Reply ID: btqk

It looks like I have to reply to these two comments together (Chaplain L and Chris). So, first, Chaplain L... thanks a ton for that thoughtful and eye-opening comment. I'll write more to the address you provided, but for now let me say; I think you're right that the public never thinks or learns much about what really goes on in prisons every day, yet so many people still say things like "Oh, he'll get what he really deserves once he gets to prison!", or "You know what they do to guys like him in prison, haha!". So maybe people don't understand the real, raw horrors that are the norm in prisons, but I believe they do have some idea, and many people sickeningly believe that torture and terror are just part of the "justice" of mass incarceration. I'd bet that what people really don't have a clue about, though, are experiences like yours, where caring people try to do something decent in a place of misery, but are treated badly and run out, not by the supposedly vicious "criminals" around them, but by the supposedly respectable staff! Chaplain L, if you haven't already heard of the Stanford Prison Experiment, I'd suggest looking it up, and I hear there's even a movie coming out about it. Everyone should check it out for some disturbing insights into the mentalities of those who make careers out of keeping people in case. #StanfordPrisonExperiment
Next... Chris, ol' buddy! Man, it's always awesome to hear from you! I think you hit the nail on the head about Carol reminding you of my mom. Her son David and I have often talked about how or moms seem so much alike. Sometimes it's almost spooky how similar they seem, in some ways. But to me, the person Carol reminds me of most of all is my mom's best friend, DeeAnn (I'm not sure I spelled her name right). Talking with Carol feels exactly like talking with her, to me, from accent to personality.
About your friend Terry, that's a really upsetting story. :( People can be so nasty to each other. I'm not surprised your family stepped up to help her when she needed it, though. That's what you guys do. I'm not sure I ever felt quite as welcome anywhere that wasn't the home of a close relative as I did with your family, and for sure I never could've enjoyed the quality of life I had in Palmdale without your help and support, you and your parents. I hope you know how much I've always appreciated that. I'm sure Terry does too. You guys are a great example of what family, friends, and neighbors should be.
Looking forward to reading your letter, and I hope I didn't swamp you with mine! Take care, bro. Your friend - Hubert. Aug. 3, 2015