Happy Halloween from Giovanny, 46

I was once an accomplished member of society, living crime-free, building a life with someone I loved, and nurturing my family. Then, at the age of 40, my life changed. Now at 46, I find myself in prison, and it’s been rough. Coming to prison at any age is tough, but when you’ve built a life, it feels like everything has been taken from you. You trust someone with all your heart, building a partnership, a home, a future together—and then, betrayal hits when you least expect it. Now, I’m here, left alone. It’s been a lesson in the power of emotions and how anger can pull you down if you let it. What’s ironic is, I could be released today, tomorrow, or in 2028. But whenever that day comes, I know I’ll be ready, because I already understand what it takes to make it in society: discipline, hard work, and the desire to succeed. Fun times and parties are fleeting—real success comes from dedication and family. One of my biggest losses is missing those key moments in my kids’ lives—the graduations, the milestones, the everyday memories. I was the parent who showed up to every parent-teacher meeting, every field trip, every mile run. And now, here I am, missing years I’ll never get back. To everyone who’s given me a voice again, thank you. Happy Halloween to you all. And to my kids: if you see this, I want you to know I’ve never stopped trying to reach you. I’m still here as your dad, your coach, your friend. I love you both more than anything, and I’m here, waiting for the day I can prove it to you through my actions. I’ll see you in L.A. in 2028—or maybe sooner. You can take that to the bank.