A somber reminder

We began this week with a dose of reality. The first name was posted in Ferrysburg Community Church's new Memorial Garden Sunday: Ronald W. Ross. Ronnie was a poster boy for HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. We were able to obtain his freedom despite his refusal to confess to a crime he did not commit and his refusal to show remorse. It was a long, hard fight, but we won! Our buddy Mitch and I were at the gate to welcome him when he stepped into freedom. It seemed to us that he had a whole new life ahead of him, but some old demons wouldn't let up on him, and last July Ron gave up and took his own life. The heartbreak touched all of us at HFP, his many friends and supporters, his widow and a little boy, and even his pet.

My heart breaks for Dawn and Dakota all over again, but we must go on. We must continue to remember prisoners as if we are in prison with them, per the advice in the book of Hebrews. Ron would have it no other way.

Remember the survivors in your prayers, and please remember the efforts of prisoner advocates. Pain and heartbreak are always in the shadows.

His demons finally pursue Ron no more.

May God comfort all survivors of prison tragedy.

May God's peace touch ALL prisoners today.

May God bless every person who touches the lives of prisoners.

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