Forgive

In December 2011 I watched a documentry on US prisons. I decided to write to a prisoner, chose a prisoner who was jhaving a birthday on that day. A month went by with no reply but then I received the moste appreciative letter I had ever received followed by a card that made me cry.

I am not sorry that I started writing to my PP. In so many ways he has changed my life. The mail service between South Africa and the US take on average 2 to 4 weeks. I wait in antispation all the time.

Since writing to my PP he has been moved to another correctional facility 3 times and it really concerns me. He last letter sounded so frustrated with the system and generally unhappy. I know prison is a harsh place and I feel so helpless. I write often, somtime evry second day as I am worried that he is in desparate need of outside communication and may be dissapointed when he doesnt receive mail.

I am still trying to figure out how to deal with my own emotions. I know he has made mistakes but I also know that he is a good person who just made the wrong decisions at the time. I can truly say that I am emotionally involved and that it has been a true blessing as he through his letters has shown me that there is good in every person, we just have to want to see it and we will.

I have made a friend for life....someone I can share my everyday experiences with, guide me, support me emotionally when I need it and appreciate me for wh I am. That combination is rare even with friends that are not in prison.

My advise to all is make a difference and write to a prisoner and will change your life!