My journey to become worthy is intertwined with penance,
And with my penance understood, questions yet haunt me.
Can a life wasted with decadence
And egotism find absolution?
Or is this simply an illusion I need to embrace
For the strength to endure?
Loved ones trivialized and marginalized
Along my destructive path,
A family left with hearts forever scarred by pain.
My heart longs for love and forgiveness.
Tragedy resurrected me a better man,
But at a monumental cost to so many,
Those that tried to love me.
My journey is to become worthy of that love,
Of such a price paid,
And my journey is infinite.

I’ve met survivors in here, a small measure of people, resolute in their journey to a better life, a better way of living and to just be better people; a group not only on a quest to atone for their actions but to repair relationships broken during their time as broken men.  They work hard to help others do the same.  These survivors have become a light in this dark place, hope of a better way for some that may never have another chance to change.  So, even in this place, there is a way to live.  I choose to be better and surround myself with like-minded people, people who have changed their path and their very lives.  You can do the same – seek out these people, these survivors.  They will help you find your path to a better life.  I am one of them now, and I know now that there is a life beyond prison.

ABOUT THE WRITER. Kenneth is new to WITS. This submission as well as his role as a mentor and peer support specialist are a reflection of his commitment to helping others find their own journey to forgiveness and peace through recovery and self-awareness. That is exactly what I see in his writing – self-reflection, a search for light, and finding a measure of it in reaching out to others in their pain.

Kenneth can be contacted at:
Kenneth Edwards #383909
MacDougall Correctional Institution
1516 Old Gilliard Road
Ridgeville, SC 29472