Just A Little Something To Think About!




I have a buddy here I talk to quite often. He is a good guy and he is usually a fairly cheerful person. But when he starts talking about his case and his prison sentence, he becomes the victim that feels he shouldn't be here and that he got way to much time. And if he were somebody else this never would have happened and on and on.


So, we started talking about what he did when he was on the outside. Then we got on the subject of all the things we both had gotten away with and the danger around those situations. It makes you really think about how both of us were on our way to prison long before we were arrested.


 It brings me back to the snowball effect. Those little decisions that don't seem lie that big of deal at the time always lead to bigger things and soon those things don't seem so bad either. Once we start on any kind of a criminal mindset, we are constantly desensitizing ourselves until nothing matters or scare us anymore. Remember that the next time you are in a situation and you tell yourself, "Its not that big of deal, nobody will even know." That's only the beginning. It never starts out big. Maybe someone cheats their work hours today and ends up facing Tax Fraud charges a few year later from now.
Just something to put some thought into when you tell yourself, "Its not that big of deal, nobody will ever know."


*******************************************************************************




















A Quick Thank You!

Thanks Ma

Thanks Ky

I wanted to write a quick thank you to our outside support of P.P.R. They are so much more than support, they are the only reasons why we are able to do this at all. First my Mom, Colleen Rogness. She has always supported me and is constantly reminding me to help others and to give everything up to God. Of course I like to refer to that as nagging. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you have always done for me. Without you there would be no P.P.R.

You are the backbone of us. Second I would like to thank my best friend Kylie Hakinson. She thinks that she  doesn't do near enough and that nobody notices her work. So let her know that you see it. Kylie, I have gotten to know you better than anyone and you definitely know me better than anybody else does. I think you know me better then I know myself. And your never afraid to call me on m crap. You are so special to me and you truly are an amazing person. You can't even understand how much you help me everyday. So, to mama and to Kylie I love you both, and I pray that people see how much both of you do, when so many people think you shouldn't. Bot of you are way more than I deserve to have around me. Thank you so much for being there for me everyday. Love you both. Anybody who reads this they should compliment mom and Kylie, they are the ones who do all the work to make sure people see it. So tell them they are doing a good job.

Thanks again.

Jon Rogness

C0-founder- P.P.R.

Journeys

Through my whole life I've had my mom , dad, and three brothers. Two younger and one older. We have been through what some would think as unlikely, others will think, "well my life was some of the same as his." But the question is what have you done with what you experienced in life.

My brothers and I were in and out of Foster Care. My mom was an alcoholic, dad was abusive, and most of the time working on the road...

My father has been in prison as well. My brothers and I were in four different Foster Cares that I can remember. In the fourth grade we were in Foster care in a place where we are supposed to feel safe. I was sexually assaulted by my so-called seventeen-year-old "foster brother". My older brother, only in the seventh grade at the time, tried stopping it from happening. We tried reporting it and no one believed us.

At the age of eleven or twelve my mom quit drinking but by that time I had already quit caring. I already started drinking and getting high. I got put on probation at the age of twelve for vandalism of a historical monument. Thought that didn't stop me from any drug use. It actually got worse. The first time I tried hallucinogens was a the age of fourteen as well as pills. You can say that I picked up some bad habits. I also got arrested at fourteen for marijuana. I sat in J.D.C. got out and then ran away from home. Lived with a couple of college guys and my drug use gradually got worse.

At fifteen I dropped out of High School. My P.O. said that I was worthless and would end up in prison someday. Man she was right. I was very suicidal and depressed all through my teenage years. In other words a coward. I tried killing myself by overdosing, hanging myself and crashing my truck at eight miles per hour. Yet I am still alive. (Thank you God!) All because the Lord has a different plan for me. I didn't see it though.

At sixteen I got arrested and went through three different drug rehabs. Then I came to prison in February of 2009. Lost my mandatory parole and then had a change on C.T.P. in 2010. I came right back with a new felony all due to my drug use. It caused me to do what I did but in the long run I choose to use drugs in he first place.

I haven't been out of prison since. It's been four years. My own fault....I passed my initial parole two years ago because while I was in M.D.S.P. I was doing drugs and fighting constantly. I presented myself as a Christian when I was doing these things. Now I've been on the Hill for a little over two years. I have made a complete change. I've walked away from every fight that has come my way. I have  realized that it;s not worth it.

