WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsLove, Choices, & Foregiveness Part 2

Love, Choices, & Foregiveness Part 2

MADISON (WKOW)-- A Madison woman is on a mission to help teens learn forgiveness, love and why it's so important they make the right choices.

14 years ago Wednesday, Jackie Millar was at the end of a gun and a teen's bad choice. Ever since, she's been on a path of restorative justice. Her endless commitment to making a difference is what the Jefferson Award stands for.

The award is given to people across the country who leave an impact through volunteering. We show you why Jackie Millar is November's Jefferson Award recipient and 'Someone You Should Know.'

"I should be dead. I'm not. I'm here talking to you," said Jackie.

Jackie Millar travels the region telling her story. Reliving the moment that changed her life. On November 4th, 1995, 16-year-old Craig Sussek shot Jackie in the head because he wanted her car. Craig and his 15 year old friend, Josh Briggs, left her for dead on the living room floor. Jackie survived the 2% chance she had to live.

"I feel a hundred needles in my right side all the time," said Jackie.

She talks, slowly due to her injuries. She talks at schools. She talks at the Dane County Youth Jail.

"Maybe they will have to hear me ten times, but I think I will reach them," says Jackie.

She talks about her injuries and her daily challenges. But, her main message is about love, choices, and forgiveness.

"I forgive them-I don't forget it," said Jackie.

That's right, she forgave her shooter. She even visits Craig, a man she now calls a friend, in Stanley Prison once a year.

"Would you like it if that bullet could be taken back? The answer is no. I got to meet Craig," said Jackie.

Jackie reaches out to teens at local schools who maybe haven't gotten into serious trouble yet, but still face tough decisions each and every day. But Jackie isn't alone in her presentations. The man who shot her is there, through his words, echoing her message. A volunteer reads a letter Craig wrote for Jackie to share with her audience. Craig hopes teens today will learn from his mistakes.

"You don't have to do what I did or even things to a lesser extent that hurt you," said Craig. Craig says he was once in their shoes. "You felt at that time being a teenager, alone?" Diana said. "Yep," said Craig. "That no one loved you?" Diana said. "Yep," replied Craig. "Did you feel like you new knew what love was then?" Diana asked. "No, If you haven't experienced it, you don't know what it is," said Craig. "When Jackie forgave me there's obviously no other motive for that so to me that's pure love, "said Craig.

Jackie's message doesn't go unnoticed.

"Just maybe think about my decisions that I make and kind of change my life a little bit," said Zak Moen.

"She was meant to tell people this story so they'd learn from their mistakes," said Jonna Ripp.

"She's pretty touch--really touch for being able to go and relive everything and speak in front of everybody--that's a tough thing to do," said Michael Phillips.

"They made the wrong choice, but I love them as fellow human beings," said Jackie. "I am at peace, I am healed from my heart."

You can read more about Jackie's journey in her book.

To learn more, visit http://www.jackiemillar.com/