Most men want to get out of prison, but some actually do not...
For a majority of prison inmates, the chance for release is the greatest thing that could happen. Yet for some, the prospect of getting out is a curse. It is something to be feared.
Jeffrey* is a case of the latter. He is scheduled to leave prison this coming Friday. He did his maximum amount of time. Yet he wishes that his day of release would never arrive.
This morning, I spent about an hour talking with Jeffrey. I have known him for several years. Yet today was the most he had ever opened up to me.
Jeffrey and I were always able to make small talk. We would go to the gym together to play basketball as part of this therapy. He is on some heavy tranquilizers. The Mental Health staff said that he must be kept active, or he will sleep away the days.
Anyhow, today, Jeffrey poured his heart out to me. We talked about Jesus Christ. He told me that he's finishing up his fourth prison sentence. This time he cut another man with a knife during an argument and fight.
Jeffrey has a drinking problem. He has been in and out of prison for twenty-one years. He cannot read well, and he has no marketable skills. He is classified as schizophrenic and mentally ill.
Jeffrey is genuinely afraid of the "streets." He told me that he cannot resist alcohol and doesn't plan on making any effort whatsoever to stay away from it once he's released. Alcohol has him in bondage. And when he drinks, trouble starts.
D.B.
*Pseudonym
Jeffrey* is a case of the latter. He is scheduled to leave prison this coming Friday. He did his maximum amount of time. Yet he wishes that his day of release would never arrive.
This morning, I spent about an hour talking with Jeffrey. I have known him for several years. Yet today was the most he had ever opened up to me.
Jeffrey and I were always able to make small talk. We would go to the gym together to play basketball as part of this therapy. He is on some heavy tranquilizers. The Mental Health staff said that he must be kept active, or he will sleep away the days.
Anyhow, today, Jeffrey poured his heart out to me. We talked about Jesus Christ. He told me that he's finishing up his fourth prison sentence. This time he cut another man with a knife during an argument and fight.
Jeffrey has a drinking problem. He has been in and out of prison for twenty-one years. He cannot read well, and he has no marketable skills. He is classified as schizophrenic and mentally ill.
Jeffrey is genuinely afraid of the "streets." He told me that he cannot resist alcohol and doesn't plan on making any effort whatsoever to stay away from it once he's released. Alcohol has him in bondage. And when he drinks, trouble starts.
D.B.
*Pseudonym
