Friday, July 30, 2004
To Love an Inmate
Hello, how are you? I hope that really well. Thanks for supporting this Blog.
It’s not easy to have a sentimental relationship with an inmate; it’s very hard. I say this because throughout the years, I’ve seen many couples separate, others have gone and come back, others have lasted, others have met an inmate and gotten married. But the fear of every inmate who has a partner, is that there will come a day when his partner will tell him: “No more”. I’ve seen the suffering of many of my cell mates and if I tell you that I haven’t gone through the same, I’d be lying. I honestly tell you that it hurts. Many tears will be shed, there’s suffering in silence and it’s not easy at all.
The causes for separation may be many: financial problems, confusion, meeting someone else, thinking it’s not worth it to wait, problems with relatives because of the relationship, lack of caresses, hugs, kisses or simply, the love is gone. But I’d rather they tell me things as they are, than to deceive me and let time go by, that when I feel most comfortable and happy with that person, everything starts to crumble down. What makes me real mad is that many couples break up and then they don’t even bring the kids to see the inmates. It’s not fair that the children pay for their parent’s problems, but this is what happens and it’s really sad. But I know, that to love an inmate is not easy at all.
Bye.
Sincerely,
Pedro
To Love an Inmate
Although loving an inmate is not always happy and doing it bears a high price, it’s loving them without having them close to hug them. It’s being so young and at the same time, so old. It’s writing them letters telling them you love them and through the visits, promising them that you’ll wait and deep inside they hold their faith. It’s watching them leave with their eyes full of tears and being alone with hope, dreams and fears. Sometimes they’re so close and at the same time, so far, but loving them more each day that goes bye. Weeks turn into months and months into years. To love an inmate is more than a dream, because loving them is not always easy, or even fun, but it’s worth it when time has finally gone by.
It’s not easy to have a sentimental relationship with an inmate; it’s very hard. I say this because throughout the years, I’ve seen many couples separate, others have gone and come back, others have lasted, others have met an inmate and gotten married. But the fear of every inmate who has a partner, is that there will come a day when his partner will tell him: “No more”. I’ve seen the suffering of many of my cell mates and if I tell you that I haven’t gone through the same, I’d be lying. I honestly tell you that it hurts. Many tears will be shed, there’s suffering in silence and it’s not easy at all.
The causes for separation may be many: financial problems, confusion, meeting someone else, thinking it’s not worth it to wait, problems with relatives because of the relationship, lack of caresses, hugs, kisses or simply, the love is gone. But I’d rather they tell me things as they are, than to deceive me and let time go by, that when I feel most comfortable and happy with that person, everything starts to crumble down. What makes me real mad is that many couples break up and then they don’t even bring the kids to see the inmates. It’s not fair that the children pay for their parent’s problems, but this is what happens and it’s really sad. But I know, that to love an inmate is not easy at all.
Bye.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Although loving an inmate is not always happy and doing it bears a high price, it’s loving them without having them close to hug them. It’s being so young and at the same time, so old. It’s writing them letters telling them you love them and through the visits, promising them that you’ll wait and deep inside they hold their faith. It’s watching them leave with their eyes full of tears and being alone with hope, dreams and fears. Sometimes they’re so close and at the same time, so far, but loving them more each day that goes bye. Weeks turn into months and months into years. To love an inmate is more than a dream, because loving them is not always easy, or even fun, but it’s worth it when time has finally gone by.
Monday, July 26, 2004
A Relationship
Hello, welcome to this, your Blog. I hope that it’s been of help to you and that it brings at least a bit of happiness to your lives.
Today, I would like to ask you two questions and I would really like for you to send me messages with your opinions to these questions, if you wish. The first question is: How would you react if you find out that a loved one is with a convict?, and the second one is: If a close relative or a person close to you confessed to you that he/she is in love with someone who’s in prison or who has been in jail, what would you say and why?
