I’ve been doing this for so long (coming up on 19 years, thank you) it’s not unheard of for me to get an email from someone I’ve written about before. Surprisingly, most of them are very polite and often ask me to remove the post I’ve written about them after they’ve served their time. As long as their crime is relatively minor I’m more than happy to oblige.
Recently, I received an email from someone I never thought I would. In his much younger days he had been arrested for plotting an attack against his high school not once, but twice. At the time of his initial arrest, he was working at McDonald’s and not only did I refer to him as a fry cook but I called the plot The Fry Cook Plot. After some of the things I’ve said about him I never expected to receive the following email…
What’s up? Yes, this is the “fry cook”. Anyways I actually just wanted to comment to let you know that you were right in your reporting. I should’ve gotten over it and if I wasn’t weak it would’ve been done with. Regardless I served my time and now actually own my own business and have a beautiful wife and kids and three cars here on Long Island. I lost mad weight and gained significant muscle. I feel absolutely amazing in life now. Prison toughened me up real quick. I actually laughed at some of your writing on me because of how funny you spun the story. I know it’s odd but I just came across it today and gave me a good laugh. Anyway, I just wanted to write to you and say that there are people who can change everything around. Just need a swift kick in the ass such as myself. It goes to show that some people rise to the top while others fall sometimes. Keep writing so I can keep laughing. Your favorite fry cook.
The reason I’m posting this email is not to boost my own ego but to use this email as a wake-up call to any kids out there who think that violence is the only solution to whatever you’re experiencing at school or home. You don’t have to let prison or worse be your kick in the ass. Turn your life around now instead of wallowing in self-pity and letting it eat you alive. Take it from someone who’s been there, your life will be better for it.
Real Crime with Trench Reynolds 