A Pardon is the final step in rehabilitating someone who has paid the penalty of committing a criminal offence. In some cases, people have experienced a lot of challenge in their lives and have turned to crime either intentionally or unintentionally. Often, the person’s past involves jail, suicide, mental health issues, divorce and substance abuse. Thankfully, many people move through those challenges and will live a fulfilling life. Obtaining a pardon is an crucial step in this path to rehabilitation because if your past criminal actions cannot be forgiven then society will continue to punish you well after you have paid your punishment.
Below is an article from a person we helped to obtain a Pardon in the past who has decided to write a memoir about his experience.
What a wonderful idea, and an absolute honor – I’ve known for some time that I wanted to give back through my up-coming Memoir, and I’m sure that opportunities will present themselves! People such as Ian Levine at Pardons Canada have shown interest in helping me get the word out about my book, which focuses on traumatic events such as going to jail, suicide, mental health, following one’s heart, a harsh divorce, and so much more from my own life. Yes, there are magic moments as well!
I already know this much: in the end, what will matter most is not how many damn books I sold, but how many lives I touched in some way, shape or form. That’s for sure.
I’m grateful to people like Ian Levine who have the courage to follow their vision, and educate others. If enough of us stand up and get our voices out there (amidst the FEAR of being too honest), lives can be saved! I know first-hand. My first phone call to Ian (while I was in sheer despair about my future goals) was a literal parting of the seas. It was like the sun shining through a cloud of black smoke.
…I took it from there, but who knows where I’d be of it wasn’t for organizations like Pardons Canada, who cut straight through the smoke and mirrors that many in the legal system pushed my way during my darkest days.
It’s time for me to do the same, and do so with the utmost of courage and (pardon the pun) conviction.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.