Sincerely, I wouldn’t know how to answer these questions because I’m an inmate and I see this situation from a different point of view than many of you. But I will answer them from my point of view. (1) My reaction would be that of surprise, and I would ask them what has been the motive for such relationship. (2) I would ask them if he/she is sure of what they’re doing, being that many inmates only want to kill some time until they get out and then they don’t even want that person to get close to them. Also, I would ask them if they are truly in love with the inmate. I would tell them about my worries. I would ask them if they’re really willing to wait for them. I would ask them, what can the inmate offer her/him. I would tell them to weight the Pros and Cons as well, because it might be that everyone in his/her family won’t agree with that relationship, but also, the inmate might be just who will bring his/her heart true happiness – what’s been wished for and wanted for so long. I would want to meet this person (inmate) to see if they’re worth it, being that having committed mistakes, doesn’t mean that they’re not excellent human beings who can make someone happy. I would give them the chance to get to know me and prove that they’ll be someone of good when they get their freedom.
I say all these because I know that there are people who are or will be in a situation like this. And I know that they’ve been between a rock and a hard place, and they feel confused, depressed, and unmotivated because they don’t want to fail their relatives, or the person they love. On one hand they have their parents, brothers, friends telling them that the relationship isn’t worth it, but on the other hand, their heart is telling them to go ahead. I know it’s a difficult situation and that time and patience are needed to get to a happy ending with both parties.
Well, this is all for now. I hope that you’ve liked my answers and that you analize them well. I would really like to read your comments about this. Thanks for your support. See you later.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Disappointments in Life
The disappointments in life always bring a better tomorrow.
In life, although there will be pain and bitterness along the way, there’s always a deep happiness.
Although your world seems destroyed, take whatever good is left and keep going forward, because in some way your yearnings will be fulfilled.
Remember that in the end, the good and the bad will be compensated. Cry your tears, smile your smiles, but never, ever give up.
Remember that the strength is in you to believe that your dreams are always close, even though they seem to be so far away.
(Author: Linda Príncipe)
Today, I would like to ask you two questions and I would really like for you to send me messages with your opinions to these questions, if you wish. The first question is: How would you react if you find out that a loved one is with a convict?, and the second one is: If a close relative or a person close to you confessed to you that he/she is in love with someone who’s in prison or who has been in jail, what would you say and why?
Sincerely, I wouldn’t know how to answer these questions because I’m an inmate and I see this situation from a different point of view than many of you. But I will answer them from my point of view. (1) My reaction would be that of surprise, and I would ask them what has been the motive for such relationship. (2) I would ask them if he/she is sure of what they’re doing, being that many inmates only want to kill some time until they get out and then they don’t even want that person to get close to them. Also, I would ask them if they are truly in love with the inmate. I would tell them about my worries. I would ask them if they’re really willing to wait for them. I would ask them, what can the inmate offer her/him. I would tell them to weight the Pros and Cons as well, because it might be that everyone in his/her family won’t agree with that relationship, but also, the inmate might be just who will bring his/her heart true happiness – what’s been wished for and wanted for so long. I would want to meet this person (inmate) to see if they’re worth it, being that having committed mistakes, doesn’t mean that they’re not excellent human beings who can make someone happy. I would give them the chance to get to know me and prove that they’ll be someone of good when they get their freedom.
I say all these because I know that there are people who are or will be in a situation like this. And I know that they’ve been between a rock and a hard place, and they feel confused, depressed, and unmotivated because they don’t want to fail their relatives, or the person they love. On one hand they have their parents, brothers, friends telling them that the relationship isn’t worth it, but on the other hand, their heart is telling them to go ahead. I know it’s a difficult situation and that time and patience are needed to get to a happy ending with both parties.
Well, this is all for now. I hope that you’ve liked my answers and that you analize them well. I would really like to read your comments about this. Thanks for your support. See you later.
Sincerely,
Pedro
The disappointments in life always bring a better tomorrow.
In life, although there will be pain and bitterness along the way, there’s always a deep happiness.
Although your world seems destroyed, take whatever good is left and keep going forward, because in some way your yearnings will be fulfilled.
Remember that in the end, the good and the bad will be compensated. Cry your tears, smile your smiles, but never, ever give up.
Remember that the strength is in you to believe that your dreams are always close, even though they seem to be so far away.
(Author: Linda Príncipe)
Friday, July 23, 2004
My Grandpa
Hi, I’m truly thankful for your words of support and for visiting this page.
