Prison Journal: Day 7,953

May 19, 2009

My friend Justin Paperny is being released tomorrow. We’ve been serving time together since he arrived at Taft Federal prison camp in late April of last year. Prior to his self-surrender, Justin worked as a stockbroker at Bear Stearns and then UBS. His conviction was the result of an unfortunate decision he made in an out-of-character moment. I enjoyed the time we served together, and although I’m happy that he soon will return to his supportive family, I’m going to miss his company.

That is the nature of imprisonment. We make friendships that frequently expire with release dates. Mine is not scheduled for another four-plus years, though with parole and halfway house consideration, I do not expect to serve three more full years. Some days my release date feels closer, as if forces are working behind the scenes in my favor. Still, close or far, it’s crucial that I suppress thoughts about when release will come. My focus must remain on the essential preparations I need to complete.

My sentence resembles a marathon, and I’m now in the final stretch. With more than 80 percent of my prison time behind me, I need to modify my adjustment through these final months – or years – of my confinement. I don’t expect that I will invest much energy in building close friendships with other prisoners, as I need to focus total concentration on my work and the strategies I will employ to triumph over the obstacles that await me.

The important projects require that I write. I must continue creating content that has the possibility of opening new opportunities. Today I began work at 2:45. I finished my edit and expansion of the chapter I wrote for Professor Joan Petersilia.Tthe chapter now exceeds 10,000 words, and I hope it meets her needs. If not, I will make adjustments as she directs. Today’s mail brought an invitation for me to make another contribution to my mentor George Cole’s book on corrections. I also must write my weekly article for PrisonTalk.com

At 6:00 this morning I ran 10 miles. I followed my run with 300 pushups. This run brings my tally to 1,402 miles over the past 158 consecutive days.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Related posts:

1. Prison Journal: Day 7,947
2. Prison Journal: Day 7,954
3. Prison Journal: Day 8,041
4. Prison Journal: Day 8,126
5. Prison Journal: Day 8,140

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