In absentia

They'll be holding a funeral service for Lee's mom near Detroit today. He won't be there. He's serving a life sentence in prison.

Never mind that he's handicapped and in a wheelchair. Policies are policies, and lifers aren't granted permission to attend funeral services, even those of immediate family members.

I have established friendships with many prisoners over the past 15 years, and I can tell you that one of the saddest experiences for the incarcerated is losing a loved one. And that sad experience is made even worse when inmates are forbidden to attend the last rites.

Remember Lee today. And remember his friends and his family. And remember all prisoners going through similar experiences.

May Lee feel God's presence and God's peace today.

He'll be alone. Behind bars.

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