As we approach this American holiday that traditionally marks the near end of the season, I am remained that I am still shaking off the dregs of a mere 11 years incarcerated . I am one year post release . Here are the few things that keep me grateful: Waking up ," I am free to choose when , and who is with me when I do.( NO, I do not miss the blast of fluorescent stadium .lighting as my clock either). Getting ready for work, I am grateful for a job to pay for the house , and a car that will take me where I will. ( I remember the years of labor everyday with no pay. and the transportation inside: hours chained and pinned against myself like an animal to dangerous and unpredictable to trust. Driving, I praise God. Joy sweeps my thoughts and a thrill rises to my throat . I'm in control, and I am energized by the calculated chaos of a typical morning in South Florida. Chatting with men and women whose focus is stability , and providing for themselves and our families. Finishing the last few things after my work day ,I reflect on a feeling of accomplishment in completing a workday and advancing our mission for success, both for myself and my amazing employer. Driving home, I remember.... I am free to stop and grab a favorite treat. It's either McDonalds fries, or burger king nuggets. How grateful I am, to choose. Almost home now I am struck. A thought I am thankful ,but I am human. I can't shake this one thing. My family in the inside is still trapped inside. I know their thoughts and fears , and I am again grateful. Where they will be longing for a day like this one I am living, my joy is always bittersweet. For what joy is there is self satisfaction, and self preservation. This one thing have I learned ( among the many wisdoms has given over these years): We are one. Your joy is my joy. Your freedom is my freedom. Your pain is my pain. And your success is my success. I miss my family . Both the ones 1,500 miles away and the hundreds of men on the inside who loved me and supported me , in there own broken yet persevering ways . I love them . I miss them. It couldn't be expressed, how deeply and lovingly connected we are in there. A common goal survive and be free. Thankful for every small gift, and every tiny victory. Even if that were just making it to another day. Thankful. So I concluded here on what promises to be the first of many to come, I leave you reader with this final thought, and please feel free to share them here on thus page for our family and others to read: Thankfulness is like humility , it is powerful, and exercised properly is a weapon against our worst moments. No argument ,no trouble can stand in the face of either. Use it, often. Give thanks! It's good for you and for those around you. And remember ,no matter the season and it's woes, it's just a season. This shall pass...
Love ,honor and respect to each of you, and thank you for reding our post.
Yours Truly .
Yada'el