For every choice there is a consequence! In today's environment of Enron, HP and other corporate scandels we find executives facing prison time. This series or articles illustrates, in a profound way, the outcome of the choices that are made. Each segment of this series exposes the lessons learned from Gallagher's prison experience. Through it all, the reader will find, that while the experience was painful, the powerful benefits that followed have opened new doors to greater awareness and benefit to others.
Perhaps the excerpt from my memoir may benefit others as they seek to recover from choices they made – afterall we do control prospective positive results since they are all found in the seeds we sow.
October 8, 1995.
Seems like each day is riddled with some emotion. At times, it seems the sadness comes in waves and is more than I can hold back. I feel much compassion, for some of these folks here. There seems to be two types of inmates here – those who will always be in trouble, and those who will grow from the experience and never be back.
This afternoon I went walking on a gravel track. I remember before arriving here, people calling this, “Club Fed." One thing I can assure them, it is no country club! As I was walking, however, I heard Elton John's, “The last song." Seems like every time I turn around, I am bombarded with emotion. A line in the song says, “I never thought I'd lose, I only thought I'd win." That's the way I felt. Then the thought came to me -- maybe by losing -- I win.
I wrote a letter this morning to the members of my former Sunday school class. It reads as follows:
Greetings from prison,Today is my first Sunday here, and I thought of you. It's 9:45 a.m. and you are just now getting together.
Prison is not bad -- but then I wouldn't recommend anyone join me. The warden's comments are, “you are here as punishment, not for punishment. This philosophy means that you are being held in prison, away from your family, your community, and not being allowed to leave without authorization.” The people here are, for the most part respectful.
I seem to be dealing with being here O.K., however, the pain I feel in being denied being with my children is tough. A parent's bond with their children is strong. Being away a week is not critical, but thinking of missing Christmas is tough. The time, I must spend away seems like an eternity to me. Hopefully, it will pass fast.
I joined the choir here. I always wanted to sing in a black choir -- so here I am. Reminds me of “Forrest Gump" in the church choir he sang in – swaying, hand clapping and all.
I attended church service this morning. There are some beautiful spirits here - I must say and I look at people differently now. I'm much less judgmental. What I did was wrong and you reap what you sow. I am now reaping. Yet, while people can make mistakes or get caught up in wrong things -- that doesn't take away the fact that they are still God's children. Worthy of forgiveness. I hope I never looked at the poor, the afflicted, the old, or deprived the same way I used to look at them in the past. As you stand here on a visiting day and observe a group of men waving to their families as they leave after a visit and see tears well up in their eyes -- you feel compassion and love.
Be thankful each day for what you have. Freedom is precious. Hug your children and tell them you love them -- they are truly a gift from God. Share with your husband or wife your love. It's funny how the little things in life are important -- having a home, your own clothing, food of your choice -- all these seem to be taken for granted.
I am thankful for you as my friends. Keep me in your prayers, along with my family. I will keep you in mine. I hope someday I'll be able to share this experience through speaking to others. How important it is to appreciate what we have. Most important is our relationship to each other. Money, cars, houses will all pass away -- we may not have the opportunity to show our love again.
Through this letter, I want to let you know, my love for you! God bless you, ChuckLooking back, my experiences placed me on the right track. As I journaled my experiences, I find that my efforts today to share with others, a message of hope and inspiration, was well founded and the path is clear. For more articles or journals feel free to contact chuck@chuckallagher.com or go to www.chuckgallagher.com.
The Ethical Dilemma: Integrity Beyond Visibility
In a world where success is often measured by the end result, the ethical compass of our youth is being tested. The notion that dishonesty without detection is acceptable has permeated some aspects of society, raising concerns about the moral fiber of future generations. This article delves into the attitudes of young people towards ethics, highlighting the importance of understanding that every decision carries its own set of consequences, whether immediately apparent or not.
The Transformative Power of Incarceration: Insights and Reflections
Incarceration, often viewed through a lens of negativity and punishment, can also serve as a profound catalyst for personal transformation and introspection. This concept was notably highlighted by Paris Hilton's experience, which she discussed openly after her brief stint in jail. This article delves into how such an intense experience can reshape one's identity and life path, supported by personal anecdotes and broader data on the effects of incarceration.
Self-Integrity – The Foundation of Ethical Decisions
How can someone who is educated and, by all appearances, living the American dream - end up in prison for unethical choices? Were the issues which gave rise to such a dramatic downfall easy to identify? Read how self awareness and integrity can bring about a dramatic turn in ones life.
