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As I sat there watching the fireworks, I realized I was doing what I loved and sitting next to the girl I loved.

I remember waking up at 4:30 in the morning and going out for my run before heading to work. I remember putting on my suit and tie because I was a sales manager. On my way to work, I stopped at the doughnut shop to get hot chocolate and cream cheese bagels. Giving my coworkers the bagels and hearing their thank-yous felt good. After working an eight-hour shift, I went to an award ceremony with a friend who was very close to me. Man, I was so proud and happy for her. After that, we went to see a fireworks show. As I sat there watching the fireworks, I realized I was doing what I loved and sitting next to the girl I loved. What a feeling that was. Lastly, we went to Denny’s at 11 o’clock at night because we were hungry. That whole day made me see that I wanted a life like that—a normal, happy life. As I move forward, I do so with the goal of making that day a reality again. I can’t give up. I need to reach those happy days again.

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Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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