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Real Checker · #1 07-27-2011, 07:25 PM

In 1990 I was in front of a judge in San Antonio, Texas after accepting a plea bargain for 25 years on a habitual indictment. The charge was burglary of a habitation, it was my 13th felony conviction and would be my 5th and final time going to prison.

I landed on the Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas. I was a seasoned convict so I did not anticipate any problems and pretty much knew the routine and what to expect. When I finally came up for parole for the first time after 2 1/2 years I saw a parole commissioner and the first words out of her mouth were, "You didn't get enough time. You should have gotten life". I knew then that my only hope of getting out would be in 10 years as long as I maintained my good-time credits. That is when parole would become "mandatory". In Texas that is known as Mandatory Supervision.

While all the other convicts were busy finding ways to prey on other inmates, making home brew, selling contraband, or gambling on sports I was headed down the hallway taking college classes. By 1995 I earned my first degree in Information Management. Then by 1998 I had another degree in Electronics Technology. The important thing was that my way of thinking was changing. I began to see what was really important. At the top of the list was a simple code to live by ... Do The Right Thing.

What is the right thing? For me it boils down to this. In any situation, or when making any decision the right thing is anything that God would approve of. Even if you do not believe in God you still know what His standards are and to live by those standards guarantee success. In those situations where no moral or ethical decision is required, then the right thing to do is that which lifts up and does not tear down.

During my pre-release period I would gather newspapers for San Antonio where I was paroling to and peruse the classifieds to get an idea of what the job market was like. I noticed one job in particular which I qualified for. I had an address where to send a resume, so instead of sending a resume I sent a letter. In my letter I explained that I was writing from prison and I was going to be released soon. I explained my entire criminal background and left no detail out. I then wrote of my education and how God had worked to change my perception of the world and my attitude about values and ethics. I petitioned the employer to give me a chance to prove myself and that in return they would receive my unwavering loyalty.

It was a couple of weeks before my eventual release that I got a response from one of the managers of the company I wrote and he told me that he was impressed with my letter and to come visit him when I got out.

I had a positive attitude when I was released on mandatory supervision on February 11, 2000. Other than the standard stipulations on my parole certificate it was also required that I wear a monitoring device and attend substance abuse counseling.

On my first parole visit I was told there was a waiting list for ankle monitors. By the time one became available my parole officer already had that stipulation removed so I never had to use one. On my first visit to a substance abuse counselor they sent a letter to my PO stating that I did not need substance abuse services and that stipulation was removed.

I was hired by the company I wrote to from prison. The company is called Toshiba America Business Solutions which is the office machines branch of Toshiba Worldwide. I have work there ever since and have dug deep roots in the company. On December 31, 2001 I married a school teacher who was recently widowed with three boys. All the boys are grown now and the last one still living at home will be 20 this year and will be swearing into the Navy soon.

Being a dad is what really set my focus on wholesome living. I felt it was my job as a man and head of household to create a safe, secure, and calm environment for the family and I really succeeded at it. My main rule was that no yelling would ever be tolerated. It was a bit bumpy at first, but after the first year of marriage the kids would not even yell if they stumped their toes!!

Materialistically speaking, Since I have been released I have bought a new house, every two years a new car (the wife too), I ride my own Harley and taught my wife to ride and she bought her own motorcycle. We are both approaching retirement age and even though I got a late start on real living it looks like we will be able to retire with the lifestyle we are used to.

Parole? It has been 3 years since I reported to a parole officer. I am still on parole until 2015, but because I never so much as had a hiccup on parole they put me on "Early Supervision Release". That means I am not supervised at all, but I am still on paper until 2015.

I remember during one of my parole hearings where I was yet denied parole again the interviewer said that with my record I had less than a 5 percent chance of staying out of prison more than 6 months. Looking at my rather ample "jacket" (file folder) piled on the desk I could understand the assumption. A decade of release now and that jacket is just sitting up in a box somewhere collecting dust and turning yellow.

Yes, life is good. It is not a matter of changing bad habits. Certainly not a matter of being careful. For me, it was a matter of changing my way of thinking, which I attribute to my faith in God.

Mrs.ASwift223 · #2 07-28-2011, 10:38 AM

I loved your story.. made me cry

*#1AndOnly* · #3 07-28-2011, 10:46 AM

This gave me goosebumps !
You should be extremely proud and it's good to see you recognize the good you are doing ! Thank you so much for sharing !

losowife · #4 07-28-2011, 10:58 AM

Wow! Thanks for sharing. This gives me hope for the father of my kids to come home and do well if he puts his heart mind and soul into it.

closer2mydreamz · #5 07-28-2011, 12:48 PM

What a very insprising story!! Thanks for sharing!! I am going to share this with a pal of mine who is up for parole and scared of what he being released. Thank you again.