Do you remember that I once told you about my grandpa, who has Alzheimer? The other day, a doctor went over to his house to see him. He’s afraid of doctors and he doesn’t go to his appointments. This is the reason why the doctor had to go to his house pretending to be my grandma’s cousin. The doctor checked him and says that he’s in the third stage of the illness. He doesn’t recognize his sons and daughters, or his wife, only his brothers and sisters. I imagine how hard it must be to live in a world like that, where everything seems so strange. I know that it is also a bit hard for grandma, although when I call her, she doesn’t tell me so, but I know it’s because she doesn’t want to worry me. Like I wrote once before, I wish I could be with them and help them in everything I can, but sadly, I can’t. I only hope that they’re still alive when I get out of here, although I still have four and half more years so I can get my freedom. Bye for now.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Your Old Man
The day when this old man is not the same anymore, be patient and understand me. When I spill food on my shirt and forget how to tie my shoes, remember the hours I spent teaching you to do the same things.
If when I talk with you, I repeat and repeat the same words that you know too well how they end, don’t interrupt me and listen to me. When you were a kid, before you could go to sleep, I had to tell you the same story thousands of times... until you closed your little eyes.
When you see me useless and ignorant before all new technological things that I won’t be able to understand, I plead to you to give me all the necessary time so you don’t hurt me with your mocking laughter. Remember that it was me who taught you many things that used to surprise you. Eating, getting dressed and your education to go into life as well as you do, are products of my effort, love and perseverance for you.
If at any time I don’t want to eat, don’t insist. I know how much I can or should. Also, understand as time goes bye, I don’t have teeth to bite or much taste.
When my legs fail me for being too tired to walk, give me your gentle hand to support me, like I once did with you as you started walking with your weak little legs.
I always wanted the best for you and I’ve prepared the way that you’ve known how to take.
Give me your heart, understand and support me the same way I once did for you when your started your life.
The same way I’ve accompanied you in your way, I ask you to accompany me to finish mine. Give me love and patience and I will return to you, gratitude and smiles with the immense love that I have for you.
Your father...
Do you remember that I once told you about my grandpa, who has Alzheimer? The other day, a doctor went over to his house to see him. He’s afraid of doctors and he doesn’t go to his appointments. This is the reason why the doctor had to go to his house pretending to be my grandma’s cousin. The doctor checked him and says that he’s in the third stage of the illness. He doesn’t recognize his sons and daughters, or his wife, only his brothers and sisters. I imagine how hard it must be to live in a world like that, where everything seems so strange. I know that it is also a bit hard for grandma, although when I call her, she doesn’t tell me so, but I know it’s because she doesn’t want to worry me. Like I wrote once before, I wish I could be with them and help them in everything I can, but sadly, I can’t. I only hope that they’re still alive when I get out of here, although I still have four and half more years so I can get my freedom. Bye for now.
Sincerely,
Pedro
The day when this old man is not the same anymore, be patient and understand me. When I spill food on my shirt and forget how to tie my shoes, remember the hours I spent teaching you to do the same things.
If when I talk with you, I repeat and repeat the same words that you know too well how they end, don’t interrupt me and listen to me. When you were a kid, before you could go to sleep, I had to tell you the same story thousands of times... until you closed your little eyes.
When you see me useless and ignorant before all new technological things that I won’t be able to understand, I plead to you to give me all the necessary time so you don’t hurt me with your mocking laughter. Remember that it was me who taught you many things that used to surprise you. Eating, getting dressed and your education to go into life as well as you do, are products of my effort, love and perseverance for you.
If at any time I don’t want to eat, don’t insist. I know how much I can or should. Also, understand as time goes bye, I don’t have teeth to bite or much taste.
When my legs fail me for being too tired to walk, give me your gentle hand to support me, like I once did with you as you started walking with your weak little legs.
I always wanted the best for you and I’ve prepared the way that you’ve known how to take.
Give me your heart, understand and support me the same way I once did for you when your started your life.
The same way I’ve accompanied you in your way, I ask you to accompany me to finish mine. Give me love and patience and I will return to you, gratitude and smiles with the immense love that I have for you.
