This entry is very different from anything I have done before, so bare with me. This week as opposed to going out to get something to eat, or to do an outdoors activity to blog on, I went to visit my friend in prison. We have been writing back and forth for years now, but this weekend was the first time I went to actually visit him. This was my first time in a prison environment so it was all very new to me, but I was open and excited to see my friend.
So first off, for those that have never been to prison, it is an equivalent of airport TSA on steroids. First off the dress code, no tight or revealing clothing. Skirts and dresses have to be a specific length. That's really it, they don't want you to dress like you're about to shake your ass for a dollar. Then comes the search which is TSA on steroids, the pat down, shaking of the bra, opening your mouth to make sure nothing is coming in blah blah. It was really simple to me, I've had a few "random" stops with TSA so I know how anal (no pun intended) they can be sometimes. Next is entry, you get a visitor number which stays with you whenever you go visit anyone at another prison. You have to take a picture, wait for them to let you in then head in to the visitors area. It is really just a big area with a lot of tables, and different paintings on the walls. The Correctional Officer tells you to hand in a paper with your picture, and the person you are visiting on it. They then assign you to a table, and let you know that you are able to go outside and walk around. Then comes the waiting game for your loved one.
I have not seen this friend of mine since I was like 18-19 years old, I am now 24. He is serving a 10 year sentence and has already completed 5. His name is James, and he is one of the smartest, most positive and funniest people I have met. On days when I myself am out here wanting to rip my hair out with school, and crap with life, he gives me an extra form of reassurance needed to keep going. We are all humans, we all make mistakes, some big some small and one way or another we all learn from them. He made a mistake, he took responsibility and is now doing his time for it. This speed bump life threw at him is not going to determine who he will become after it, it will only allow him to grow and be successful when he comes out. I am a firm believer that being incarcerated will either, make you or break you. You have to be a mentally strong person to endure such things.
Our visit was so nice, and very much needed for us both. We were both laughing it up, catching up on things on the outside, him telling me how things are in there. We were munching too. They have what's called a canteen, this is where you just go up to a window that they sell all types of snacks, drinks, and picture tickets for when you want to take a picture together. We walked outside, it was a beautiful day with blue skies and limited amount of fluffy looking clouds, great temperature and all. We played cards, he taught me how to play blackjack. We will continue to practice on my next visit for sure. I need to hit the casino and show off my skills one day. I was new to everything. They have rules you have to follow, if not that may mess up your visitation privileges and theirs too. No arms around the shoulders, no sitting side by side, cant hug too long, etc. But honestly in my opinion they were a little more lenient than I thought. I have never been in jail, like I said never even visited someone either. So I was very ignorant to the rules that were to be followed at this establishment. I was able to spend a couple of hours just relaxing, having great conversations and learning from each other. We took some awesome pictures that are down below too. He was so thankful for me writing him, and making the trip to visit him. He was so genuinely happy to see me, to talk to me and just to be around someone new with such positive vibes. Little does he know, I took so much more with me too.
The reason for this blog is to shine light on our loved ones in jail, or prison whatever. This is also for our older family members in nursing homes or rehab centers. If they are still around, contact them, help them get through their tough times, and learn from them as well. Reassure them that they still have a support system out here. As for my people that ARE out here and free, take into consideration the wild advantage that you have available. You are able to do whatever it is you want, you have all the resources to be successful and to reach every galaxy out here. This visit to my dear friend James just made me want to be there for him more, and to just strive harder than I have been for my dreams that I WILL make a reality. I am so grateful for everything I have out here, especially my freedom, my family and the ability to do whatever it is that I want. This trip really made me look at many things differently. If you are religious, or spiritual send good vibes his way. Hopefully he makes it home sooner and can begin to build his empire. He has already started from the inside, with things like reading and planning. He will be coming back home a new man and ready to take on the world. I hope you all know how blessed you are to have all that you do. Remember to always "Love and allow to be loved" xo
This post is dedicated to James (Bootsy) with love.