Through my family and I have been through Hell we are as close as ever. My mom and m dad have been married for twenty-four years now. I have two nephews and nieces. They all come to see me as soon as possible. I'd do absolutely anything for my family. I wouldn' t have made the changes that I have if I didn't have them.

My point is with all this that I've gone through is that I've realized I don't need to prove anything to anybody. And all that I've gone through made me a better person. God has shown me (guided) to pull a positive out of a negative. I can do that. That is why I am a S.T.A.R.T. member. 

My life may not be very different from others. Ive lived a very challenging life though it has made me who I am today; A very strong individual, respectful, kind, a man of values, and a man of character. I thank God for my life story, my journey  that made me a M.A.D. man.

Written By: Chris Campbell

Memories

Few words can bring many Tears, but also many Joys.

June has been a difficult month for my son Jon... Well he is serving his  time in prison,  life outside of prison doesn't stand still. Life goes on without him.  Family and events do change...My son being in prison doesn't only effect him, it effects everyone in his family

 that love him. 

Many changes have happened since he has been there. Brother, and sisters have graduated from highschool, and college. Illness's have happened with family members that he couldn't be there for. His son has grown up and has been involved with several events that Jon would have loved to be there for him and encourage him.  Changes have been made on his family farm, and he missed out on, and he would like to be part of the changes. Family trips have happened that he missed out on. One person for many years will be missing in the family trips album.

Holidays have happened with him not at the  table enjoying in the family time, and celebration. But choices were made. And we go on from here.
 God holds us up and makes each time we see him a joy and a time to make more memories. 

Last week Jon's brother Tyler was married to a great gal..This made Jon  really sad that he couldn't be there for him. He wasn't able to stand up for his bother, and show him that he loves him and is proud of the decisions he has made. But it made him happy that his younger brother found a great girl to spend the rest of his life with.   Jon was made a Honorary Best Man because he is Tyler's brother and someone Tyler loves very much.. The botherly bond will always be there. They have shared many sweet times together growing up.  Jon's son was a Jr. groomsmen so was able to be part of the wedding.  But Jon missed it all...Tears happened at times thinking about Jon, a son and brother couldn't be there with us and help us celebrate this wonderful time. 

It meant allot to Jon to have his son Preston and himself included in the wedding celebration. This is such an exciting time for Tyler..  Jon's words and thoughts he wanted to share to Tyler and Rebekah are " He is so sorry he couldn't join in this special day. He is so very happy for his brother that he found a special girl. And he will be thinking about them and praying for them all the time. He wished them the best, and he knows good things will come to them, because their relationship and marriage is based on biblical values and their  putting God first. "

Jon wasn't able to be there with his presence, but he was there in our thoughts.  And we will be a ble to share all the excitement of the day with him through pictures and stories. Jon will always be a important part of our family. And someday will be able to be with us for these wonderful occasions.

But for now Jon continues to grow in God's grace, and love. And plays an important role in reaching other to Christ. And helping others with his thoughts and prayers on this blog.  God has given him a ministry in the situation he is in..Thank You Jesus!

Jon's grandma years ago wrote an artical about marriage and I would like to share it with you.

You Me and Us!

Martin Luther observed that "It is the very nature of God to make something out of nothing." It is not hard then to understand that in marriage two become one- that a new living being is created.

God does not say that the two people who come in marriage cease to exist- only that as they dedicate themselves to each other there becomes a newly created One.

Is it possible then, that like any newborn, this newly created "marriage" needs attention, time and nourishing? it's been said that most marriages are successful, its the living together afterwards that get difficult! it takes a long time for that newly created One to mature- like any child growing up is a process. That third person in the marriage, born a t the wedding (after a period of gestation we callcourtship) is, like a baby fragile and immature. If a newborn child is nourished and cherished it will grow healthy and indestructible and will take on a personality all it's own. It is not just a combination of the two who fostered it, but more than that, more than either of them.

In marriage, too, this newly created One, is intended to become a One all it's own, with more strength and wisdom and caring than either of it's partners. With caring and nuturing it becomes strong and giving. Both can draw from it and lean on it and find joy in it.

But if the newly created "marriage" is not nourished and given time and attention, it, like an undernourished child, becomes sick and sometimes dies. Perhaps thats why divoce is so sad. Devorce is the killing of that person who was created at the  wedding wirh so much love and hope and potential. And those left to morn, need much healking: for even though the two original people go on, that third persson in the relationship has died.

Perhaps we've misunderstood when we've thought of marriage as two peole giving up their indentities to become only one.  Perhaps it's rather two people, giving of themselves to become three!

