By Harold Keller / L’Observateur / October 26, 1998

Warning to all drug users. The following letter may be detrimental to yourdrug use.

“Hey, Mr. Keller,”Yes, it’s me, Dean! I know it’s been a while since you heard from me, so I decided to write to you to let you know that there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think and pray for you and Mrs. Keller! You know, it’s beensince ’95 when we met at the treatment center and I’m glad that we did.

“Mr. Keller, it’s been hard for me at times and I’m here to tell you that youreally made a difference in my life. As you know, I’m still here in prison inDeQuincy and, like I said before, it’s been only through the grace of God that I’m making it. You know that my time is coming. I only have two yearsand a couple of months (time off for good behavior) before I’ll be home in New Orleans. I can’t wait! I’m not the same old Dean anymore.”Yes, Mr. Keller, I’ve been walking with Christ for some time now. Stillhard at times, but I always make out fine. Praying, reading, and going tochurch are the most important things in my life and I feel good serving the Lord.

“I finally got into school here after some years waiting. I’m learning agood trade. I’m in vo-tech school and learning auto body and fender work.It’s an 18-month course and I will also get three months good time off of my sentence. After that, I will go into welding and learn that trade, also.Whether I use them or not, I’ll always have that to fall back on, but my goal is to put them to use. Drugs never got me anywhere.”Mr. Keller, I want to help people so they don’t wind up in state prisonslike myself.

“I was just wondering how you and Mrs. Keller are doing? I’ll keep prayingalways. You know I miss you. Please tell the staff at the treatment centerhello for me and thanks for all the help they gave me.

“Well, guess that’s it for now. I miss you a lot and want you to know thatI’ll look you up in the future, believe that! Take care of yourself and Mrs.

Keller. Tell her “Hi!” and God bless you always.You can share this with the people in treatment centers, schools and jails and tell them all to keep their heads up and remember that drugs are nothing but a big lie. Take it from me. You just don’t realize howwonderful your freedom and being able to do what you want to when you want to is until you get it taken away from you.

“You can share with all drug users that unless they stay away from drugs, there’s a good chance they’ll end up like me. Take it from me – it’s not agood life.

“Remember, when you feel down, pray to God and ask for help. I love youand Mrs. Keller a lot. Write back when you have time.”Much love, “Dean”

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

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