Thank you for friends---behind bars!

My special thanks, today, focuses on an unusual group of people. More about that in a moment. 

As an octogenarian who never knows how many more Thanksgiving Days he will see, I’m engaged in a bit of reflection today regarding my third career---working with and for incarcerated men and women, 

Before I get into that, I want to stress how grateful I am for our team---a fine Executive Director who leads HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS, as well as our dedicated staff, our enthusiastic volunteers, our supportive Board of Directors, and especially the many, many kind and generous people who see that we have the financial backing to continue our incredible work. 

OK. Here’s what I’m especially thankful for: I thank God for the multitude of friends that I have who are behind bars or who formerly resided in prison!  Contrary to what you might think, everyone who is incarcerated is not a mean, unpleasant, hardened criminal. I cannot begin to count them all, but I’d wager that I have dear friends in almost every one of Michigan’s 31 prisons! 

When my life was threatened by health crises, I was flooded with cards, letters, notes, and email messages. There were some occasions---holidays or birthdays---when I received many cards in the mail…homemade cards that had been passed around, signed by numerous inmates. And, there would not be just a signature…there would be a personal note of friendship and encouragement. I took the time to read and treasure every sentiment expressed. 

In my younger days when I paid visits to prisons, to participate in a program or to serve as a guest speaker, that I would be humbled by a standing ovation. It would not be uncommon for these men and women of all colors and flavors to politely stand in line at the conclusion of a program, just to shake my hand in thanks for our services!   

All of this did not come about because I’m so dynamic or so charismatic. No, it’s because God chose me to start a little operation that has now become a major force in providing help to Michigan’s incarcerated men and women when they don’t know where to turn. It’s because I and our team demonstrate that we care. It’s because our goal is to assure all residents in Michigan cages that they matter!

 I am grateful for their friendship on this Thanksgiving Day, 2024. 

“I have friends in overalls (or in my case, in prison) whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.” – Thomas A. Edison

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