And perhaps that's why the death of a marriage partner is so very traumatic. Not only is the visible half of the partnership gone, but for the one left, two-thirds of the "you, me and us" it has become, is gone! When a spouse is lost, so is that thrid person that One, who has become the two people together - and more. And all that is left is one of the thirds!

What a privilege it is to be part of God's creating a new person in marriage. What an awesome long term responsibility to feed and nourish andcare for that newly created third One which God creates when we marry. What a joy to see that One, that "marriage", grow and mature and flourish and blossom into a thing of beauty and strength giving  so much pleasure and joy to so many people.

Written By:  Mavis Rogness

Eph. 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. so that Christ may dwell in your hearts throught faith. And I pray that you, being rooted nd established in love may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ , and to know tht love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Sinful Destruction

Since the age of fourteen, I have been a sex addict. My addition started and ended with pornography. I had opportunities to have sex, those I always refused, not wanting to become my father. This led me to justify my pornography addiction, "At least I am not hurting anyone," I often told my self, "its ok it's only in my head." I"I would never act upon these fantasies." For eight years, whether I was in a  relationship or not, my free time revolved around Pornography and fantasy.

I had conflicting feelings about Pornography on one hand I enjoyed it, the way it made me feel, always drifting and living in fantasy world. Whenever anything got tough Pornography was there to ease me. It brought me escape and joy, "It was my drug". Even though Pornography brought me pleasure, it brought me disgust in myself. After I entered a serious relationship, had kids, and got married, I was still trapped in my addition. No longer did it bring me much joy, but the need kept me addicted.

Pornography led to many fights, it led my wife to think she was not good enough. Ultimately, I allowed it to lead me to hurting my wife and my two children. At the age of thirty, after sixteen years of me choosing to led Pornography run My life, the storm finally hit and left nothing in its wake. 

The months leading up to this disaster, I was finally noticing how out of control I was. By this time, it was too late, or so I told myself, I was scared to ask my wife or anyone else for help. I was arguing with myself and, unknown to me at the same time I was arguing with God.

"I'm not hurting anyone..Pornography keeps me from hurting the ones I love."

"You need help." I told myself

"Your wife loves you and will help you." God told me.

"No, I can't....No, I don't want too."

For months, this went on; finally, God said, " I want to save you from sin." I have given you e very change: however I see that the hold it has on you is to strong." So he allowed the storm to hit, I was arrested. I lost my family and losing them, I lost  everything important to me. However, in jail God gave me friends, to help me and guide me. People who were facing the same thing as I was. Never once did God leave my side, slowly he led me to see through the pain. Through the guilt and remorse I felt. He showed me that this was more then Punishment.

What I did caused mt to lose my life. However, God took the opportunity to show me how I could save my soul.

If you are in prison, I hope this helps you to see that seeking help is the correct thing to do. There is help there, do not be afraid, like me because it can and will get worse if you do not.

Finally, if you are in prison know that it is not over, no matter your length of time, there is ways to better yourself if you try.  You can be presented with better paths of life to take.  You just have to be open to seeing them. "Just know it's never to late."

Written By: Christopher Hartford

“Into the Depth of my Despair”

By: Michael Wayne LaDeaux

My story begins with my mother, whom my father is to blame for her overdose. His departure is her reason for her attempt and failed overdose. Through this very unfortunate event I was discovered. I’m her 1st and only child. My father did not believe I was his, so he left her on her own. I was born on Feb. 8th, 1984.At the time my tribe Rosebud did not have a hospital, so I was flown to Yankton, S.D.

My environment as a youth consisted of physical and mental abuse My mother raised me on her own with little support from my grandma and other relatives.. My mother had her own demons, especially on alcohol. She would bite me on the face for looking like my real father, punch and kick me, make me stay up and listen to music with her while she drank. I went through many unfortunate events pertaining to abuse. We also lived on the streets, hitchhiked from one place to the next.

To a certain extent I have empathy for her. We had many hard times but always seemed to manage. Then came an individual who I would consider, and to this day still call my father, Fred Davis, Jr. I was blessed with the best of company in Fred. They got married on Feb. 2^nd, in Sioux City Iowa. I was thankful to finally be able to experience family life. My mother was acting like a mother, and I had the best step farther ever. But once again history would repeat itself, more unfortunate events.

