A chill swept over Thanksgiving weekend, which reminded me how terribly cold I was this same time last year. I had only the issued brown t-shirt, light slip-on shoes, and baggy khaki pants to wear for my first week in prison…I was really cold. And like last year, it briefly snowed one day this week with about 1 inch of coverage that melted within a day. Unlike that first week last year, I now have warm sweats and long-johns that are the only approved leisurewear to keep me warm. To make matters worse last year, I was in a section of the dormitory that did not have heat, which the light brown blanket that I slept with barely insulated my warmth…I had to sleep wearing a jacket and winter cap. Now, that same section of the dorm today has been closed for repair, since the heat was not working. I heard a few guys gripe that it was frigid when they slept, but they had no idea how worse it was last year.
During the Catholic Mass this week, the Reading was about the corporal works of mercy – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of the infirmed, visit the imprisoned… It was the same Reading that I first heard when I came a year ago. The Reading is meaningful for me since it captures how the worst point of my adult life was alleviated by care, support, and love from others. I had no control over my condition…it was a pure lesson in humility and gratitude. Today, I am comfortable and warm, but I do not forget what it was like that long, cold week last year. I am grateful to the generosity that outpoured to buy simple items like a sweatshirt, gloves, a scarf, and boots!
Since it was a long holiday weekend, I met a few times with the remaining guys who played in the former band. After a few auditions, we found a singer to create a new band with descent song selections: Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley), Johnny B. Good (Chuck Berry), Soul to Squeeze (Red Hot Chili Peppers), La Bamba (Ritchie Valens), You Wreck Me (Tom Petty), and a few others for now. The talent of these guys is really incredible. They have the ability to listen to a song and nearly mimic it within minutes. I am fortunate to have this opportunity during my stay in Morgantown. I’ll definitely keep you posted on any developments with the band…oh, we don’t have a name yet. We are still just trying to find our footing.
I wish you a warm, relaxing, and healthy week. Continue to be mindful of any little miracle in your daily life! Thank you for taking the time to show interest in my current life journey!