Prison Journal: Day 7,988

June 23, 2009

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been reading a few pages from a memoir before I fall asleep each night. The book title is An American in the Gulag, by Alexander Dolgun. I’ll write a book report when I finish, but I’m about at the halfway point and I want to recommend it to individuals who may be facing time in prison.

Dolgun went to prison many years ago, in the 1940s, and he received a 25-year sentence. A professional writer collaborated with him on the memoir, and I can report that although I aspire to write as well, this book has high literary value. The writers tell this gripping story with beautiful language and style.

I want others to read the book, even though it is more than 35-years-old because it portrays conditions far worse than any American prisoner will endure, and because it shows how the power of the human spirit can lift a prisoner through turmoil.

This morning I began writing at 3:23. By 6:30 I finished an article for Change.org that describes some of the anxieties or uncertainty I feel about returning to society. It sounds crazy, but I have this obsession about being ready. Regardless of how well prepared I think I am, I contemplate what more I can do during these remaining months that I must serve. I feel so grateful to have Carole’s love.

After receiving an allergy pill from the health services department at 7:00, I went to exercise. I ran 10 miles followed with 200 pushups. My running tally now stands at 1,703 miles over the past 193 days. I’m waiting for Carole to return the typed version of chapter two so I can edit, then I’ll resume my writing on the manuscript.

This afternoon I spoke with a fellow prisoner who has experience in the seminar business. I then read more from the Russian memoir. Tomorrow is my sixth anniversary of marriage with Carole, and I miss her; I wish that we could celebrate together. Maybe next year, or the year after that. Certainly by June 24, 2012 I think we’ll be together. I know we will be together in 2013 and every year thereafter.

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

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Posted by Michael Santos | Filed Under Prison Journal 

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During his 23+ years of continuous confinement in federal prisons of every security level, Michael Santos has emerged as one of the leading voices on America's prison system and the need for prison reform.Learn more about Michael’s specific efforts, achievements, and contributions.


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