Alcohol was the major problem and down fall in their relationship. They would fight, argue, and cheat on each other. Guns were big in my house used on humans, not animals. Make a long story short my father Fred shot up my mothers, brother, emptied a clip on her outside our apartment in Sioux City Iowa. We both thought she was hit when she dropped but she was just playing dead. I was placed in and out of foster homes, usually until one of them got out of jail. Eventually they went their separate ways, got a divorce, Fred and me still have a solid bond. To me, he is my real father in this life and into the next.

Between 9 and 13 years old my childish ways met there demise, I was arrested and charged for “aggravated assault, home evasion, burglary, C.H.I.N.S., runaway and kidnapping. “  My association with the “ Santana Bocc Crips “ and “West Side Locos” didn’t help my situation. I was a foolish follower, and gullible to belief systems that were non-beneficial to me. I was sentenced to the “Department of Corrections” until (21 years) old, and sent to the “State Training School in Plankinton, South Dakota.”

I was to remain incarcerated there until a juvenile prison was built or until I was fully rehabilitated. Rehabilitation never came my way for many more years to come. Family at this point kept a great distance from me. I was officially the black sheep, an outcast. So instead of bettering myself, I because and embraced becoming a product of my environment. I no longer wanted to simply be associated with any particular group. And considering I’m not from the west coast, it only made sense to join the “Insane Gangsters,” better known as “Insane Mafia-South.” Within this group of individuals I replaced my real-family. I no longer looked to my family for support.

I now invested my time in the intelligence and insight of “Insane Mafia,” this consisted of earning my keep, putting in work. In no way am I attempting to glorify my situation. My point is to be completely honest. Moving on, I ended up in the 1st Juvenile prison once it was built. I also was in “Patrick Henry Brady Boot Camp” in Custer, South Dakota, and living Center A & B.  The state training school a couple more times. I added more and more charges to my juvenile record. consisting of “assault on staff, escape twice, and participated in the riot that eventually closed the Juvenile prison.

I turned 17 years old and (D.O.C.) was tired of me, and sent me to the Glory House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I was only there 1 day and went on the run. I hung out with older gang members, enjoyed the praise from my own crew,(Insane). Got an old English “M” tattoo on my face, and a nine by my eye, a tear drop as well. I spent most my time consuming alcohol, weed and allot of meth, some cocaine. I was a dealer, addict, junky all wrapped up in one big dysfunctional mess. I treated my body as “no temple of God,” but as the “devils playground.” I wanted to die, to me life was pain, death was my release. To me, family and friends were over rated cause nobody really cares. This negative mentality and poor out look on life continued on for some years. One night out, I was drinking with my homeboys and some girls, the owner of the house started flipping out. I was pretty drunk and my homie was passed out in the corner. Everybody was exiting the house, I was trying to wake up my homie. The owner who was a girl was crying on the phone to someone. Se stopped crying and hung up the phone, noticed me and told me I didn’t have to leave.

She started hitting on me, telling me to stay. I just wanted to leave and honestly had no interest in being with her. Eventually her boyfriend and whomever else she had spoken to on the phone showed up. She then started crying again, and out of no where someone said are you trying to rape her. I said “Hell no”. I left my homie and that house. About 3 blocks away the police pulled me over and questioned me on the issue. I was honest and had nothing to hide, they took me back to the scene and I was identified as the one who just left. So I was hand cuffed and taken to Minnehaha County  Jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Arrested and charged for rape. I was never convicted and was released 4 days later. But during my time in maximum security I reached out to God. I came to him with tears in my eyes, and a heart full of animosity. My prayer was simple but very sincere. I said, “God I did not do this crime. I respect and love women. It is not in my nature to do such a thin. I don’t know you very well, but I need you right now, so please help me out.”

The next day I was released, the charges were dropped. That was my 1^st real, genuine connection with God. I called and he picked me up instantly and answered my request. During my short time in confinement, only one person came to visit me, my father Fred. Everyone else turned his or her back on me. Just assumed I was guilty. People, even family smiled in my face, but talked about e negatively behind my back. It was my 1^st real wake up call pertaining to finding out that your real friends are.

I have nothing bad to say about those people who had no faith in me at the time. Mostly cause I didn’t do anything good. I never earned their respect or trust. I was a gangster, Mafia Man, nothing more.  The education I was in possession of came from the hard knocks, not a classroom. My knowledge also about God the creator was vague. But I knew in my heart, I wanted to know more about God. So I started to pray more and attend church as well. One thing I always had access to was the gospel, plus my grandpas was a pastor. I was still riding the fence through, sinner & saint on the weekends.

