In a few days, I am speaking to a North Carolina Leaders' Institute for elected Sheriffs in this state about Ethics and Professionalism.

Like so many similar law enforcement officers all over the country, these men and women are elected to the office of Sheriff.

They are just like the rest of us. They want to succeed, win elections and tqke office. They want to please people, sometimes too much. They endure long periods of depression. They will make mistakes, some serious, some not.

I will tell them my story...of rising very high, falling very low, surviving and starting all over again. It can be done. Passion lost, can be regained. Living a purposeful life is still there for the taking.

It is not easy. There will be stumbles. But not to try is unthinkable.