I just told someone that you never know who you can inspire with your story.

passionfruit · #6 07-28-2011, 01:23 PM

OMG!!!! Congratulations on your success... Wow I so believe you...in order to succeed you must change your thoughts and behavior...God is Good.. And when you live by his rules you won't fail!!

Wow I love this story!!!!! Wow this is the best I've read on PTO!! Wow!!! Thanks so much for sharing and giving us hope that it can be done...and supporting my opinion as well..;-)

God bless and take care..

KCdenver · #7 07-28-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Checker

In 1990 I was in front of a judge in San Antonio, Texas after accepting a plea bargain for 25 years on a habitual indictment. The charge was burglary of a habitation, it was my 13th felony conviction and would be my 5th and final time going to prison.

I landed on the Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas. I was a seasoned convict so I did not anticipate any problems and pretty much knew the routine and what to expect. When I finally came up for parole for the first time after 2 1/2 years I saw a parole commissioner and the first words out of her mouth were, "You didn't get enough time. You should have gotten life". I knew then that my only hope of getting out would be in 10 years as long as I maintained my good-time credits. That is when parole would become "mandatory". In Texas that is known as Mandatory Supervision.

While all the other convicts were busy finding ways to prey on other inmates, making home brew, selling contraband, or gambling on sports I was headed down the hallway taking college classes. By 1995 I earned my first degree in Information Management. Then by 1998 I had another degree in Electronics Technology. The important thing was that my way of thinking was changing. I began to see what was really important. At the top of the list was a simple code to live by ... Do The Right Thing.

What is the right thing? For me it boils down to this. In any situation, or when making any decision the right thing is anything that God would approve of. Even if you do not believe in God you still know what His standards are and to live by those standards guarantee success. In those situations where no moral or ethical decision is required, then the right thing to do is that which lifts up and does not tear down.

During my pre-release period I would gather newspapers for San Antonio where I was paroling to and peruse the classifieds to get an idea of what the job market was like. I noticed one job in particular which I qualified for. I had an address where to send a resume, so instead of sending a resume I sent a letter. In my letter I explained that I was writing from prison and I was going to be released soon. I explained my entire criminal background and left no detail out. I then wrote of my education and how God had worked to change my perception of the world and my attitude about values and ethics. I petitioned the employer to give me a chance to prove myself and that in return they would receive my unwavering loyalty.

It was a couple of weeks before my eventual release that I got a response from one of the managers of the company I wrote and he told me that he was impressed with my letter and to come visit him when I got out.

I had a positive attitude when I was released on mandatory supervision on February 11, 2000. Other than the standard stipulations on my parole certificate it was also required that I wear a monitoring device and attend substance abuse counseling.

On my first parole visit I was told there was a waiting list for ankle monitors. By the time one became available my parole officer already had that stipulation removed so I never had to use one. On my first visit to a substance abuse counselor they sent a letter to my PO stating that I did not need substance abuse services and that stipulation was removed.

I was hired by the company I wrote to from prison. The company is called Toshiba America Business Solutions which is the office machines branch of Toshiba Worldwide. I have work there ever since and have dug deep roots in the company. On December 31, 2001 I married a school teacher who was recently widowed with three boys. All the boys are grown now and the last one still living at home will be 20 this year and will be swearing into the Navy soon.

Being a dad is what really set my focus on wholesome living. I felt it was my job as a man and head of household to create a safe, secure, and calm environment for the family and I really succeeded at it. My main rule was that no yelling would ever be tolerated. It was a bit bumpy at first, but after the first year of marriage the kids would not even yell if they stumped their toes!!

Materialistically speaking, Since I have been released I have bought a new house, every two years a new car (the wife too), I ride my own Harley and taught my wife to ride and she bought her own motorcycle. We are both approaching retirement age and even though I got a late start on real living it looks like we will be able to retire with the lifestyle we are used to.

Parole? It has been 3 years since I reported to a parole officer. I am still on parole until 2015, but because I never so much as had a hiccup on parole they put me on "Early Supervision Release". That means I am not supervised at all, but I am still on paper until 2015.

I remember during one of my parole hearings where I was yet denied parole again the interviewer said that with my record I had less than a 5 percent chance of staying out of prison more than 6 months. Looking at my rather ample "jacket" (file folder) piled on the desk I could understand the assumption. A decade of release now and that jacket is just sitting up in a box somewhere collecting dust and turning yellow.

