April 1997

Chuck Irwin
Stony Mountain Penitentiary

To Roger Poisson,

This is a letter to thank you for all the hope and direction that you have given to me.  I must say that when we first met about 6 years ago, I know I was a real bad apple and really didn’t care about anyone or anything except to meet my own needs and that is all I was concerned with.  Not saying that I could never be a good person, just that I never sure how to go about that.  I should also add that I did have charges to go to court on, shortly after we did meet and I am now coming to the end of my sentence.

Over my time I have had some real tough times, as well as some good ones.  But I always was able to call you and you always helped me through the hard times and were lending your ear for good and bad times.

I have met my daughter after 13 years, through you, heck I even spoke with my father after 18 years for the first time, and it’s true you give people your time, you say a man’s or woman’s family should be treasured, it is important.  Well right again you have taught me the values of a person and not to treat people as if you own them, but as people who also have to live.  I have done other programs combined with what I have learned from yourself has brought me a long way.  I hope that you are able to keep your working with people going, because it is nothing but good for anyone, words cannot tell you how far I’ve come and I wish to keep getting stronger from the positive glow from yourself.

You know to tell you the truth; I have spent the last 17 years incarcerated.  I’m never sure of the direction to steer myself and I always seem to bungle up and end up back inside.  However, inside of myself I really feel that I’m a way better person.  I think this is the time for me to really make a positive impression I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself, and I know I’m going to do good.  I have too much to loose now and yet so many things I would like to do for my family and myself.  I have Geraldine who loves me to death as well as my family, one grand daughter, all of whom need me to be strong and a good role model for them.  I know that in time each of these kids will need some knowledge at times in their lives and I can only hope that I will be able to help them in their time of need, like you have helped me.  Anyways, good luck to you.
From your friend,
Chuck