Series: Four Lives, One Last Chance - A Year In Drug Court: Part 40 Of 41

EPILOGUE. LINDA

Linda and Wes were married by a justice of the peace on Dec. 26, 2001. A
few months later, they bought a small single-story home in Newport News,
where they live with a dog and a cat.

"It was our birthday present to each other," said Linda, who turned 40 in
February.

In the spring, she started a sewing business out of her home, and she also
waitresses to help with the bills.

On June 10, Linda marked three years clean.

Like Linwood, she is now on "administrative probation." She also can be
randomly screened at any time, but her only requirement is to mail in the
form once a month. If she stays clean, she will be free and clear of Drug
Court on March 3.

In her fight against HIV, her health continues to remain strong. She has
lived the way her first counselors advised her. She has stayed off drugs
and become militant about caring for herself and taking her medication. As
the counselors promised, a long life for Linda seems possible.

Now she is taking classes toward becoming an HIV counselor herself, hoping
to pass on some of the same advice and inspiration to others.