GOOD NEWS | BAD NEWS, part 1

GOOD NEWS I am thrilled to share this news with the world! On May 14, 2022 I was given two of the best gifts a person who’s incarcerated could receive. Those gifts were an overwhelming amount of love and support that I received from my family!

Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI, the prison where I'm being housed) hosted for the first time in it's history, an Arts and Crafts Festival that was open to the public. The festival offered the public a chance to purchase wood, leather, metal, and art creations from the prison population. The event was presented very professionally with consideration for the weather (since it was an outside event) all while offering amenities like food, beverages, clean rest rooms, along with picnic tables and chairs.

The event gave my family members -- which all happen to be out-of-towners -- an

opportunity to see me together all at once. Twenty three (23) family members from several states came to visit and support the festival...but mainly to visit me! 😁 Normally a visit consists of a maximum of 4 people (including children) for up to a few hours!

This day will forever be special to me because my family showed up and showed out! 😁 A person who’s incarcerated can only wish of attending a family reunion while in prison! However, thanks to my family and the opportunity this festival provided, I can now say that I've actually had a family reunion in prison!

Some of my family members hadn't seen me, spoken to me, nor had any correspondence with me in over 15 years! So much has changed in all of their lives. My son is now legally grown and taller than me! A few of my cousins are in college. Even one cousin who is experiencing health complications, still made a point to come visit. I had the chance to finally see an aunt that I haven’t seen since my cousin, Nashid’s, funeral. My young brother and sister are each in serious relationships. My little sister just graduated from high school and about to enter college. In essence, the babies that I use to know are older children now. The children that I use to know are now grown. Simultaneously, the family members of my generation and I are slowly becoming elders. And my elders are becoming...ELDERS😁

People who’re incarcerated can be perceived as needy people. One of the main reason why is because we generally don't make enough money to properly take care of ourselves. Despite that fact though, the main necessities that every person in prison desires and desperately NEEDS are LOVE and SUPPORT; something I can honestly and happily say I experienced with my family that day!! So I have to take this time to once again thank every single family member who took the time out of their schedules and lives to make time for me. It will NEVER be forgotten. Sometimes GOOD NEWS has BAD NEWS attached to it. Unfortunately, this is one of those time. I also have some bad news to share with you, but I'm not going to ruin my GOOD NEWS with it today. Please revisit next week so that I can explain this unfortunate news to you as well. Peace, Much love, Soul