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Dear friend,

My name is Lee Horton. Two years ago this month I was granted clemency from a life sentence. I'd been in prison for 28 years at that point. Today, because it's Valentine's, I want to tell you a little story about love and marriage and second chances.

I met my wife, Joanna, when I was 17 and she was 16. We lived down the street from each other and we used to hang out with each other all the time. I always joke that she bullied her way into my life because she would come to the house and just stay, like she was one of the family! Eventually we got married and had four children. And unfortunately, I went to prison — and I was supposed to be there for the rest of my life.

Then I got my second chance in the form of clemency. Here's the thing: We both got a second chance. Me being away was even harder on her and the kids than it was on me. When I came home, it was rocky at first, but we're finding our way.

My wife and I know a lot about keeping a marriage alive when hope is almost gone, about staying romantic with a special card on Valentine's Day because that's all there is, about growing together — even when prison walls kept us apart.

There are so many people in prison just like I was, working really hard on themselves. Their bonds with their spouses and kids are strong — maybe even stronger than when they went in. I know those people deserve a second chance just like I got.

FAMM has been shining a light on people like me who got second chances and are making their families and communities stronger. You can read about them here: [link removed] [[link removed]]

I hope today you have a happy Valentine's Day, and that you take a moment to think of all the people inside who deserve a second chance. I hope that the love story I shared helps you understand a little more of why second chances are so badly needed — for people in prison and their loved ones.

Sincerely,

Lee Horton for FAMM
1100 H Street NW | Suite 1000 | Washington, D.C. xxxxxx | Tel: (202) 822-6700
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