I was attempting to balance the good and the bad in my life. Meaning I wanted to change, to be a better son, brother and friend. I truly wanted to know God. But I also wanted to stay loyal to my crew “Insane Mafia.” I felt I owed them especially considering its all   I’ve ever known. From an early age, I was always considered an equal in this circle of brothers, 1^st before last, last before 1^st.

My struggle balancing the good and bad only got worse. It made me very depressed, so I turned to drugs. I started to shoot up meth, I would be up for , 2 or 3 weeks, my longest binge was 31 days. Before long was only bad company. I was just a guy with a “M” on his face. One night I sat by my lonesome in the basement of my house listening to Fleet Wood Mac over and over. I had a loaded pistol and was contemplating suicide. I asked God to give e a sign or a reason to live. He came to through again, my cell phone rang.

My family was inviting me to dinner. I was extremely sad and said, “I’m high on dope,  are you sure you want me around.. I have been up for weeks?” They did not even give it a second thought, simply said” see you soon and hung up.” I did me another blast and decided to walk over to my grandma’s house. Half way there a cop car went by me and slowed down, before it could even turn around I went into a brick building. That building was church and come to find out it was Easter Sunday. I ended up staying for the entire service.

I sat in the last row in the corner of the church by myself. I had a black hoody on, all black dickies and a read bandanna one. Meth and needles in my pocket, spun. When the service came to a close, the pastor came to my seat and shook my hand. Told me it’s going to okay, then he sat next to me. People then began to line up and shake his hand and mine. I started to cry cause I found my reason to live. It found it amongst strangers in a church in Sioux Falls, S.D.

So I decided to make my departure from those I considered being brothers. Instead of getting through the point, I agreed to go out and have some drinks. I was nervous, but committed to change and to God the creator. Long story short, I passed out and some crimes were committed.  The police and a detective were looking for me. A guy with a “M” on his face. There was a warrant out for my arrest. I eventually went to Minnehaha County jail, and was charged with intentional damage to property, 1^st offense.

I complete my sentence of 8 years in 15 days, no parole. There’s so much more to my story, and someday through my actions the good will out weigh the bad. Today my mother has cancer and lives in Oklahoma City We converse and I no longer dwell in my despair. I have forgiven her. My father, Fred, continues to be my father today.. Spends most of his time selling native American craft items, and riding his Indian Motorcycle. Through all my trials and tribulations, I have found me an angel who has yet to grow into her wings, her is Brandy Lynn LaDeauz.

She’s my sunrise and my sunset,  I love my wife and am thankful for her unconditional love and support. While in the penitentiary, I have received my diploma and received many certificates. I will soon be attending “Sinte Cleska University in Mission, South Dakota. My goal is to be the best Chemical Dependency Counselor. I want to assist troubled youth, and help families. I am a sinner and a saint. But no longer am I unfortunate or an outcast. I’m not Insane Mafia. I’m a Christian. My body is a temple of God, not the devil’s playground. I’m content inside these walls with being an individual

My advice to the many walks of life that encounter my story, don’t let your past dictate and determine who you are today. I look forward to the day I get to be a father. I will encourage and guide my children with love and compassion, and understanding.

I’m known as “M” face here inside the penitentiary, one day I only want to be known as Michael, or dad. Cause to try is the fail, to apply you must do. My future is bright and I am thankful and blessed to have my farmer buddy Rogness, Jimbo and Bobby Dep. I now know what it’s like to have brothers. Thank you to the entire P.P.R.  family.  God Bless!

Respectfully,

Michael “M-Face” LaDeaux

Job:13:13-19

And

Jerimiah 29:11

William Conway's Story

My name is William Conway and I'm an inmate in the South Dakota State Penitentiary, serving a 15 year sentence for 1st Degree Armed Robbery. I'm much more then that though. Believe me, figuring that out was the hard part.

You see prison has a  way of making you look at yourself. Some take only a glance and, not liking what you see, stop looking. Others though look deep inside themselves. As you look you beging to ask yourself the  questions that really need to be answered. Y0u start to ask the questions that can lead to change. Let me tell you something. If you've lived a life that led you to prison then changing should be pretty high on your priority list.

So what are these questions? A good start is: Who am I really? What am I about? Inevitably you'll get to a pretty standard question every inmate asks themselves during their time. To me, answering this question with unflinching honesty is what makes all the difference between experiencing real change and staying the same. That question is: How did I get here? Understanding our past is a key component to building a positive future. We must have a clear view of where we've been in order to better navigate the road ahead. A couple of things to clarify this thought.

