Better Than Before
“Kintsugi” is an ancient Japanese art where the artist takes broken pottery and pieces it back together using lacquer and then threads Gold in the cracks. The “new” finished product is even more beautiful than the original…
I remember when I was arrested and myself and the 2 U.S. Marshal’s were on our way to Detroit for booking. I had already explained my crime, what I did, how I did it and why (I started talking before we even left the driveway! I was 100% guilty and just wanted to begin this process!) so it was quiet for a minute and I remember looking out the car window and I said “My life is over…” The one Marshal that was in the back seat with me who I had been talking to the whole time immediately said “Not it is not….You are going to come back from this…”
Now, whether he was serious or just said something to avoid dealing with someone who he thought may be suicidal, that has stuck with me. It was after I was sentenced to 34 months in Federal Prison that I recalled that conversation again and I decided “He is right…I AM going to come back BUT I am going to come back BETTER than I was when my life was broken…
I will forever have the cracks of this experience:
–Convicted Felon on my record.
–Having to leave my wife alone during my Prison Term.
–Forcing worry upon my family.
But while I am in Federal Prison, I am using this time to cover those cracks with Gold by:
–Bettering myself physically every day because a better operating body equals a better operating mind.
–Bettering myself mentally every day by only reading non-fiction books, newspapers and magazines so I can elevate my mind and expand my vocabulary.
–Bettering myself spiritually every day by studying the Bible but this can mean whatever “Greater Good” you believe in.
I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to tell him personally but Thank You Mr. US Marshal for saying what you said in the car on the way to Detroit…You made a difference in someone that day…
Thanks for Reading!! Love you All!!
I am Fine and I am Safe,
Jeff Piecka
