A Letter from Solitary

           On this journey called life we never know when we are going to hit a bump in the road. If we stumble and fall we have to pick ourselves up and move on. It is easier task for some than for others.
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