Letter from Brian S. Fecteau in support of the Many Hands Sustainability Center
July 27th, 2008
I was born in Framingham, MA on February second, 1976. Raised along with my two sisters and one brother in Bellingham, MA.
As a child I was very much into sports and dreamed of one day playing football for the Patriots. As time went by it became apparent to me that this dream would never be made reality. Which was fine with me because I was now twelve and very much into rock and roll music. Not only listening to it but also creating it on my $99.00 Sears catalog electric guitar. Now my dream was to be a famous musician in a rock band. And though that dream would not last long, my interest in music would.
By the time I graduate high school I have already made certain decisions that would lead me down a dead end road that ends right here. I'm 32 now and I am sitting in a cell at the Worcester County House of Correction for breaking into buildings to find money to support my heroin habit.
This is my fourth time in jail and I am determined to make it my last as I have wasted enough of my life getting high and sitting in jail. And to back me up I've got family and many great friends. My employers and dear friends Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson have gone above and beyond in their effort to help me find my way and realize my potential and they continue to amaze me with their generosity. Without them and others I've met through them I would still be at a great disadvantage in my struggle to recover.
I've learned a few things about myself sitting in jail. For instance, how patient I can be when I need to be, but also, and more importantly, I've found many areas in my life that need to be improved upon. Thankfully the help that I need is attainable and I am ready to receive it.
I've also discovered a talent that had previously gone unnoticed. I can draw and I spend hours a day doing so. My skills are amateur at best, but I am learning. Drawing makes me feel good about myself the way music does, and to find that in a place like this is truly a blessing.
Editor's note: watch for the "House of Correction Collection" greeting cards - hopefully available sometime in September or October of 2008.
Brian S. Fecteau