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Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowThe Only "Enabler" in My Life
As a child, I learned at a very early age, to project hatred with a passion, on everyone around me, and also as a means of survival and staying safe from pain and suffering. The end result of this distorted belief system, was that for the next 30 years, I kept myself in bondage to addictions and long-term incarcerations. Up until about 15 years ago, I found myself arrested and incarcerated.
However, in my journey this time I crossed paths with a different type of Correctional Officer. A 72-year-old retired Sheriff's Officer, who was employed part-time as a Correctional Officer. I was assigned to him as a barber. Little did I know that this little guy would become the pivotal force in my life. He became the first person to batter me with kindness, and called me all kinds of weird, strange, alien and bizarre names, such as: admirable, remarkable, and trusting person. Even, once during a potentially explosive confrontation between myself and other inmates, he electronically locked-down the "Unit" and left me inside! When I asked him why he had done this, he simply smiled and replied, “I knew you could handle that situation.” My thought was, “Yeah right, as if I'm superman.” But he had seen that I had the gift of “negotiating.”
Now, this weirdo had faith and trust in me! I remember thinking, “What was wrong with this dude?!” However, those simple acts of empowerment, and allowing me to know and trust myself and understand that I was a valuable person, has had a profound effect on my life.
Today, on a daily basis, I surrender to living life on life's terms. And to the best of my ability, I smile and project love toward others. Today, I'm a licensed & registered addictions therapist/counselor. I co-facilitate meditation retreats in prisons, and I teach a graduate class at a local university. All because another human being had the courage to take a risk with me. I've had no treatment interventions, no burning bushes, or laying on of hands; just a simple loving individual that mirrored (projected) every single exquisite quality that he possessed on another human. My only regret, to this story is that, I have been unable to locate God's little Angel, (his nickname was “BRAT”) and bow deeply to him and simply say, “NAMASTE, a thousand times, Mr. Bradburn.”
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
Thia is a great example of human kindness and not blind religion helping out a fellow person in need. We need to be nice to our fellow man and neighbor not because of our religion but because we are all fighting a battle and everyone needs encouragement.
Posted over 2 years ago by Jonathan. J from Georgia
I hope that these inspiring stories will inspire me to be a better person.
Posted over 2 years ago by Linda, Z from Edwards, Colorado
Neat story! I can certainly relate to and draw from your experiences, as I'm undergoing a similar transformation. Why the "Namaste"?
Posted almost 3 years ago by Ravi P. from Sherman Oaks
Namaste dear writer and thanks for sharing your wonderful ongoing experience and thanks for believing 'Brat' when he believed in you !
Posted about 3 years ago by Hetty from Netherlands
People are not bad. Maybe they have made a bad choice but people often define that person by that one moment in time. Love people, give them a second chance.
Posted about 3 years ago by Tammy H. from Michigan
What an amazing commentary on the power contained within all of us to make the difference in someone's life. Many times we forget that prisoners are humans with potential too, and capable of positive change. This just goes to show that kind words and deeds are never wasted. Namaste.
Posted about 4 years ago by Karen F. from Massachusetts, USA
Bravo to you! If only others could SEE as you were able to see when your correctional officer spoke to you. Just think, Drug abuse would be something of the past for many people. You must have great vision!! Thank you I will pass this story on.
Posted over 4 years ago by Cindy B. from Rock Springs,Wyoming USA
Perhaps it only takes one person to believe in us to do great things. Believe in others, and they will come to believe in you and this way everyone will be able to achieve their dreams.
Posted over 4 years ago by Miguel M. from Tucson, Arizona USA
It takes just one person, a kind word - for a person to feel 1000 times "big" - and able to carry on "FREE"
Posted over 4 years ago by Benedicte S. from Johannesburg, South Africa
Thanks for sharing...your story is a wonderful reminder that while people make bad choices, they are not bad people. We ALL have worth and purpose in life, it just may take some time and help to find it. Good luck to you!
