For those who have taken a quick glimpse at “Escape”, an often lingering and pressing question arises: “Can a hardened criminal really change their ways and become a successful, financially secure, law abiding citizen?” Once this is asked, an uncanny uncertainty, reflexive disbelief can encompass one’s thoughts. “Come on, really. How many parolees have been able to find great jobs? Can they really get past all the background checks? What if they have a relapse? They won’t change. In fact, “Escape” is really offering some misguided hope. It may last for a short time. But if history repeats itself, these poor souls won’t get much past a halfway house at best.”
For those who are naysayers, I highly suggest that they check into the life of David Lee Windecher. Windecher was a young rebellious adolescent who had been arrested 13 times by the age of 19. Before his adolescence ended, he had already spent 8 months in jail for crimes including battery, grand theft, and possession of marijuana.
With a rap sheet of this caliber, Windecher’s potential for future success was rather bleak. Fortunately for Windecher, he had a number of eye opening encounters that enabled him to see the sordid consequences he was not only inflicting upon himself, but also his family. Grasping the tragic stench of his behavioral outputs, Windecher took active intentional steps to turn his life around.
This highschool dropout went back to class and acquired his GED. Although this was a respectable first step, this was just the beginning for Windecher. He did not stop there. Subsequently, Windecher was able to graduate from college and later obtain a degree in law. These changes did not fare well with past opposing gang members. Sensing some type of weakness in Windecher by retiring from gang life, past back street rivals would stop by his home threatening him as well as his family.
Not being deterred from wanting a greater lifestyle, Windecher was able to avert these grating annoyances by remaining focused and in control. Gangs were a nuisance to Windecher. But, they did not deter him from his strong desire to become an attorney.
On this journey, it was not just the buzzing mosquito-like swarms of gangs that were bothersome. The legal system itself created more obstacles for Windecher. While serving as a legal intern, Windecher had been escorted out of a court room hearing. Evidently, the senior District Attorney discovered Windecher’s past legal problems after conducting a background check. Subsequently, he was escorted out of the court and told that he could not serve in any capacity.
In the past, these types of rejecting experiences would have created a volcanic eruption of flowing anger, rage, and aggression. Instead of acting in such a manner, Windecher remained poised and took a more constructive assertive stance. The results of Windecher’s proactive demeanor resulted in him eventually getting a job working as a defense attorney.
In the end, WIndecher’s story is one that proves that hard work, self-discipline, internal control, and resiliency can lead to a better life. For those interested, I would highly suggest reading Windecher’s latest book, “The American Dream: HisStory in the Making.” This book goes into greater biographical depth discussing Windecher’s inspring transformation. This literary piecs would serve a great complement to “Escape” offering an example of realistic hope, fortitude, and mental toughness on the road to legal recovery. Check out Windecher’s website at www.hisstoryinthemaking.com
