Kimbel, a long-term prisoner, walked out of Taft Camp this morning after 20 years of incarceration. I was writing at the table where I work every morning when I saw him carrying his box of personal belongings. He is now in his late 50s, as physically fit as a man in his early 30s, and filled with optimism for all the excitement that will come with freedom.  

As he waited for the guard to unlock the door I spoke with him. He told me that his sister and her family were going to pick him up at 7:00 a.m. They would drive to Oakland, where he would serve the final six months of his term in a halfway house—or possibly transfer to a home-confinement program. Kimbel is fortunate in that he will not be burdened with any conditions of supervised release, so once his time with the BOP concludes he will be free.

I felt a bit emotional as we were talking this morning. My departure, also, is coming very quickly. When I am released a flood of emotions will overwhelm me. I know it. I could feel it this morning as I was saying goodbye. Kimbel and I were not particularly close friends, but we worked together the past couple of years in our outreach program to help at-risk kids. My emotions this morning had more to do with the camaraderie he and I shared as long-term prisoners. With Kimbel’s departure, I don’t know any other prisoners at Taft Camp who have been incarcerated for more than 15 years. That means I’ve been imprisoned for a decade longer than anyone else in this prison, and for 20 years longer than most of the men around me.

I empathize with every person in prison, but my perceptions differ because I’ve been incarcerated for so much longer than everyone else. I have plans and I feel well prepared to thrive upon release. But it sure feels good to see another long-term prisoner walk out. Some day Carole will pick me up and we’ll begin our life together. Exciting!

Ran 10 miles / 5,395 miles in 605 days

500 pushups / 85,700 pushups in 2010

Monday, 9 August 2010

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