Pubdate: Sun, 24 Dec 2006
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Leesa Barbon

JUDGE GAVE ME A CHANCE; I HAVE TURNED MY LIFE AROUND

My thank you is to former Provincial Court Chief Judge William 
Diebolt from Vancouver.

Dear Judge Diebolt,

We met on Aug. 18, 2002. I was in your courtroom with a list of 
charges due to a life of drugs and crime. I was 20 when we met. I 
thought I knew everything. Looking back, I didn't. My life was out of 
control and had been for some time.

The day that we met was a day that has forever changed my life. The 
charges against me weren't the nicest and things weren't looking 
good. When it was your turn to talk to me you were so kind, so 
understanding. You said things to me that have forever stayed in my 
heart. You spoke to me the way a father would, the way my own dad 
would. You saw something in me and for whatever reason you gave me a chance.

You sent me to treatment instead of jail. You sent me to get better 
rather than stay sick. More than anything else, you sent me to get 
the help I needed. I thought all of my chances had been used up until 
I met you.

Judge Diebolt, I can't even begin to tell you how amazing my life is 
today! I didn't know things could get so good. My family is 
wonderful, everyone is really close. I have an awesome job, I've been 
working at People's Jewellers for the past two years. Best of all, I 
just finished school. I went to school to be a drug and alcohol 
counsellor. You know what they say, been there done that. To think 
that soon I will be helping others to get better, I can't even begin 
to tell you what the means to me.

I'll be 25 in February. I still don't know everything, but I know a 
lot more than I did. My life got better. I did the work but you 
helped. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart!

Leesa Barbon

Abbotsford