Giving thanks for prisoners in my life. A sequel
I define “boasting” as speaking with excessive pride about one’s achievements. The writer of this essay is NOT boasting.
Instead, in this sequel to Wednesday's essay, I use the word “pride.” On the day after Thanksgiving I share this piece with a humble sense of pride in the fact that I’m allowed to feel a sense of satisfaction regarding accomplishments achieved over the past 24 years (all in the name of the wrongly-convicted Jesus!).
OK, here goes. And remember, no braggadocio as I relate messages from 3 "old timers," guys who have spent nearly 90 years in prison.
First, let’s talk about John.
On Thanksgiving Day I received a call from John, who was released a few years ago after spending 39 years behind bars. One of the things I remember about working with John involved a spiritual observance, or lack thereof. John is a Native American, and he called me to complaint that the MDOC was discriminating against his people by refusing to allow them to have a Sweat Lodge Ceremony. This ceremony, a worship experience, has been practiced by Native Americans for centuries. It's considered to be a sacred ritual for purification, healing, and spiritual connection. Water is poured over hot stones to create steam. At issue was the use of fire to heat the stones.
Long story short, we helped make that happen for him and a small group of Native Americans in his facility. As with prisoners of other faiths, they were finally allowed to worship in their unique way.
John called with personal holiday greetings Thursday, and again expressed his gratitude for all that HFP had done over the years.
The second prisoner is Andre’.
Andre’ is a wrongly convicted inmate who has been locked up for 31 years. His message came via email earlier this month as I observed my 89th birthday: “I will always support you my friend Doug and treasure all the associations. It's so easy to be 'out of sight, out of mind.' I have an older friend. His name is Doug, and I would not let him go!”
And finally let me tell you about Herbert, who has lived behind bars for 28 years.
He called the HFP office, and our wonderful Sarah relayed Herbert’s words to me:
“I was just at a National Lifers Association meeting, and we were talking about you guys and everything you all do to help us. We just love Doug, you know, and we know he’s getting up there in age and we may not see him again. So, we just wanted to say thank you to Doug for everything, and to everyone at HFP for continuing his legacy by doing this work. You guys always sign your letters ‘you matter.’ Those are the two greatest words anyone in prison could ever hear. Especially for those who don’t have anyone else to call. Your work does not go unnoticed. We love you guys. You are our family, and we don’t know how to say thank you enough for all you do!”
Said Sarah: “He was crying. I was crying, too!”
I may shed a few tears, also, as I give thanks for the many Johns, Andre’s and Herberts in my life!
Comments