Approximately 30 years ago, a young beautiful woman traveled to Walpole, a maximum security prison in Massachusetts, to visit with me. I had been preparing for this moment for several days, haircut, clean white shirt, black pants, push-ups and sit-ups. I really enjoyed meeting new people!
Her 2 year old daughter was present and demanded equal time. Wakeitha was very clear about a package deal of mother/daughter. Within a matter of moments, or actually hours, I realized that I was really enjoying my interaction with Kate and Wakeitha. At the end of the visiting period, Kate said goodbye with a hug and Wakeitha jumped off the picnic table into my arms. I looked forward to seeing them again in a few days, and for the rest of my life.
Kate and I became friends, lovers and eventually married in December 1985 during a 48 hour furlough from prison. Unfortunately, the romance didn't last. Due to the presidential aspiration of Governor Dukakis, prison policies became more repressive damaging family relationships throughout the state. Folks simply lost hope for a brighter day.
Wakeitha amazed me as a toddler, impressed me as a teenager and has continued to inspire me (and many others) as an adult. Due to her early presence in my life, I made strides to change personal behavior in order to display a more positive image. She is now married to a wonderful man, enjoys her career as a high school teacher and has recently become the mother of Ananda Nicolle.
Ananda Nicolle inspires me to be a much better person today than I was in the past. It is amazing the influence that yields from a simple connection with youth, from infancy to adolescence. While this little one seeks to learn about life and social attachments, I'm determined to be accessible and a major part of her support network.
These are photos of our recent visit. It was so great to hold the baby, to welcome her as well as to be in the company of Kate and Wakeitha. Though I regret subjecting them to 30 years of concrete and steel, I want to rejoice and feel hopeful again with the inclusion of Ananda Nicolle. She is a gift and I believe the rewards will be outstanding to our community. Please embrace her as well.
Her 2 year old daughter was present and demanded equal time. Wakeitha was very clear about a package deal of mother/daughter. Within a matter of moments, or actually hours, I realized that I was really enjoying my interaction with Kate and Wakeitha. At the end of the visiting period, Kate said goodbye with a hug and Wakeitha jumped off the picnic table into my arms. I looked forward to seeing them again in a few days, and for the rest of my life.
Kate and I became friends, lovers and eventually married in December 1985 during a 48 hour furlough from prison. Unfortunately, the romance didn't last. Due to the presidential aspiration of Governor Dukakis, prison policies became more repressive damaging family relationships throughout the state. Folks simply lost hope for a brighter day.
Wakeitha amazed me as a toddler, impressed me as a teenager and has continued to inspire me (and many others) as an adult. Due to her early presence in my life, I made strides to change personal behavior in order to display a more positive image. She is now married to a wonderful man, enjoys her career as a high school teacher and has recently become the mother of Ananda Nicolle.
Ananda Nicolle inspires me to be a much better person today than I was in the past. It is amazing the influence that yields from a simple connection with youth, from infancy to adolescence. While this little one seeks to learn about life and social attachments, I'm determined to be accessible and a major part of her support network.
These are photos of our recent visit. It was so great to hold the baby, to welcome her as well as to be in the company of Kate and Wakeitha. Though I regret subjecting them to 30 years of concrete and steel, I want to rejoice and feel hopeful again with the inclusion of Ananda Nicolle. She is a gift and I believe the rewards will be outstanding to our community. Please embrace her as well.
Arnie
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Happy New Year!!