I arrived at Morgantown prison camp on the cusp of the Thanksgiving holiday. I hadn’t expected much for the initiation of prison food but was joyed to have a special meal. Holidays are especially tough given the constant reminder of being away from loved ones with intense ruminations of how my actions led to the current living situation. Despite the mental hardship and containment in the mountains of West Virginia, I am very grateful for all the support and love that has been shown to me these past few years…especially the past year.
I have said it many times that I currently live in a time-warped bubble. All my needs are cared for: I have clean clothes, three well-balanced meals per day, educational/career experience, and comradery through social interactions. Thus, when I see the headlines about the struggling families who can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal, who lost their home due to financial misfortunes, whose children don’t have basic needs…the immigrants who strive for a better future by risking their lives fleeing their homeland to the trenches of foreign-political scrutiny and potential governmental-custody…the innocent lives lost, displaced, or ruined by the causes of militaristic activity and the perils of warfare especially in the Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel, China, India…the addicted, afflicted, and dependent individuals who struggle for normality and a sense of self… For me, the bombardment of chaos that plagues our civilized planet is heart-wrenching to witness, especially during holidays when love, peace, and hope should be uniting us.
Currently, I have more time to focus on these destructive situations, including the personal struggles that so many American people are experiencing…high anxiety, dissatisfaction with life, financial struggles. My prison experience allows the unique opportunity for me to hyperfocus and parcel the root causes of these deficiencies in my own little cell. I certainly do not have answers, but an awareness and sensitivity to understanding how simple actions, laws, and lack of attention/support invites a sense of consuming hopelessness. People are fragile, hurt, and pained. Yet, not all is hopeless. From the release of hostages between Israel/Hamas (and a temporary cease-fire), a visit from President Xi in China, to the little acts of kindness that may go unnoticed…the start of this holiday season is a reminder to me not to lose focus on the hope of humanity. I cannot wait to contribute to that hope in the near future!
I do hope the Thanksgiving holiday and restful weekend provide much reprieve to you and your loved ones. Continue to seek the little miracles in your daily life – and have hope in humanity! My deepest gratitude to you all for your love and support. Happy Thanksgiving!