He had been waiting for this day for twenty-five years. But in his case it was not a release from prison in the sense of completing one's sentence for a past crime...
Rather it was his retirement. Correction Officer Raleigh (not his real name) punched his "time card" for the last time. At three o'clock in the afternoon he walked out the front gate of the prison, and I doubt if he looked back.
Prison is a peculiar place. It's nothing like many imagine it to be. And because we're all social creatures, it is almost impossible to not get to know some of the staff who work here, and for them to get to know inmates like myself. So during my 23 years here at Sullivan Correctional Facility, I got to know a little about Officer Raleigh. He and I got along well from the outset. I did what was asked of me, and I never gave Mr. Raleigh a hard time. Likewise, he gave me respect, too. We both knew our boundaries. Therefore everything was cool between us.
But what really connected us the most is our faith in Jesus Christ. Officer Raleigh is a devout Christian. He also sings with a group of men who travel throughout the local area performing in various churches. And on the occasions when he and I would cross paths, which was only about several times per month, we would greet each other politely. Then, if we had a moment, we would exchange a few words about our faith. He was very interested in Bible prophecy, and we discussed this subject often.
Fortunately, it so happened that I was able to run into Officer Raleigh on his very last day. I shook his firm, strong hand and we said our goodbyes and exchanged well wishes. We also made a promise to remember each other in our prayers. Mr. Raleigh was one of a kind and I will miss him.
D.B.
Prison is a peculiar place. It's nothing like many imagine it to be. And because we're all social creatures, it is almost impossible to not get to know some of the staff who work here, and for them to get to know inmates like myself. So during my 23 years here at Sullivan Correctional Facility, I got to know a little about Officer Raleigh. He and I got along well from the outset. I did what was asked of me, and I never gave Mr. Raleigh a hard time. Likewise, he gave me respect, too. We both knew our boundaries. Therefore everything was cool between us.
But what really connected us the most is our faith in Jesus Christ. Officer Raleigh is a devout Christian. He also sings with a group of men who travel throughout the local area performing in various churches. And on the occasions when he and I would cross paths, which was only about several times per month, we would greet each other politely. Then, if we had a moment, we would exchange a few words about our faith. He was very interested in Bible prophecy, and we discussed this subject often.
Fortunately, it so happened that I was able to run into Officer Raleigh on his very last day. I shook his firm, strong hand and we said our goodbyes and exchanged well wishes. We also made a promise to remember each other in our prayers. Mr. Raleigh was one of a kind and I will miss him.
D.B.
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