Morale Booster

When each day is a struggle, I sometimes feel defeated. I question whether my efforts to grow and be of service are worth the pain. I see no end to the loneliness and isolation. At these times the people around me seem shallow and distant.

There are a few things that keep me going. One in particular can brighten any day. Would you like to know what that is? It is hearing my name called for mail.

The people that correspond with me over the past twelve years vary in their backgrounds. Both men and women wrote to me. It was unimportant to me whether they were young or old. The writers had one thing in common. It is the fact that they impacted my life.

These people often kept me going when I wanted to quit. The encouragement they gave me helped to make me the man I have become. Their responses to my struggles made every hurdle seem smaller. Sometimes these pen friends shared stories or lessons learned from life. Other times it would be a joke or a favorite scripture. The investment these writers made in my life through the mail will pay dividends for years to come.

Some people wrote continually. Others only sent me a Christmas card or a few letters. Then they faded into obscurity. It mattered little to me if the letters were profound or casual. The fact that someone thought of me and reached out had the power to change my outlook.

It is hard to describe the power of a letter in my day. They are something I can be grateful for receiving. Even a short note from outside can make me happy during difficult times. I am surrounded by negativity and a kind word shields me from its effects for a moment. They bring me peace during turmoil.

I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the effect you can have in a prisoner's life. If you know an inmate please consider writing to them. Your input may cause him or her to blossom. At the very least it will make that person reflect for a moment.

If you have no one else in mind to write to will always welcome a letter.

Patrick Rathsack T-45624
M.C.S.P. C-14-232 low
P.O. Box 409060
Ione, CA. 95640
U.S.A.