It is with a profound feeling of hope for the future and bitterness at the waste of life that you depart. Taking all your own cloths from the box they were placed in and returning all your prison kit back is the final chapter to your stay. They dish out whatever monies are due to you, including any monies left in your "prison" account. You walk out the gate and DO NOT look back.

The true feeling of freedom only hits you when you can hold the family you missed. I was lucky to have a family to come out to, lots of lads I was with lost their family while inside, the pain for them can only be imagined. For some they must move away from the area altogether, for others the fear of being attacked by other inmates they have upset who got out first, is very real.

The first time you sit down and eat what you want, when you want and how you wish, is indescribable.

That you are aware exactly were you are going and how you are getting there is good. If you do not have anyone waiting for you, or no private transport is available from friends, then you will be provided with a travel warrant to your home, whatever and wherever it is.

Ring all those family and friends when you get out, tell them what it feels like to be out. You need to chill out, but, and this is very important DO NOT forget, that you must go and log in with your probation officer when you get to your home town. Miss this and you could find yourself back inside finishing the last part of your sentence.

In the euphoric state you will be in, it is all to easy to drink a toast to freedom and because it is the first drink in a long while you could be flat on your back or get in a fight. That must be the last thing you would wish on your family. Only out three hours and stright back in again! I have seen it hapeen, so be careful, do the right thing, go and see the probation, then get blasted if it pleases you, but do it among friends, away from any contact with strangers..

The one thing you will have learnt by being inside is the fact that every minute of every day should be spent like it was your last. Fill every second with all that is most important to you, give 110% to your family.
Except that you will have changed and your family will notice it. They will, by necessity, have become more independent, do not feel pushed out by this, but use it as a stepping stone to build your dreams and future together. Should you have no one to build a future with, be honest with whomever you find to start anew life with, give them your trust and it should be rewarded. If it is not, find some one else. your time is now a priceless item, use it well.

Home is the place you make it. The future is all down to you, make it sweet, hold on to your seat belt!