Johnny E. Mahaffey
November 29, 2018

YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN TURN
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I am in a good mood--and happy. There is one thing I have to admit about Life--it does seem that the old religious adages hold wisdom still relevant today in many situations. Of course, with the one I have in mind, I'm also stepping on the toes of Rolling Stones: in that we only get what we need; and what we can handle when we can handle it. In my own experience, sometimes what we are given is NOT for us to benefit, or learn by, but, we are given its burden--or gift--so that another, unable to handle it, may benefit from us carrying it. Any of that makes sense? Every time that I think things have been yanked out from under me, something--or someone--comes along (a little eerily I admit), and brings some meaning back into my life, some new, or renewed purpose, or need that I can help with. That old ... when one door closes deal. Problem is here, that a LOT of doors are closed! But, some are now ajar, while others are opening with all sorts of new opportunities for me. In these past few months, a lot of things have changed for me: people that I care deeply about, that I never thought I'd see (or hear from) again are suddenly back in my life; my writing career is doing good, my teaching is going good, my own college correspondence courses are coming along, and even my art career is being revived at great praise. I like my job, and things here at the prison, are for the most part calm at the moment. Sure, they just had a riot Monday--but, the current Warden, and his administration are handling it better than their predecessors did! It used to be the knee-jerk reaction to just shut everything down--punish EVERY prisoner for the acts of those few; but, now, they take a more educated, and humane approach: they punish the ones acting out and doing stupid stuff, while the rest of us can go on about our usual day. Prison is bad enough as it is, and having to share punishment with the no-hope-junkies is not cool. I don't know what my future holds--but, I do know that there are some good people out there that care about me, they want me to stay alive, and for me to be happy. Some even want to see me free again some day. I'm not as alone as I once thought, and I am worth the effort. Darkness looms over me daily here, but I know I can stay in the light with all the support of those that care. I'm determined to make it through all of this--and the Universe seems to be giving me just what I need.
Thank you! ALL OF YOU....

M