One: Honestly assessing our past, while discouraged by some, is critical to avoiding similar or the same pitfalls that have gotten us into trouble before. We must examine the road begind to teach us wht turns to not take and what roads to avoid altogether.

Two: While I believethis rearview assessment is ncessary. It is important to not stare into the past for long periods(Obsessing) Doing so wil almost surely cause a cruash. For some, there is so much wreckage behind us that taking in too much at one time causes us to throw our hands up in defeat. Feeling overwhelmed by the task. We cannot allow ourselves to give up. If we do we  are destined to repeat these same mistakes because we still have not learned from them.

Still as hard as it may be, we cannot be half hearted with our level of honesty. For honest self-appraisal is a key to lasting change. It is easy to blame the system, our up bringing, our addictions and others. However, without truly owning our part in the choices that we have made we run the risk of surrendering the only power we do have. The power of choice. In the past we may not have felt like we had much choice in the things we did. We were slaves to our worapped perceptions and destructive patterns.

However, having now become aware of our power of choice we have the opportunity to choose differently. What a freedom this can be. As inmates, our choices may be limited in some ways. What we wear, what we eat, even who we live with are sometimes not up to us. The choices that really matter through are ours. How we act and react to situations. What we say and how we think even.

Before we may have said and done things simply out of reflex. Even now, the prison environment tries to dictate our behavior with the idea tha we have to live by a certain code(so-and -so said this or did that so I must react i nthis way). This is a fallacy.  No matter the situation we are free to choose our response. So it is imperative that we slow down and take the time to choose wisely.

We must also remember that change is not only a process but a continuous one at that. It is a work that will never be done. As we change and grow what's important to us is likely to do the same. We must continue to examine ourselves and our motives daily. So that we don't fall back into patterns of destructive behavior. The door to personal freedom is opened and closed by our choices. What will you choose today?

*********************************************************************************

"Willaim Conway is 32 years old from Sioux Falls S. He was raised in NW Iowa where his parents and younger sister still live. He has a wonderful fiance' who he looks forward to marrying after his release. He has 7 children, 40 boys, and 3 girls, and is working to rebuild his relationships where possible.

He is an active member of the cornerstone Prison Church and is on the Outreach Committee there. He is also an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) facilitator and he often meets one-n-one and in s mall groups to discus recovery and rehabilitation.

He hopes to one day be a part of a ministry that helps others like himself but also youth. So that they many avoid similar problems. For now he is focused on becoming a better father, being the sort of man his fiance' deserves, but most especially a better man of God."

Testimony of Robert Johnson

I remember when I was younger it would take an act of God to make me miss a day of school. Now I'm in the middle of spending 10 years in prison, then 15 on Parole. The transformation from a nerdy kid to a convict did not happen over night.

It really did start with very small burt very stupid decisions. Choosing to skip a day of school, or not doing an assignment turned into missing as much school as I went too. Not feeling the need to go to school left me all of kinds of time at night to party.

Since I could sleep all day I started drinking on week nights as well as weekends. I eventrually started smoking pot out of curisoity. The experience just grew my curiosity and need for a better more extreme high.

The drug use put me in crouwds where braking the law was not only viewed as okay but encouraged. I learned to solve my problems by fighting. I started to steal, not because of my durg use  but because it was viewed as a reasonable way to make money. Your morals have a tendancy to rise and fall depending on the people you surround yourself with.

All of this lead me to making a decision on whther or not I was going to rob a casino. Unfortunatly I made the wrong choice. On July 1, 2009 I was arrested for first degree robery. I was sentanced to 25 years with 10 years suspended. My prison realease date is May 2, 2019 and my parole release is July 31, 2034. I use to live my life like it was a short life. Now I realize life is long and I will have to live with the decisions I have made for many years. I have lost most of my friends and hurt all of my family. Im going to miss out on  10 years of my daugthers life. Worse then that she will go without a real father for 10 years.

The choices you make now will effect the rest of yoru life. If you make the right ones now you will have the tools and knowledge to live the way you want. If anyone needs advice or more information you can contact me at, Robert T. Johnson #10429  PO Box5911 Sioux Falls, SD. 57117

I was once  told a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from others mistakes. I hope you can learn something from my mistakes.

Sincerely,
Robert Johnson