About Me

As printed in the Las Cruces Sun News on September 20, 2009.

My family moved to Las Cruces when I was 5 or 6 years old. Things were difficult because we didn’t speak English, but my family worked hard to make ends meet. Life was good in those early days.

As I grew older, I chose to ignore my father’s advice to become a “better” man. Approximately 19 Years of my life were spent in state prisons. I earned most of that time. I was selfish, brash and immature. I brought much pain and devastation to the people around me. I brought shame to my family and they deserve better.

I have been given the opportunity to exist outside of a cell. Life out here is scary. I dreamt of freedom so much and was surprised to find a troubling urge just hours after my release. Feeling disoriented and out of touch — I wanted to crawl back to my concrete shell. I overcame these unreasonable emotions with the love and support of my family, friends and the community.

There are many people who never turned their backs to me. I am now extremely fortunate and I want to sincerely apologize to everyone I hurt in choosing my own path. I want my children to forgive me for letting them down. I have no excuse.
Mom and dad, I should have been working alongside of you. Sisters, I love you all so very much. My nephews and nieces, sorry I was not around. You are all so wonderful and special. Friends and neighbors — I could have been a better man. I am the one taxpayers had to endure.

I will keep trying to be a better person. It took several decades and much grief for me to understand my father’s dedication to hard work. He’s a simple, noble man. I thought I could do better and I was wrong. I will salvage my life and work hard, just like my dad.