Yes, life is good. It is not a matter of changing bad habits. Certainly not a matter of being careful. For me, it was a matter of changing my way of thinking, which I attribute to my faith in God.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using PrisonTalk

shy · #8 07-28-2011, 11:24 PM

Thank you for sharing your story. You knew what you wanted and you did it. Your story is very inspiring. Staying on the right path isn't always the easiest or most exciting but the benefits are endless. Beautiful.

Real Checker · #9 07-29-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shy

Thank you for sharing your story. You knew what you wanted and you did it. Your story is very inspiring. Staying on the right path isn't always the easiest or most exciting but the benefits are endless. Beautiful.

That is a very good point. I told what I consider to be a success story and every word of it is accurate and true, but I did omit the numerous hardships I had to face along the way. Even now my wife is looking for a job because she was a victim of her school's budget this year. My salary alone is just barely keeping us afloat and if she does not find work within the next couple of months there will have to be some lifestyle changes to keep us out of our retirement funds.

I have to tell you though, I am not worried. My prayers have always been to see the blessing in whatever God puts before me. I do not pray to have things my way, but rather I pray that God reveals to me the blessings in what is put before me. Things will work out, and for others out there I want you to know that as long as you stay sober and make the best decisions you can based on God's principles then God will provide and failure cannot and will not happen.

Mrs.ASwift223 · #10 07-29-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Checker

That is a very good point. I told what I consider to be a success story and every word of it is accurate and true, but I did omit the numerous hardships I had to face along the way. Even now my wife is looking for a job because she was a victim of her school's budget this year. My salary alone is just barely keeping us afloat and if she does not find work within the next couple of months there will have to be some lifestyle changes to keep us out of our retirement funds.

I have to tell you though, I am not worried. My prayers have always been to see the blessing in whatever God puts before me. I do not pray to have things my way, but rather I pray that God reveals to me the blessings in what is put before me. Things will work out, and for others out there I want you to know that as long as you stay sober and make the best decisions you can based on God's principles then God will provide and failure cannot and will not happen.

I truely hope my husband can find this mindset when he is released!

shy · #11 07-29-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Checker

That is a very good point. I told what I consider to be a success story and every word of it is accurate and true, but I did omit the numerous hardships I had to face along the way. Even now my wife is looking for a job because she was a victim of her school's budget this year. My salary alone is just barely keeping us afloat and if she does not find work within the next couple of months there will have to be some lifestyle changes to keep us out of our retirement funds.

I have to tell you though, I am not worried. My prayers have always been to see the blessing in whatever God puts before me. I do not pray to have things my way, but rather I pray that God reveals to me the blessings in what is put before me. Things will work out, and for others out there I want you to know that as long as you stay sober and make the best decisions you can based on God's principles then God will provide and failure cannot and will not happen.

Thank you. I like that your spirits are very high despite the challenges and obstacles you had to overcome and also knowing that there are still some challenges that lay ahead. Your humility and faith in God has made me take a hard look at my faith in God and maybe now I need to reevaluate some choices I've made. Thank you, your words the exact "push" that I needed.

yubnag · #12 08-02-2011, 01:12 PM

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

GaPeachgirl · #13 08-02-2011, 01:44 PM

That is an awesome story and nevertheless we can truly see God blessing, I'm going to print this off and read it to my husband. Thanx again...

DABsgirl · #14 08-27-2011, 12:01 PM

Awesome testimony to determination, the belief in yourself and the power to change. Did you meet your wife while you were incarcerated or after?

yaia · #15 08-27-2011, 05:16 PM

Wow, what a wonderful update, I will be copying and sending it to my guy in prison, I just said to a friend today, he's been in 9 years he could have a PhD by now.

I read all the letters here, most of them are about thier partners in prison staying on the up and up once they get out, babies momma's, marriage, but what I have been looking for and my major concern is that the man I adore in prison can get out, have a life he is proud of and be happy, with or without me.

Your update was amazing and give me such wonderful hope. Thank you ever so much.

In-Joy your life,
Yaia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Checker

In 1990 I was in front of a judge in San Antonio, Texas after accepting a plea bargain for 25 years on a habitual indictment. The charge was burglary of a habitation, it was my 13th felony conviction and would be my 5th and final time going to prison.

