A man, known as Amends Too Late?, recalls a regrettable incident from 50 years ago involving his former girlfriend, now a county judge. He had brought marijuana to her house while her father, who was a police chaplain, was also present. This resulted in him being taken to the police station and eventually being told to never return to the town.
After struggling with alcohol and drugs in his youth, Amends Too Late? achieved sobriety at age 36 and has maintained it since then. He wonders if it would be appropriate to reach out to his former girlfriend, the judge, to share his recovery journey and express his regret for the past incident.
The columnist, R. Eric Thomas, encourages him to do so, as it could be a positive and unexpected gesture. Making amends is about acknowledging harm done and striving to improve future possibilities. By sharing his story of recovery, he can potentially provide a human face to the issue of substance abuse for the judge, who may have to consider such cases in her work.
Ultimately, reaching out to his former girlfriend could have a positive impact on both of them, potentially leading to a sense of closure and understanding. Thomas suggests that sharing his story may have a ripple effect, influencing not only the judge but also others who may come across similar challenges in life.
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