Robert McCandless

Born: 1948 Sherman, Texas Raised in Oak Cliff section of Dallas. Attended: Adamson High School; El Centro Jr. College, Dallas. Alvin Jr. College and Lee College in Baytown Tx. Graduated: BS in psyc...view moreBorn: 1948 Sherman, Texas Raised in Oak Cliff section of Dallas. Attended: Adamson High School; El Centro Jr. College, Dallas. Alvin Jr. College and Lee College in Baytown Tx. Graduated: BS in psychology: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. Behavorial problems in school continued into the army and life. Drugs and alcohol became a primary diversion in dealing with life's problems, creating problems of their own. A case of mistaken identity in a Dallas grocery store robbery sent me away on a 25 year prison sentence. A futile attempt at appeal resolved me to make the best of my situation. I attended and graduated from college, as well as develop an award winning talent in the field of art and design during my almost 6 years behind bars. I have learned that not all things that seem bad are bad. My time in prison was the greatest gift in my life, for it led to even greater gifts. In the past 31 years since my release, I have started and operated a successful glass design business and have received several national awards. Writing began as a hobby and quickly became a means to expression, allowing me to change lives. My first book "Dear Mr. Madison" is a compilation of letters of gratitude to the school teachers I would never listen to. My new book "Insufficient Funds" is about my journey through a corrupt court system and one of this nations toughest prisons. All proceeds from it will support various prison ministries within prison. I am currently working as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor in the Texas prison system. My wife, Gail, and I currently live in Austin, Texas. Our plan is to sell everything we have and travel the country in a 5th wheel trailer, working as first responders to disasters, building glass crosses, writing, public speaking, and looking for ways to serve others.view less