I landed on the Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas. I was a seasoned convict so I did not anticipate any problems and pretty much knew the routine and what to expect. When I finally came up for parole for the first time after 2 1/2 years I saw a parole commissioner and the first words out of her mouth were, "You didn't get enough time. You should have gotten life". I knew then that my only hope of getting out would be in 10 years as long as I maintained my good-time credits. That is when parole would become "mandatory". In Texas that is known as Mandatory Supervision.

While all the other convicts were busy finding ways to prey on other inmates, making home brew, selling contraband, or gambling on sports I was headed down the hallway taking college classes. By 1995 I earned my first degree in Information Management. Then by 1998 I had another degree in Electronics Technology. The important thing was that my way of thinking was changing. I began to see what was really important. At the top of the list was a simple code to live by ... Do The Right Thing.

What is the right thing? For me it boils down to this. In any situation, or when making any decision the right thing is anything that God would approve of. Even if you do not believe in God you still know what His standards are and to live by those standards guarantee success. In those situations where no moral or ethical decision is required, then the right thing to do is that which lifts up and does not tear down.

During my pre-release period I would gather newspapers for San Antonio where I was paroling to and peruse the classifieds to get an idea of what the job market was like. I noticed one job in particular which I qualified for. I had an address where to send a resume, so instead of sending a resume I sent a letter. In my letter I explained that I was writing from prison and I was going to be released soon. I explained my entire criminal background and left no detail out. I then wrote of my education and how God had worked to change my perception of the world and my attitude about values and ethics. I petitioned the employer to give me a chance to prove myself and that in return they would receive my unwavering loyalty.

It was a couple of weeks before my eventual release that I got a response from one of the managers of the company I wrote and he told me that he was impressed with my letter and to come visit him when I got out.

I had a positive attitude when I was released on mandatory supervision on February 11, 2000. Other than the standard stipulations on my parole certificate it was also required that I wear a monitoring device and attend substance abuse counseling.

On my first parole visit I was told there was a waiting list for ankle monitors. By the time one became available my parole officer already had that stipulation removed so I never had to use one. On my first visit to a substance abuse counselor they sent a letter to my PO stating that I did not need substance abuse services and that stipulation was removed.

I was hired by the company I wrote to from prison. The company is called Toshiba America Business Solutions which is the office machines branch of Toshiba Worldwide. I have work there ever since and have dug deep roots in the company. On December 31, 2001 I married a school teacher who was recently widowed with three boys. All the boys are grown now and the last one still living at home will be 20 this year and will be swearing into the Navy soon.

Being a dad is what really set my focus on wholesome living. I felt it was my job as a man and head of household to create a safe, secure, and calm environment for the family and I really succeeded at it. My main rule was that no yelling would ever be tolerated. It was a bit bumpy at first, but after the first year of marriage the kids would not even yell if they stumped their toes!!

Materialistically speaking, Since I have been released I have bought a new house, every two years a new car (the wife too), I ride my own Harley and taught my wife to ride and she bought her own motorcycle. We are both approaching retirement age and even though I got a late start on real living it looks like we will be able to retire with the lifestyle we are used to.

Parole? It has been 3 years since I reported to a parole officer. I am still on parole until 2015, but because I never so much as had a hiccup on parole they put me on "Early Supervision Release". That means I am not supervised at all, but I am still on paper until 2015.

I remember during one of my parole hearings where I was yet denied parole again the interviewer said that with my record I had less than a 5 percent chance of staying out of prison more than 6 months. Looking at my rather ample "jacket" (file folder) piled on the desk I could understand the assumption. A decade of release now and that jacket is just sitting up in a box somewhere collecting dust and turning yellow.

Yes, life is good. It is not a matter of changing bad habits. Certainly not a matter of being careful. For me, it was a matter of changing my way of thinking, which I attribute to my faith in God.

elishaxo · #16 08-27-2011, 05:25 PM

This is wonderful to read. Congratulations

Sent from my iPhone using PrisonTalk

4 eva n a day · #17 11-28-2011, 07:38 PM

Thanx so much for sharing your inspiring story with all of us,we need to hear that good can come out of it..this is my husband1st time being locked up and I pray to God he has learned from this experience and realize he's better than that

May God continue blessing

birdhouseblues · #18 12-12-2011, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4 eva n a day

Thanx so much for sharing your inspiring story with all of us,we need to hear that good can come out of it..this is my husband1st time being locked up and I pray to God he has learned from this experience and realize he's better than that

May God continue blessing

Just wanted to say that i myself spent 9 years in Concord State Prison in NH, and i can say that i am a better person in some ways but my heart grew cold, my emotions that i had before are gone! Its been almost 12 years since ive been released and nothings changed, years of being locked up can harden a mans soul to the core, im not saying im an asshole or that im a mean person, i have been with the same woman for the last 10 years, its just that the emotional softer side of me is gone forever i believe, i hope this is not the case in your situation or anyone elses for that matter, just speaking from my own exsperiences. I wish you and your husband the best of luck with everything!

