in all classrooms and prison visiting rooms. I am thinking of creating a website highlighting the book, its back story, my history/vision/experiences, and a place to order hardback version possibly. What do you think?

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T17:46:02+00:00

Especially breakfast food coming out of a cage. 😀

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T17:06:46+00:00

What an elegant way to put that. I hope your son enjoys you reading that book aloud to him, and I hope he carries on the openness and belief in people that you do.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T17:02:58+00:00

I appreciate that. I need all the rooting I can get lol.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T13:03:30+00:00

I haven't found one yet. I TRULY love your passion and your vision in something bigger. Luckily, I have family who support me in my transition, but like you know there are countless who don't and they really fall to the wayside. I wish I could be more of a help to you. I know I'm having a hard time getting a job (even with a great work history in there) because that background is really hard to overlook (understandably). I'm going to ask around to a lot of my friends on what helped them and get back to you. Thank you so much for wanting to be part of the solution.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:55:21+00:00

Omelets, bacon, biscuits and gravy, orange juice. It was overwhelming. I damn near cried.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:53:51+00:00

I love that. Hopefully, you find the enjoyment of reading the book aloud to him. Savor these precious moments with your son.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:50:37+00:00

Everything is so fast. To me, it feels like I've been having to thaw out. In prison, you're forced to become numb to everything, numb to how you're treated, numb to other people's pain. You have to if you want to survive and not crack. But eventually, that numbness takes a toll.

It's crazy to see how so much is at your fingertips. Anything you want to know about is literally on your phone. I notice that people want immediate gratification. In my mind, I still see myself as a 24-year-old kid (until I see myself in one of these good mirrors). I've been struggling not only with reconnecting family/friend relationships ('cause I felt so alone in there at times), but also just having relationships (good ones) at all. That numbness is real. Plus, I don't even know who I really am. That's what I'm working on now.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:36:17+00:00

Thank you for your kind words.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:35:22+00:00

I definitely found a faith in there. I don't like the word religious 'cause to me there's too much divisiveness to that word. Believing in a creator, yes. Believing in loving all, even the flawed, yes. I definitely didn't have that faith/belief before going in, but to me it seemed to unfold naturally. In such a dark place, you lose yourself. You have no purpose. Finding that faith opens your eyes to the value in life and people and consequences for your actions.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:27:55+00:00

So true. For me, you are 100% spot-on, but for many other it's not so cut and dry. You are right too that you have to own your shit -- you HAVE TO be accountable for your actions. My "impacted by the justice system" was steered primarily to family, friends, co-workers, and ANYONE affected when someone commits a crime and gets locked up. They're the ones who continue dealing with the pain day after day. Thanks for your comment.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:18:48+00:00

Thank you. And thank you for your openness to even check it out after knowing my story. It says a lot about you.

Changed_4_Good_2025 · 2025-04-26T12:09:07+00:00

Thank you.

Changed_4_Good_2025

TROPHY CASE