Posted over 4 years ago by Stacy R. from Chicago, Illinois USA
Thank you for your story. It's beautiful. I loved it so much that I will pass it to a loved one that is in prison at this present time so it an minister to him.
Posted over 4 years ago by Ruth M. from Brooklyn, New York USA
Your story is very inspiring...may lots of Laurels come into your life.
Posted over 4 years ago by Vyshu from Hyderabad, India
Like you I spent many years in jail and entertaining addictions. I too met a wonderful 'earth angel' who saw in me all the things I couldn't even see in myself. I am now a mother, an artist and free. Stay blessed, take care and always remember how special you are.
Posted over 4 years ago by from London, United Kingdom
Fantastic and inspiring.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Tracey from Newcastle, Australia
This is exactly what we need to teach our youth at a young age: self-worth, believing in one another, inspiring one another.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Alice M. from California, USA
Your story is inspiring and gives a mother hope for her son. May the Lord Bless you and those whose life you touch.
Posted almost 5 years ago by from
Dear Author,
Your story has not only been an inspiration but a light in my darkest hours. Im captivated by the strength you possess and the self realisation that you gathered.. you have taught us that there is humbleness in pride, and that's what makes you a better man.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Balmuri.K. from Meghalaya, India
hello friend,
it is great to see that you have the wisdom to understand and share such a inspiring story with us, carry on
Posted almost 5 years ago by Abhishek from India
Congratulations on your success!
Posted almost 5 years ago by Teresa K. from Redmond, Oregon USA
To 'Lee F.' -- I know you can do it! Hang in there. And I bet you are of more value to others than you even realize. Most of us are and we just don't know it. :-)
Posted almost 5 years ago by from
Great transition! ^_^
Posted almost 5 years ago by Glad-Noel R from Cebu, Philippines
Your lovely story gives me faith that I may yet be of value to others who, as I, have had a hard time "making it".
Thanks
Posted almost 5 years ago by Lee F. from Southeast, USA
Sometimes you see great things in a person who just stopped believing. This story just gave me hope that one day the person I love, would see why I really believe in him. Thanks for having the time to share.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Dina H from Cairo, Egypt
Dear Writer,
It is highly inspiring the way you wrote this small piece having immense meaning, and more importantly, a great deep lesson for one and all. May this piece reach all those who will take benefit from it. This is a rare piece.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Sheikh A from India
Dear Writer,
It is highly inspiring the way you wrote this small piece having immense meaning and more importantly a great deep lesson for one and all. May this piece will reach to all those who will take benefit from it.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Sheikh A from India
Your story is so touching. It squeezed my heart reading it...Maraming Salamat (thank you) to your story.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Luna S. from Polomolok, Philippines
Wow, what a powerful story. I'm so touched and stirred. Your story is a prime example of how kindness to another pays off. And what a wonderful person "BRAT" must of been. The world would truly be a better place if there were more people like him.
I wish you well on your journey in life...you have given me inspiration.
Arohanui (much love)
Posted about 5 years ago by Kazz W from New Zealand
wow~ I was kinda mixed up with true purpose of life these days. Your story has been a great help... Thanks for sharing it with us. Take care.
Posted about 5 years ago by Abdul M from Pakistan
how sweet... I am definitely gonna shower love to those around me, with sincerity!!!
Posted about 5 years ago by maha letchmy from johor bahru,malaysia
(i got tears in me eyes)
it's really inspirational.
Posted about 5 years ago by kranhti from india
That was a great story! It's amazing how you overcame your addictions and helped others, all because of one small being. It's wonderful how one person can have such a great effect on your life.
Posted about 5 years ago by Samia L from Canada
Dear Writer!
I hope that you are fine. I love your way of expressing life. You are really a great feeler. You write very well and reality is what makes your writing precious. Take care and bye!
Posted about 5 years ago by jaspar arthur from agra
Your story is so inspiring!! My story is very similar. Except I was the little girl that saw it all. Now I work with teens that are on drugs and try to make them see there are two roads to take, the easy one or the hard one.
Thanks for your story!! God Bless!!
Posted about 5 years ago by from