Real Checker · #19 12-16-2011, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdhouseblues

... Its been almost 12 years since ive been released and nothings changed, years of being locked up can harden a mans soul to the core, im not saying im an asshole or that im a mean person, i have been with the same woman for the last 10 years, its just that the emotional softer side of me is gone forever i believe ...

I am sorry to hear that. It is kind of the opposite for me. Before my 10 year incarceration I had no real respect or concern for other people. Well, I did treat family members with respect and kindness but I would use my friends and down right exploit strangers if it were to my perceived benefit. My heart was very hard.

During my time in prison I decided I could either waste 10 years of my life and come out older and bitter. Or I could come out a better person with a longer more fulfilling life. In that way my 10 years would not be a waste or something to look back on with regret. I don't think it was any one thing that created a sense of both empathy and sympathy for others, but it was an combination of several events and endeavors. Involvement with the prison chapel, educational programs, and probably the most influential of all ... reading books that dealt with human suffering and successes.

Watching chick flicks with my wife helped as well. It might sound silly, but after a while I came to identify with the emotions of the characters in romantic films, and films that give hope and encouragement. I always try to look at things from the other person's perspective and put myself in their shoes. Smiling, saying nice things to people, being charitable, all helps to develop the softer emotions in a man.

It is a dangerous thing to be void of emotions, especially those indicative of empathy. Such is characteristic of a sociopath mentality. If this is really something that you feel you want to turn around and/or correct, then you might want to consider some professional counseling. I say that with respect and genuine concern. I'm not a professional in any sense of the word, but if you really want to enrich your life you might want to consider it ... especially if you have insurance that would cover the cost, or can otherwise have it paid for. Where I work part of our benefits is free mental health services. I have used those services for depression and without medication counseling alone worked for me. Just a thought.

Survivor Cat · #20 11-30-2011, 09:30 PM

Real Checker -- that's an awesome testimony to you and your wife's spirit and dedication to living a happy life together outside. She has to be so proud of you, and her children must be proud too, as you helped guide them into adulthood.

I love how you thought to write to different companies while you were still inside, being totally upfront about where you were and what you were studying and learning and what you hoped to accomplish outside. Sending a personal letter (smart move, not to send a boring resume, like anybody else would) would be impressive to a supervisor/manager in a company, who could say, wow, that guy is really planning to live a clean life out out here, he's studying and working for it -- I want to give the guy a fair chance -- then he did, and then you didn't let the guy down. You did a good job.

D677 · #21 12-11-2011, 05:21 AM

Hi Real Checker:

Your testimony is outstanding!

May God continue to guide you every step of the way.

God will honor you as you honor Him.

Take care my friend.

D677

MANDI.LICIOUS · #22 12-16-2011, 08:36 PM

Checker u are a million things I can't put in words n u n ur wife are always in my thoughts and prayers God works in mysterious ways n I know we've crossed paths for a very special reason more than what we have seen n I'm glad God has put u in my way

~MISSING MI AMORCITO~

MnNice · #23 01-03-2012, 07:03 PM

I enjoyed reading your story! Its amazing, congrats on all your success in life!!

socalprinses · #24 01-03-2012, 07:33 PM

Thanks, Real Checker. That gives me hope for my son although we are still sitting in county waiting for trial. If it's okay with you, I want to send your story to him as an inspiration. You know what they say, the best revenge is living well. Especially when people expect you to fail.

Sent from my iPad using PrisonTalk

AdonnieMommie · #25 01-04-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalprinses

Thanks, Real Checker. That gives me hope for my son although we are still sitting in county waiting for trial. If it's okay with you, I want to send your story to him as an inspiration. You know what they say, the best revenge is living well. Especially when people expect you to fail.

Sent from my iPad using PrisonTalk

You pretty much summed up my mentally towards this entire situation me and my fiance are in. I told him to always do the opposite of what others expect of him. Meaning do the complete opposite of what negative people think he will do. That will always leave them with their mouths wide open. I sooo agree.. the BEST revenge is to do YOU.. be positive.. don't look back at the negative drama.. do good and treat others equally as good as you treat yourself!!!! Love it!