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That choice is really the gift of being human, isn’t it? But as your story shows, some people are given easier access to it than others--truly heartbreaking.

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It's the 'choice' part that's most fascinating.

Local news broadcasts were always a hit in the prison dayroom.

One evening, the local Detroit station was doing a story on a newly renovated park.

There was an outdoor ice rink, art, ice sculptures, new restaurants and bars had opened up surrounding the area...people were flooding into the city again...

"That's right, that's right!" one man howled..."bring all your money downtown," he said.

"Yeah!" another joined in..."And bring your wives and girlfriends too!" he laughed.

"We'll be waitin for ya!" they screamed...

In unison...they said that...several men, unrelated or connected by anything other than the facility we were in.

We like to think crime is random...or perpetrated by lone-wolf type predators...and it is...all of that.

....it's not an attitude.

It's a lifestyle...for some. anyway.

and then you have people like Donny

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There is so much in this beautiful and devastating tale of yours. Donny's story is tragic. It's all to common a story and one which brings tears to my eyes every time.

Yet there is always the possibility of his story still becoming a hero's journey.

Hope, a sense of Purpose, and Connection. Donny looked for these but found them in the "wrong" place. This is how the cycle continues.

How do we break that cycle? Particularly when people have "nothing", no base, no sense of self, no sense of inner power, no home, no financial support.

I believe the cycle can still be broken because we never have "Nothing". There is always something we can offer to the world. Working from the wound - giving back. Being on the other side of the fence. Offering something within the prison environment, at homeless shelters. Getting amongst Community. "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Paulo Coelho.

Sorry for the long reply Paul. I just discovered you here, and really enjoy what you write about. I also have a really bad case of covid and may be slightly delirious with a fever which leads me to write even more than my normal lengthy posts!

Thank you and a very happy new year to you. Jo 🌟

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It's not hopeless, Jo —you’re right. 🙏🏼

Thank you for your thoughtful and inspired comments, too ☺️

Made my day!

There's beauty in the ugliest places. And you found it, then shared it with me.

That's pretty amazing.

Thank you so much 🙏🏼

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And with Covid, no less.

….and I love the Coelho quote.

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

—Paulo Coelho.

Thank you, Jo

Get well soon!

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