Transcription
Well, my first blog. Wish I could think of something witty or intelligent to start off with.
Sitting in a 6'x12' cell, I think of so many things. Some of them even noteworthy. I admit that most come in the middle of the night. It's hard to sleep here. I've always been a very light sleeper. I have a little cup on the lamp on the bedrail, but I don't want to wake up my cellmate, Chief. I envy Chief. He can sleep. But we're a good match. He can't stand to be in a room, and I can't stand to be out, at least for long periods of time.
I guess his claustrophobia comes from being raised in an Indian reservation in Arizona. Mine is not the opposite. I don't fear being out of the room, I just can't stand all the noise. Makes me sound like an old far, I know. But I've never had to be in a noisy environment and it's something I just cna't get used to. After 4 1/2 years, I've gotten used to some things like not being outside.
Oh, we get to go outside some, but it's in a fenced area about the size of a basketball court. And then you're dodging balls and people just to walk the fence line. But being able to go to the mountains or, one of my favorite things, scuba diving! If you've ever done it, then you know what I mean. Underwater, you can't think of any problems or business, you're just blown away at sights. Fish so bright they look like they swallowed a light bulb and the plants. The colors are amazing, it's very spiritual.
I've even gotten (mostly) used to giving up my privacy. After all, two grown men living in a bathroom will force you into that. Thankfully, we have separate showers here. But I'll got into life on the inside more later. I hope to also explain why I'm here next time.
What I've read said to keep your blogs fairly short, so I'll start wrapping this up.
Briefly: I was married for over 26 years to a wonderful woman. I have two daughters: Faith and Jo. Both are extremely smart, beautiful, stop me any time—maybe I'm a little biased, but all parents should be. Faith has a Masters in elementary education, teaches, married Charlie (when I would have picked for her), has the most beautiful, talented, intelligent (there I go again) three-year-old in the world. Jo is following her heart. She is currently working on her Masters in the galaxy far, far away known only in geography books to South Carolinans as Seattle, Washington. I can't remember in what exactly, something to do with libraries. I'm sure she will be running the Library of Congress or something soon.
Okay, it's not getting any shorter, so I'll land here. Till next time.
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2015 jun 5
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Replies (17)
I have wanted to meet you for quite a while now, but not being family has not made that possible. So as to not sound like a crazed stalker, I'll explain who I am and how I have grown to know you. Your daughter, Faith, and I are great friends! I have been around through this whole "ordeal" and have been blessed to be a prayer partner for her and your family. I am thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to share with you and to hear your story through your words. God has given us such a short time on this earth and Faith and Shannon, more lovingly called by my son (Quinn) as Nanna, have told me how you are reaching a lost society in prison with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! I am continuing to pray that HE uses you to HIS glory daily! Praying for you...
Ashley Lawton :)
Joe and I have been friends for 24 years, give or take.We taught me what I know about the game of pool.Still have the stick he sold me for $3 he picked up at a yard sale.
Joe is kind of my "therapist".It helps me writing out what happens to me during the week.
And believe me, all kinds of stuff happens to me.
Love Bro,
Keep The Faith
Kevin
Faith
That said, our family is many things. Interesting, yes. Terrifying, sometimes. But most importantly, loving and supportive. It's strange to look back and see how our circumstances have shaped my life. Without my dad's incarceration (no doubt the worst experience of my life) I would have never grown bold enough to pick up and move across the country, away from nearly everyone I know and love.
But this test has taught me that I can survive anything, including living in Washington (I'm not sure where WHASHINGTON is--if that's what's in South Carolina's geography books, then it's no wonder our education system rates so low).
I'm still proud to be your daughter, Daddy. After all, without you, I wouldn't have my love for fantasy. I can't wait to see your future posts. Love always (from your second-but-the-best-born), Jo
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†††††††††††††††††††† = Only your first 180,000 (70 x 2571) years of Joy and Peace in Holy Heaven with Jesus. I couldn't fit eternity on here, with a 3000 character limit, but you get the idea. Your best years are ahead you my brother. Now that is hope! With Love, Mike Samples
Here talks a reflective man and proud father, when I read your blog.
Most thoughts come at night you write. All the great mystics speak of the ´dark night, where all happens.´ At night we meet with our greatest dreams and fears I think.
Amidst all the noise ... This reminds me of the Desiderata, a very old scripture, author unknowd.
Here, for you, the lyrics
Bye for now,
take care
Marianne
The Netherlands
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
How wonderful that "Between the Bars Blog" have given so many. Another Blessing for you and for those of us who keep you in our hearts and in our prayers.
Spent an wonderful weekend with you Mom and some of the "Prayer Sisters", as always you are in our prayers and we are so thankful that you have been such a witness to so many.
Love and Prayers
Jan
It is good to see that you can share your experience with others and that you have not given up on life. We have prayed for you, Shannon, and the girls and know that you are all in God's care. I look forward to reading your blogs in the future.
Tammy Looper Cooper (Dacusville)
I still have "The Message Bible" which you gave me. It has the ability to open the Word using today's English. Joey, Each time I see that Bible in the bookcase and each time I pass the condo where you live, I remember our good times. Blessings,
I love you, Man! miles