May 24, 2020

Personal Journal......5/4/20

by Steve J. Burkett (author's profile)

Transcription

Personal Journal

5/4/20 Monday: Another week has started and we know even less about when we're going to start back up than we did last week. Only a couple of people here (that we know of) have got the virus and no one has died from it. When I say only a couple of people tested positive, that doesn't mean no one has had it but be assured, very few of the men here will subject themselves to the treatment they're giving out without completely falling out first - they aren't going to do anything for you except put you in the gym - hook you up to oxygen and treat you like you raped their mothers. Other than that I'm doing fine, can't be complaining too much about my medical problems with so many dying. I will because that's what old men do, but no so much like I'm dying. With the warm weather I'm not feeling any real pain - breathing becomes hard sometimes but I'm used to it. As long as I get up and can look into the eyes of the beautiful woman in all the pictures hanging on my wall I'm doing alright. The sun is rising earlier and staying with us late - the long days of summer are upon us. How I miss the ocean breeze on my face - salt water in my hair - the taste of sweet red wine on my lips - my Jeannie's laughter in my ears.

5/8/20 Friday: I got some blog messages on Tuesday and stopped to write my love a letter:) I want to send out a big hello and thank you to SUMIKOSKA and SONA186, keep up the caring work and stay safe. Also the phone company we use here is giving us some free phone calls and I was able to call my Jeannie - still the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. They issued us masks this week (two each). We have to be wearing one any time we leave the cell. That's alright, I can do that but I'm not one of the men running around the track or playing handball. Also I saw the R.N. this week - I have an open wound on the backside of my left shoulder, it looks something like the Melanoma I had on my right shoulder about 12 or 15 years ago. This time I noticed it a lot sooner because I think it is Melanoma. I have appointments for a sonogram and MRI on it today and a doctor's appointment Monday. They're moving fast - catch it early, take care of it fast. It's a new R.N. I've never seen before - don't even know her name. I'll have to ask and thank her.

5/9/20: The R.N.'s name is Morilli (probably spelled it wrong.) Besides getting the sonogram and MRI I saw some doctor and he put me in to see the dermatologist on (?) - that can take up to 90 days, 45 days would be considered fast. The temperature has been in the 90's the last few days. With my COPD and lung problems, and the heat, and wearing the masks I'm having a lot of difficulty breathing. Happy Mother's Day my love.

5/10/20 Sunday, Mother's Day: I miss my mother - I don't know if I ever knew her very well, I've spent most of my life in prison. She was there for me during her later years. I remember her when I was a little boy. She was a beautiful woman - she left me when I was about 12 and I haven't felt at home anywhere since. Life feels so surreal.

5/13/20: I've been drinking too much coffee during this shutdown - two while I'm writing, another one or two while I'm reading :) maybe another before lunch, I was only drinking one when the shutdown started :). I'll have to get someone to get me some tea this next week. Good news, this open wound on my shoulder doesn't seem to have gotten any bigger. I still want to see the dermatologist ASAP. I'm going to start a new painting today, don't know what yet. I finished the other a couple of days ago. That's all for this week. Let everyone stay well and thank you for the good job you're doing. To my Jeannie, 'Smile Lover' I love you... Food bad :( It was sweet talking to you my love. Made my heart swell up. Right now my hand hurts so I'll write you over the weekend. (Image of a heart).

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Mimisteward Posted 3 years, 9 months ago. ✓ Mailed 3 years, 9 months ago   Favorite
Dear Steve,

Thanks for writing! I finished the transcription for your post.

I'm glad to hear that you got to speak to Jeannie, and that you've been given free calls during lockdown. It must be difficult having to wear masks whenever you leave the cell, especially with pre-existing health conditions that make breathing even more difficult. I hope you're okay!

The news on the open wound on your shoulder sounds good (relatively speaking), and it's certainly positive that they were trying to move it along and get you appointments as quickly as possible!

I believe that it's always good to reflect on memories, even if they are somewhat painful ones (which, by the sounds of it, memories to do with your mother are to an extent). Having a parent leave you is incredibly difficult, and I can understand completely why Mother's Day is a day of reflection for you as a result.

Thank you again for writing, and best wishes from England,

Mimi

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