Testing Positive

I would have thought that metal detectors were enough to stifle illegal activity on a visit to a federal prison, but was I wrong! After the embarrassment of having to remove my under wires, I found myself once again being questioned by the authorities. This time I was asked to show my right pocket to the officer who waved a small wand over my hip area. I knew something was wrong when the machine it was attached to began printing a long strip of paper. I was asked to sit in an area that was away from the other awaiting visitors.

              Normally, we are scanned and taken back in small groups of 4 or 5. We go through several checkpoints where doors are closed behind us before others are opened. My son and husband had already been taken back while I had been delayed by the metal detector. When I was separated from the group, I knew there were complications.

               The female guard informed me that I had tested positive for a substance used to make illegal drugs. My reaction was one of shock and disbelief. I was calm on the outside but on the inside I was screaming my thoughts:   "What! No way! I have a son in prison because of drugs! I HATE drugs! Why is this happening! I just want to hug my son!"

              Inside the prison, my husband was not so calm! He was screaming on the outside! He had no idea what was happening except he now had to visit his son behind glass with only 2 visitors at a time!

              I waited in the waiting room until my son came out so I could go in. I had plenty of time to think and pray. I still do not know why all the bad things happened to me that day, but I do know Who was in charge. It was a test of my character, a completion of the verse I was reminded of with the metal detectors: Romans 5: 3-4

                     "And not only this, but we also exult in our 

                      tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about 

                      perseverance; and perseverance, proven character;

                      and proven character, hope"

            When my son came out of his visit, I could see his puzzled look through the glass even before he entered the room. I couldn't control my emotions as I blurted out, “I tested positive for ecstasy!" After a good cry, I was able to laugh right along with all the other visitors in the waiting room!  Finally, with lessons learned for future visits, I was able to have a pleasant visit with my son even with the glass between us.