Every choice you make, there are consequences – good and bad. You gotta live with that. And sometimes you don’t realize you’re making choices until it’s too late.
I grew up in a dysfunctional family – which included abuse. At home, away from home: neighbors, alcohol, videotape.
I was a victim until my birthday: then I became a criminal. One moment, one day, one year, one me to the next, it all bled together. I was hurt and I hurt people and I am terribly, terribly sorry.
Someday my son’s going to find out, so I work hard every day to make sure that when he sees the whole me, the good outweighs the bad.
If he saw the whole me today, he’d see my record. But he’d also see I’m a Marine and I served our country. He’d see I put myself through college and learned a lot about management and even more about life. He’d see I’m a top ten recruiter at work, with a corner office. He’d see I love his mom and that I do something every day to make sure she knows. He’d know that I love him more than I thought I could ever love anyone.
And I think he’d be proud.