I am one of the lucky ones who never went back.

I got out over 20 years ago, and I was determined to do whatever it took to successfully complete my parole and put all that crap behind me.

I still have scars. I'm 47 now. Dentures are in my near future because of the fighting from my prison days.

I had nightmares about the fighting and killing (saw two guys get killed mere feet away from me) for 15 years after getting out.

As time goes by the memories are less and less, but they never go away.

It changes you permanently.