Failures can bring discovery, value

Is it true we discover ourselves in our failures as much as we do our successes? Absolutely. I'm a Cedar Rapids native serving time at the Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center in Hodgen, Okla., for trafficking marijuana. The choices I made were selfish and irresponsible. I make no excuses for my actions and I accept responsibility.

I apologize to the city of Cedar Rapids and my family. I'm embarrassed and ashamed that I wasted my time, talent and energy on activities that held no redeeming social value. I'm sorry for not having the moral courage to earn an honorable and respectable living.

My failure is not without value. I understand we all live by rules we didn't make. I have an obligation to maintain the structure of society, contribute to the economic and community development of our city and, most important, ensure the health and safety of our children.

I thank God He made me aware that the progress of our city and the quality of someone else's life may be measured by the nature of the choices I make. It was clear that life wasn't all about me. It's more about exercising better judgment, building character, integrity and making decisions that improve the lives of others and make a positive impact on the community.

I pray for your encouragement and for you to envision not what I have been but what I could be.

Toyon Valentine

Hodgen, Okla.