I ran into a guy on his first day out of the penitentiary.

[HeartsCanHope]

9. Years ago I participated in a church letter writing program to encourage inmates.

I wrote to a man that had killed someone during a robbery while under the influence of drugs.

I can't remember how long he served, but he spent his time inside wisely. Fred turned his life around and

found his calling. He took art classes and became a very good artist. I commissioned a portrait of my parents'

wedding from him for their 25th anniversary and and it is one of their most treasured possessions.

Fred ended up marrying his art teacher and they had an framing shop together in Jefferson City, Missouri

for many years after he left prison. He helped other inmates get their lives together, and was an excellent

stepfather to his wife's daughter. Fred told me that he never would have taken art classes if he hadn't served

time in prison, and that what seemed like the worst time in his life ended up turning his life around.

My hope for this man you met, Dunc, is that he uses his second chance like Fred. Thank you for sharing

this story. My friend Fred is gone now, but his memory is truly a blessing!