Our lives are like books. Many chapters have already been written by us — some humorous, some tragic — but all tell our story. We may not like the chapter we’re in, but it’s part of our book, one we are still writing.
Thanks to the efforts of IPWW, Debra, Lindamarie, and especially our facilitator, Amy, we’ve been given the tools to make our “boring” chapters more creative — at least on paper!
I, for one, didn’t know what to expect when I began this class, and I must say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Each of us has grown to be better writers — but more importantly, better men.
We’ve laughed as we’ve shared personal stories of growing up, been inspired by memories of home, family, and Christmas, and even brought to tears by stories of honesty and self-reflection — about choices we’ve made, should have made, and will one day make. From Brazilian princesses to A.J.’s stories of introspection, and Bobby’s eagerness to read aloud everything he writes, we’ve each learned lessons not just about writing, but about life.
And thank you, Randy, Chris, and Nate, for having the vision to challenge us to become the best men we can be as you prepare us to reenter society. Know that your efforts are not in vain. To my fellow classmates: remember, a butterfly can never go back to being a caterpillar. Like the caterpillar, we are in a cocoon of sorts, and there’s a transformation taking place that most on the outside cannot see. We are becoming the men we’re meant to be. We cannot let the struggles of this process stunt our growth. One day we will emerge — able to do more than we ever imagined.
So don’t judge my story by the chapter you walked in on. Stick around to read it all. If I don’t quit, I win.
