Thanks for sharing this story and congratulations on finding a way back up. So many people never do.

> people willing to judge me by what I could do next instead of only by what I had done before

I think this is a really tragic take so common in the United States. It feels like, at least to me, that societal trust has broken down so much that people are broadly unwilling to take a chance on anyone.

Jail is supposed to mean you paid your debt to society. It's supposed to say 'okay, you've made a mistake, have had time to ruminate on it, now go forth and prosper.' It's not retribution or vengeance, or at least it shouldn't be - especially for non-violent crimes.

I'm truly glad you were fortunate and strong enough to climb out. I wish that this was a more common story.