The facility I'm housed at now is much different than the one I had been at for the past twenty-eight years...
It has a different aura, and its own vibes. But one would have to be doing time, or has done prison time, to fully understand what I'm saying.
Sullivan, the facility I came from, had more "special needs" inmates housed there. Although most were general population inmates like I was, there was a sizeable percentage of men with mental health issues, and those with physical handicaps such as severe vision problems and extensive levels of hearing loss, making all of them more vulnerable if they were at one of the larger and harsher prisons such as Attica, Auburn or Clinton.
For me, working with the needier men, although at times was physically and emotionally draining, it was very satisfying. I had a sense of purpose. In other words, I felt useful. I wasn't just killing time.
But time will tell what I'll be doing while I'm at Shawangunk. Certainly, it's a big adjustment. However, I doubt things will ever be the same for me again.
D.B.
Sullivan, the facility I came from, had more "special needs" inmates housed there. Although most were general population inmates like I was, there was a sizeable percentage of men with mental health issues, and those with physical handicaps such as severe vision problems and extensive levels of hearing loss, making all of them more vulnerable if they were at one of the larger and harsher prisons such as Attica, Auburn or Clinton.
For me, working with the needier men, although at times was physically and emotionally draining, it was very satisfying. I had a sense of purpose. In other words, I felt useful. I wasn't just killing time.
But time will tell what I'll be doing while I'm at Shawangunk. Certainly, it's a big adjustment. However, I doubt things will ever be the same for me again.
D.B.
