Life

Ever wonder what one has to do to get sentenced to life in jail. Perhaps if they take a person's life, then that is how they should be treated. An eye for an eye type of deal. Or an attempted murder charge, that is sure to get someone life in prison. What if you didn't do anything? Nothing at all, but yet you just happened to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.


Now I can't vouch for total innocence, because hanging out with the wrong type of people will ultimately come back to haunt you. So my cousin, who is currently in his 30's and has been incarcerated for 6 years, is serving a 25 year to LIFE sentence. He was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong people. However, he was the only one that was caught. We write letters to each other from time to time. I send him books, stamps or money, whatever he needs while he's there.


I just wanted to publish a letter that he recently sent me, because I thought it was interesting.


Dear Jill,

Hello cousin. Just go your letter yesterday, so I figured I would get right back at you. As usual I hope all is well. As for me, I'm doing o.k. You said you wanted to "know everything," so I'll fill you in on the differences of where I came from which was "Pelican Bay."


First of all, it's (Pelican Bay) a "level 4" which is a "high security" institution. That means there is very little movement. (Meaning every little thing is controlled) there. You are in your cell just about all day EVERYDAY. Here, it's way different. When I got off the bus this is what I saw. A full field for soccer with "real" soccer goals with nets. Guys playing tennis on a real tennis court. Some dude with a sixties appearance playing an acoustic guitar.

It was like I arrived at a "country club" or something, because all this was foreign to me. Here, they let you out of your cell just about all day. That's the difference between a "level -3 " and a "level - 4."

I'm also taking some college courses for the summer. I'm taking a "self help" course here also on Saturdays and teaching introductory Arabic. Staying busy is the key. You said that I look "very different." Well, I'm going on 35 and I've been down since 2002. I've gained some weight, I'm (200 pounds even) and I've got a few extra muscles :)

Maybe the beard makes me look more older. But sometimes cousin, I can't help but to wear a stressful look because the conditions that I exist in are not normal. However, I will not allow these oppressive conditions to dictate my happiness.


But enough about me, how are you and your dad doing? Have you two made up? I sure do hope so. Now when are you and your boyfriend gonna get married? (The sooner the better) I got a letter from "Dia". She just got married and now lives in Indiana. I'm so happy for her. I hope school is going well for you too. If you can, send me some pics of you. The only one I have is of you with somebody "cut off" on the other side. Any how, I'm gonna sign off for now, I love you so much. Take care and send the fam my love.