Hello Bob,
I hear you brother...it can be a tough world! I also have a past...it has caused some problems for me before...and I am sure it will again. But like you said Bob...we are what we are. Hey, what the heck...EVERYBODY has some skeletons in the closet, and they never rattle more loud then when someone else is shaking them!
That's okay though...when they shake mine, I am the first to agree with them. About NOT being able to be rehabilitated, well that depends on WHO I am and NOT on WHAT I am. Still though, people will be people will be people...
All I can offer at this point is a portion of Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann, which helps me keep things going:
"... Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Excercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is pereninal as the grass. ..."
WE NEED YOU...just as you are. WHAT you are are just some facts to debate back and forth. WHO you are...well that is the truth of life Bob. Let the truth speak for itself!
Peace brother. Keep yourself. I see your feathers, and they look very NOT ruffled to me. All of us are meant to be free... fly brother fly!!
Dale.