January 11th, 2009: I crashed into the side of another car. The passenger of that vehicle died instantly, the driver had to be revived twice. He was in a coma with significant brain damage but now is the essence of the word miracle; he found his own apartment and is seeking employment. His strength and determination along with his strong faith in God have taught me to never give up.
I was cut out of my vehicle and unable to walk for 2 months. I attempted suicide; I had AA meetings brought to my bedside until I could walk. 3 days before sentencing, I celebrated my 1 year sobriety birthday and received my coin.
On March 25, 2010, I was given a 26 year sentence; 16 years for intoxication manslaughter and 10 for intoxication assault – both carry a deadly weapons charge: my vehicle. This is the first time I’ve been in trouble. My time runs concurrently – meaning I’ll do 16 years of that sentence, eligible for parole after 8 years.
The road to self-forgiveness is difficult. I can’t change my past, but I can change my thinking, my hopes and my actions. I don’t want anyone to experience the devastation all 3 of the families involved in my wreck have. That pain never truly goes away, but I’m grateful for it. It’s a daily reminder of what alcoholism and drug addiction is capable of. It keeps me from giving up on myself and it allows me to become lovable.
"One in three of us are impacted by drunk driving."
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