In commemoration of completing one year of my prison sentence, I left the campus! Well, I actually had a three hour furlough, meaning an approved temporary leave from the prison boundaries. I was temporarily in the real world again - I was free. My leave was approved since I had an appointment with a local dentist. A fellow inmate drove a typical government-white sedan through the streets of Morgantown to escort me to the appointment. Medical and dental leaves are common reasons for furloughs. For "security" purposes, I was not told the day or time of the appointment, so I just had to be ready anytime beginning at 6:00 am Monday through Friday. Already awake at 5:30 every day, I was primed to go when the announcement had been made. I was happily surprised that my departure was announced at 7:45 am, especially since I could enjoy some breakfast (just cereal that day).
A year ago, I taxied to Morgantown from the local airport with a heavy heart and bones filled with anxiety, and now I was being freely chauffeured by another prisoner to attend a local dentist's appointment. I welcomed this opportunity to leave and be back into the real world, although my furlough instructions were quite strict (no contact with anyone other than the approved dentist, no wandering to any other destinations, no taking out loans, no getting married). I was literally along for the ride, even if I was still dressed in my prison-issued khakis.
The rollercoastering of the past 365 days has certainly been a life changing experience. I had many preconceived ideas of what "prison" would be like, but Morgantown has delightfully surprised me for breaking many of the prison biases that I had envisioned. Each of the unique encounters that I've had over the past year with inmates and officers, the opportunity to be employed for $0.70 per day, playing piano at Catholic services and in organized bands, and the isolated bubble of a prison environment has offered perspective to my once respectable lifestyle. For the past year, I have not lived in fear of my life or feel the need to figure out a service that I could provide to barter for an item of necessity, like I had read about. I had a year to focus on myself without too many internal distractions.
Despite the other hardships and difficulty of being in prison like missing out monumental events for my family/friends, I am ever-grateful to have comfortable living quarters, clothes/shoes, safety/security, ample meals, recreational activities, an apprenticeship, and healthy relationships with other convicts. I really see all these opportunities as incredible gifts, especially once I read about the struggles and conditions of other prisons (like the penal compounds in Russia and lack of running water in Israeli confinements).
The overwhelming support, love, care, visits, generosity, and genuine concern for my wellbeing have all been lifegiving for me throughout this prison journey. I cannot truly express my eternal gratitude for how kindly I have been treated. I alone caused a darkness to overshadow a life that I joyously built throughout the years with family and friends (and furballs). I am remorseful for the hurt and pain that I cause so many loved ones and acted in a way that I could not have phantom how my decisions would negatively impact them. Yet, the love that has been poured upon me is the sunshine that dispels that darkness of the past. This one year is a reminder that during bleak times, hope and love prevail!
Last weekend, Veteran's Day was celebrated on Friday with a special menu for lunch (BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, mac& cheese, green beans, and an ice cream sandwich). On Saturday, my parents visited which is always great to see them(my mom's 10th visit and my dad's 9th)! Then, on my 365th day of incarceration, I had a brief moment of freedom with the furlough, which I cannot wait to permanently earn soon (well hopefully sooner than later). Thank you for following my prison journey and helping make this past year successful and meaningful for me. Please continue to look for the little miracles in your daily life!