First off, I would like to thank my baby sister for giving me this opportunity to express my feelings through a pen. Shout out to Aladalove.com and everybody that supports the movement. I would like to acknowledge the growth of the website and my sister, Lada, keep up the hard work.

Lately, I've had the time to reflect on my past which has been a rough journey. While reflecting, I realize that I’ve been blessed in so many ways despite my current situation. I also came to realize that my blessings come in different forms. I’m not talking about money or materialistic things. First off, while I’ve been incarcerated for the last 10 years, I've been blessed with the opportunity to meet some amazing people in prison and out, people that society looks at as monsters due to the nature of their crimes. For example, me, I’ve been judged by people that don’t even know me or understand me but because I'm in prison, I’m automatically labeled as this bad person. I can’t justify my past and the mistakes I’ve made but I can count the blessings I’ve received and through this tough process, the things I’ve learned. I’ve been blessed to witness my little sister graduate high school and college (so proud of her) I’ve been blessed to watch my little brother have his first daughter, with her pretty self. My older brother welcomed his daughter and oldest sister have her two girls. I remember being able to hold one of my nieces in one arm when she was 5 months to seeing her run up to me on the visit screaming “uncle Dae Dae!”. I count that as a blessing because not only have I been blessed to continue to be in their lives even though I’m behind bars, they know who I am. It's thousands of brothers and sisters locked up that would never get the chance to see their kids have kids or their brother have kids 'cause they’re dead or have life in jail without parole. I’m blessed to possibly go home some day and watch them grow, to possibly, God willing, have my own kids. I’m blessed to have two amazing sisters that travel from state to state to visit me, over 500 miles. I was recently blessed to be able to have this special female in my life that accepts me for me, that’s very understanding and always give me good advice. I’m blessed to have such an amazing support team that helps me get pass these stressful days. I’ve been blessed to have real friends that support me and that have my best interests at heart. Friends that’s not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong or slipping. Friends that I can call for emotional support just as well as financial support. So, when you look back and think things is very hard, just reflect on your past and count your blessings ‘cause things could be much worst. I always thought I had it super hard, facing 20 – 40 years in jail not being home with my family but at the end of the day, I have a date to possibly go home. Thanks again to my amazing sister, Lada for letting me express myself and please look forward to hearing more from me. If you have any questions or would like to write me, contact me through the website and I’ll be glad to respond back.
- One love