A Journey of Healing and Reconnection
Finding myself piecing my life back together after spending 25 months incarcerated has been a profound journey. During that time, besides handwritten letters, I had very little contact with the outside world. Only a handful of people went through the hassle to sign up to email me. Among them, my fiancé and daughter stood out, as they underwent background checks and paid fees to talk to me on the phone and visit me in person.
Upon my release, there was a sudden influx of people wanting to reconnect and talk to me. However, I needed time to process what I had been through and work towards normalcy as soon as possible. There were numerous tasks that required my immediate attention—taking classes, finding a job, resuming bill payments, cleaning out my email account, among others. I needed to muster courage and adapt to the new world around me. Furthermore, I was nervous about how people would treat me.
Now, after 13 months, I find myself still struggling to resume many relationships. The shadow of my past looms over conversations, and I often avoid talking about what happened to me. My focus lies in savoring the moments of today and prioritizing what truly matters—my family.
A couple of months ago, I experienced an uncomfortable phase where I deeply missed the friends I made while in prison and the bonds forged with fellow inmates. We were like family, and many of those women are dear to me, leaving lasting impressions on my life. There are some whom I would love to see again someday. We shared a unique understanding of each other’s struggles, an empathy that no one else could grasp.
This journey has been about finding bravery amidst challenges, nurturing the relationships that mean the most, and embracing today with a hopeful heart.
B2tRUE 