The saying “when it is dark enough, you can see the stars” reminds me of the expression “the coldest hour is the one that comes just before the dawn.” I can see the application of this kind of wisdom in the group home. I am going through a lot more right now than I have previously had to face, such as taking a polygraph (lie detector) on Monday, meeting with the families of the people I have hurt, and having to again confess to the police. It really does seem impossible to be able to make it through, but I’ve talked to the police, and I have taken a polygraph before, and I have my letters for the families. Gradually I’m transitioning home and God willing I will graduate.

I want to be out soon after June 6th, D-Day, the day I came into the program. At ten thirty I came to the group home that overcast morning. My life has soon since changed in many dramatic and subtle ways. So when it gets dark, I’ll try to look up to see the stars, those bodies which have directed sailors and warriors for as long as we have chosen to look up.

Nick B.