Recipe for redemption

It's so easy to hate her. She lied to a prosecutor. She refused a plea bargain. She claimed she wanted to be like the rest of us, yet continued to tote a $6,000 Hermès purse. In short, she conspired, obstructed justice and made false statements.\nWhen Queen of Mean Martha Stewart was sentenced to five months of jail time in February 2003, many believed she got what she deserved. She was too rich, too arrogant and too nonchalant about wearing fur during her trial.\nSeven months ago, Martha resembled a failed batch of butter pecan cookies. She was publicly disgraced. But the recent removal of Martha's ankle bracelet marked not only the end of a near six months worth of home confinement, but also the beginning of another phase of Martha Madness.\nIt turns out that federal inmate No. 55170-054 just might have the last laugh. \nSince the removal of the electronic watchdog, Martha is looking more like the crisp golden brown butter pecan cookie that melts in your mouth. Coated with a sugary layer, Martha has made her comeback. She is slimmer and appears more relaxed. Her company's stock has gone up, her book is due out next month and two television shows are in the making. \nBut besides experiencing physical and economic changes, Martha has undergone an emotional transformation, as well. In a statement on www.cnn.com, the New Martha said she would always remember her prison mates and "all that they have done to help me."\nI can't think of anyone else who could concoct such a sweet recipe of redemption. \nYet many still believe Martha belongs in prison. This is insignificant. It doesn't matter whether Martha is a lying witch or a Princess Diana incarnate. What matters is that a woman once on the verge of losing everything -- from her company to her reputation -- has managed to pick herself up and rework the recipe that defines her life. As we skeptically watch Martha's transformation ingredient by ingredient, we are made aware of just how powerful this idea of redemption can be. \nRedemption is based on the belief that humankind can change and learn from its mistakes. As author Khaled Hosseini tells us in his novel "The Kite Runner," "There is a way to be good again."\nWhile our "sins" may not be as dramatic as Martha's, no matter how hard we fall -- no matter if we fail a Chemistry final or let down a loved one -- there is always a way to be good again. \nAfter her conviction, Martha's show was canceled, her court appeals were denied and her company was considering moving on without her. But despite her Cruela DeVil tendencies, Martha showed America her time for atonement had come. After months of cleaning jail cells, Martha was ready to reenter the real world and seek a second chance. Love her or hate her, Martha was ready for redemption and America was ready to forgive.