We found out last week that Matt's scheduled move to a minimum security facility has been delayed. Two days before his departure he was attacked by a new inmate and transferred to the SHU or Special Housing Unit. He sent this letter that reminds me of the son I once knew. I want to share it with you.
Mom,
How's it goin"? Well, I guess you know it's not going very well here. This is the craziest thing - it's even got me a little bit depressed. I'm really struggling right now. I just can't figure it out - I don't bother anybody, all I do is my schoolwork in the morning, exercise for a couple of hours, and then relax in the evening. It's like I'm cursed in this prison and trouble follows me. I just need to get out of here. I'm waiting to see if I still leave on the next bus, which is August 6. If I'm not gone by then, I will have to take RDAP and get out. I'll let you know. Pray for that to happen. If I don't call or e mail you by August 8th, then I'll be stuck here for another couple of months.
Don't forget the crosswords because I really need them. As many as you can 7,8,9 a day even. It's pretty bad back here, and I still haven't got my property so I can do my schoolwork. Jeez, everything is falling apart. I'll make it though. Sorry all of this happened, but I probably would have gotten hurt badly if I hadn't defended myself. This is prison, and anyone in here is capable of anything at anytime. Believe it or not, I did the right thing. This is just a different world than we've ever seen. I just look at is as the "Rehab of all Rehabs" - this is what I have to go thru to get clean for good. Well, I gotta go for now, but just pray for things to work out - you used to always tell me that.
I love you and Dad, and really appreciate everything you do, have done, and tried to do for me. I can only call out once a month, so I should get to use the phone again until I'm out. I'll write and keep you posted.
Love you, Matt