May 15, 2017

Joyous Reunions

by Patrick Rathsack (author's profile)

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http://betweenthebars.org/blogs/520

Joyous Reunions

A hard reality of prison life is separation. Every inmate deals with loneliness. Contact is often lost with our families and friends, as the people on the outside go on living their lives. Perhaps it is the reason why many prisoners form tight bonds with each other. Our prison friendships are not impervious to loss. We are often transferred to different institutions for many reason. The results are frequent goodbyes. One never knows if they will see or hear from even the closest of comrades again. So with a recent move back to a familiar place, I was happily reunited with some dear fellows.

Words alone will never convey the depth of emotion my friends displayed when they saw me back in their midst. The outward manifestations ranged from barely controlled tears to bear hugs and back slapping. Yet, as wonderful as it was to greet them, I had a new host of companions that got left behind when I returned here. The endless cycle of change is inevitable behind bars.

Today, I am enjoying the laughter and conversations that surround me as I get reacquainted with men whose company I cherish. One man recently exclaimed, "I thought I'd never see you again on this side of heaven." I am grateful that God allowed us to reunite for however long it may last. The pain of recent separations gave way to the happiness of joyous reunions. Such is life in prison: It is a treasure to have friends that comfort and encourage me to face whatever comes my way.

By: Patrick Rathsack T-45624
Valley State Prison
P.O. Box 92 / C4-08-02
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092

http://betweenthebars.org/blogs/520

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Ajj13 Posted 6 years, 10 months ago. ✓ Mailed 6 years, 10 months ago   Favorite
Hello Patrick! I read your blog posts and really enjoyed them. My name is Alyssa and I am asking a few people on the betweenthebars.org blogs some questions for my own research and was wondering if you would answer them if you felt like it. What are ways that some men deal with missing women in prison? Do you think men change not being around women? If so in what ways? How do you think this affects them when they are released? How do men deal with their "needs"? Do you think men become more reserved or dont know how to deal with a womens "touch" when released? ;) I just want to hear your input on this out of curiosity. Speak your mind. You don’t have to hold back. Nothing will offend me. Haha. I would love to maybe see a blog post about this too. Thank you. Hope to hear back soon:)

I would love to see you post more blogs often as well!

Patrick Rathsack Posted 6 years, 9 months ago.   Favorite
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