"I love you, son," boomed the voice of a proud father over a phone hooked up to speakers. He congratulated his son on graduating from Juvenile Drug Court last month. "Don't abandon my son," he implored the Drug Court staff.

The father shared a lifetime of wisdom with the 100 or so people who gathered to celebrate the graduation of three young men from the program. Tears sprung to people's eyes as they marveled at this father's deep love of his son. Yet, we wondered, if he cares so much, why isn't he attending in person?

"Mr. Jones, where are you?" asked Chief Juvenile Court Judge Wesley Saint Clair after a few minutes.

"I am in my counselor's office at the Washington State Penitentiary," he answered.

"How long is your sentence?

"Life," answered Mr. Jones.