While talking with my wife over the telephone today, I learned that the editors of change.org published an introductory article I wrote. I feel grateful for this opportunity to build upon my network of support. These efforts to reach out and connect with society, I am convinced, will help me overcome the challenges I expect to encounter upon release.
Although I have never been released from prison before, I’ve thought a lot about the obstacles I will face. When my prison term expires I will have completed more than 26 years as a prisoner. Clearly, the world has changed since 1987 when I first was locked inside prison boundaries. Besides the advancement in society, I will also have to cope with the stigma of my conviction. the more I write, and the larger audience I can build, the more I enhance my chances for succeeding upon release. That has been the motivation throughout my prison adjustment.
My fellow prisoners don’t always agree with this proactive approach. The experience of serving time extinguishes hope for many and it decimates a man’s sense of efficacy. Rather than preparing, they express indifference, clinging to excuses that nothing matters. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to my wife, my family, and to our society that will not allow me to drop out and wait for life to happen. I must continue striving to expand my reach and influence, whatever the personal costs or consequences.
Besides learning of the publication at change.org, my wife conveyed a message that I may be able to contribute to the readers of prisontalk.com. That web site, as I understand it, provides a forum for those looking for information about prison. As a long-term prisoner, I feel as if I have a duty to share what I’ve learned and to work diligently to promote prison reform. I welcome these writing opportunities and will continue working hard to open more.
The internet offers an excellent platform to reach people with a specific interest in the criminal justice system, but I also must strive to reach Americans who don’t know how this system operates. That’s one of the reasons I focus on academia. By writing for university students, I augment what they learn from theoretical textbooks with observations I’ve made while living in prison. I’d like to open relationships with more universities, and I intend to work toward that end.
Since I cannot access computers or typewriters, I must write my thoughts in longhand. Without Carole and others who support our work, I would not be able to make these contributions to society. I feel privileged that Josh, Bean, Anita, Tallie, Nichole, Nick, Nancy, and others who give so much of their time and talents to assist Carole and me with our work. These projects bring the feeling of meaning to my life. They make me feel as if I am living as a part of society, making a real contribution. Such efforts assuage the pains of confinement, and I’m grateful.
This morning I began writing at 3:06. By the end of the day I had completed nine blog articles. I ran 10 miles, and followed the run with 300 pushups. This session boosted my tally to 873 miles over the past 96 days. I fel a real pain both of my legs, though. Tomorrow I’ll take ibuprofin before my run, as I’m determined to cross the 1,000 mile barrier without a day of rest.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
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