I am grateful for the electronic messages people who read Inside: Life Behind Bars in America send, as well as for the comments and feedback that readers post when they come upon my website. As a federal prisoner, I have never been able to access the Internet. It did not exist when I began serving my sentence, and the federal prison camp in Taft, where I am currently confined, does not authorize e-mail service for prisoners. I rely upon my wife to print and send messages.
Today’s mail brought several messages that readers generously sent in support of my work. This news is really fulfilling to receive. Certainly, I know that family members of prisoners worry about their loved ones. I also know that those who anticipate a struggle with the criminal justice system suffer from anxiety over what separation from society will feel like. It pleases me to know that this work I do to reach beyond prison boundaries contributes to the lives of others. I even received a letter from Sean, a solider who bravely represents us overseas.
Some readers may be familiar with Nelson Mandela’s biography. I read A Long Walk to Freedom many years ago, as I identified with the 26-plus years he served in prison. Unlike me, Nelson Mandela never should have served a day in captivity, and it was only a wickedly unjust political system that resulted in his serving decades as a prisoner. His story inspired me. Similarly, I hope to use every day of my confinement to live as a testament to the human spirit.
The key to this equanimity, I think, is an undying commitment to focus on reconciling with society. I thirst to connect with my fellow citizens and to emerge from prison as a force for good. The new manuscript I’m writing, Earning Freedom, documents the challenges and strategies. Today I made good progress toward the completion of a second lengthy chapter. I find the work rewarding and look forward to sharing my progress as the project unfolds with readers.
I ran 10 miles this morning, boosting my tally to 1,458 miles over the past 165 days. I followed the run with 350 push ups.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
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