Letter to the Editor

Offering the sincerest of apologies

Sunday, May 16, 2010

To the Editor:

I am writing to thank you for the article that you wrote concerning my sentencing and although I didn't much like the 15 years, I am so grateful that you reflected my sincerity.

I wanted to apologize to this community, my family and friends whom I've truly disappointed again.

I pray everyone will know that I have wanted to kick this addiction for many years and I made an effort my last go around in the Cliff program.

However, I failed due to my unwillingness to surrender my pride, thinking I can stay clean on my own. A lie straight from the devil.

Many of you know I came from a Christian background, but my saying I am a believer versus living as one are two different things.

I'd like this community to know that when I came to jail, I broke, literally sobbed to God to help me ... fix me.

I prayed and I surrendered my life to Christ.

I've learned through Celebrate Recovery how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and I want to thank those men who teach it, Kevin and Tony and how much they mean to me.

I'd also like to thank the Sheriff, Michael Heaton, for all the church services in the jail.

There is a revival going on here and I believe many guys and girls will change their lives because of it.

I've never felt so free and I will sustain recovery.

God's power has changed my life.

Sincerely,

Shawn Weddle,

Brazil