[ [link removed] ]John Fetterman


John,

John is a proud dad of three, and he knows how special today can be to
celebrate the father figures in your life. That's why this year, in honor
of Father's Day, our team wanted to do something a little different by
sharing the stories of Lee and Dennis Horton.

Dennis and Lee are two Field Organizers on our team who are celebrating
their first Father's Day at home with their families after serving nearly
30 years of a life sentence for a crime they didn't commit. Their life
sentences were commuted earlier this year by Governor Wolf after John, in
his role as Chair of the PA Board of Pardons, fought hard for their
release.

Please take a moment to read their words below. Then, we invite you to
directly reply to this email with a few words about why you're with John
in the fight for second chances.

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From Lee:

Father's Day is a very special day to me, and this year it has significant
meaning. When I was convicted and sentenced to life without the
possibility of parole, it was the worst day of my life. The first thought
that crossed my mind was how would my beloved wife raise our four kids
alone. At that time, my goal was to be a dedicated father, a thoughtful
protector, and intentional provider — love, care, discipline, education,
more love, hugs, kisses, more discipline, church, vacations and a lot of
communication is what I wanted to give my children.

That all changed on May 31, 1993 when I was arrested. Although I was
innocent and had no control over being sent to prison, I couldn't shake
the feeling that I had let my family down, especially my children. I hated
the idea of being an absent father, and I definitely never wanted to be a
statistic. But there I was in prison serving a life sentence.

After a few months of feeling sorry for myself, I decided that prison bars
would not bar my ability to be a dad to my four kids. So I became a father
through letters, phone calls, and visits. As a result, I was able to
participate in raising my children. I told my wife, against her protest,
to never send me any money because I did not want to take anything away
from my children. Instead I sent money home when I could, especially at
Christmas and on birthdays. I stayed in touch, remained in their lives,
and have never been considered anything other than dad. Nevertheless,
Father's Day for me always came with a little depression and sadness.

This year, however, I approach Father's Day with joy and happiness. Not in
my wildest imagination did I ever believe that I would be home and able to
celebrate Father's Day with my kids. They are all grown but nevertheless
still my babies, I love them and feel so very honored to be their father.
For me, being home on Father's day with my children is what second chances
are all about.

— Lee Horton

[1]Lee Horton and his family

From Dennis:

What gives anyone the right to take away my seconds, my minutes and my
hours? 27 years and 10 months is what was taken away from my father. I
remember the first time my father came to the prison to visit with my
brother Lee and I. He had a look on his face that I will never forget for
as long as I live. Pain, confusion, and helplessness. His emotions were so
clear that my eyes could see clear into his soul.

My father is the type of man that keeps his feelings close to the vest,
but on this day there was no hiding or denying them. One look at his sons
chained, caged, and in utter despair broke him down into tears as it would
any loving father. How did this happen, why did this happen and what went
wrong? The country my father believed in, served honorably, and fought for
in war had declared his sons public enemy number one. His expression said,
where did I go wrong and how have I failed my sons? Which couldn’t be
farthest from the truth. My father guided us as best as any father could,
he was an example of hard work, respect for others, honesty, and playing
by the rules so you might go far in this world.

Despite his positive examples and life lessons to live by, it was
inevitable that my brother and I would be stolen, taken away, and walked
slowly through a door of no return and my father could do nothing but
watch. America's shameful history of its sinful past — unresolved racial
issues and discriminatory practices — persist and continue to be just as
impactful today as it was almost 30 years ago. 

Although in despair, depressed, and heart broken my father never gave up
on his two sons. When everyone else was saying to him, "Lee, there is
nothing you can do, move on and live your life," his steadfast support and
love would say, yes we can. Despite the uphill mountain we had to climb to
Freedom, my father never lost hope. For a lot of years he carried the hope
for Lee and I when we couldn't. He came to visit us, sent us money,
supported our journey of transformation and was sitting in the front row
at any event or big moment that showed his sons in a positive light. And
he would say to anyone who would listen, "My sons were put on this planet
to do big things. And those are my boys." In 2019, when my brother and I
were denied Clemency, my father refused to give up, or give in and a look
of hope and determination on his face inspired John Fetterman and
countless other supporters to stay the course until his sons were
eventually freed.

Thank you Dad for the life lessons of your journey with us through what
could have been the door of no return. We may have been stolen for 27
years and 10 months, but because of your love, commitment, and steadfast
support our legacy lives on. Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you.

— Dennis Horton

[2]The Horton family

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Thanks for reading these personal Father's Day stories from Lee and
Dennis, who we're so proud and honored to work alongside on this campaign
every day. John and this entire campaign have always believed in the
incredible power of second chances, and today is no exception. If you have
your own story about why you're in support of second chances — or simply
agree that it's a cause worth fighting for — directly reply to this email
to share your story with our team.

Wishing you a joyful and heartfelt Father's Day. See you out there!

— All of us on Team Fetterman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


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