Your father...
Monday, July 19, 2004
Being Human
How are you? I hope that great and especially, enjoying this summer. I’ve been trying to find a way today to start this page and I don’t know how. It’s that I’ve been feeling a bit “down” lately. I don’t know the reason, but I’ve felt this way. It may be because my sentence is getting a bit too heavy or that I’ve noticed that my sons are changing a little with me as the years go by. Perhaps it’s because I miss my family so much. I don’t know... it may be many things. Sometimes I feel sad, like a failure, defeated. I’ve never felt this way. I know it will come to pass, but for now, I feel like this.
Who would have thought that after all these years, it’s now that I feel like this. Maybe I’m looking at life in another way. Before, everything was a joke for me. It was all about having fun and didn’t take anything seriously. I didn’t think about the consequences of my actions. Now, in everything I do, I try to visualize the consequences, good or bad. My feelings have progressed; I value people more, situations that didn’t affect me before, now touch me deeply.
Sometimes I wish I could go to a country other than here, begin a new life where nobody knows me, and start a happy home, true and for the rest of my life. It may be that I’m being more human.
Well, this is all for now and thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Pedro
The Rules for Being Human
1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn what you most need to know. The lessons presented are often completely different from those you think you need.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works". You learn as much from failure as you can from success.
4. A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, (as evidenced by a change in your attitude and ultimately your behavior), you can go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are additional lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is not better than "here". When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will, again, look better than "here".
7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself. When tempted to criticize others, ask yourself what behavior of yours they are mirroring.
8. What you make of life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you create with them is up to you. Remember that through desires, goal-setting and right effort you can have anything you want, but not everything you want. Persistence is the key ingredient for success.
9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is ask, look, listen and trust.
10. You will forget all this. You will forget all the above rules unless you regularly practice some means of staying focused and grounded in the present. Your ego will continually try to trick you into blaming your past or becoming anxious about the realities of life.
(Author: Unknown)
Who would have thought that after all these years, it’s now that I feel like this. Maybe I’m looking at life in another way. Before, everything was a joke for me. It was all about having fun and didn’t take anything seriously. I didn’t think about the consequences of my actions. Now, in everything I do, I try to visualize the consequences, good or bad. My feelings have progressed; I value people more, situations that didn’t affect me before, now touch me deeply.
Sometimes I wish I could go to a country other than here, begin a new life where nobody knows me, and start a happy home, true and for the rest of my life. It may be that I’m being more human.
Well, this is all for now and thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Pedro
1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn what you most need to know. The lessons presented are often completely different from those you think you need.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works". You learn as much from failure as you can from success.
4. A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, (as evidenced by a change in your attitude and ultimately your behavior), you can go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are additional lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is not better than "here". When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will, again, look better than "here".
7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself. When tempted to criticize others, ask yourself what behavior of yours they are mirroring.
8. What you make of life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you create with them is up to you. Remember that through desires, goal-setting and right effort you can have anything you want, but not everything you want. Persistence is the key ingredient for success.
9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is ask, look, listen and trust.
10. You will forget all this. You will forget all the above rules unless you regularly practice some means of staying focused and grounded in the present. Your ego will continually try to trick you into blaming your past or becoming anxious about the realities of life.
(Author: Unknown)
Friday, July 16, 2004
Hope
Hi, how are you? I hope that great. Thanks for all your support for this Blog and all the good comments you’ve made. I hope that my messages may help a little in your lives. Writing this Blog helps me a lot, because I can express how I’m feeling on the inside. It’s like a good therapy for me. And like I said, I hope that my message may bring a smile on your faces and that when you read them, you may find some relief in your daily lives.
When I’m writing this Blog, it’s like I’m forgetting that I’m in prison, because I do it with all my heart so you can see, that having committed a crime, does not mean that our lives are lost. On the contrary, this time I’ve been in prison has helped me set goals for the future and to dedicate more time for myself, either by getting more education, exercising, communicating or better yet, noticing who are those people who really care for me. Being that many time, when we were outside, we didn’t pay our loved ones the attention that they really deserved.
Well, this is all for now and if you have any questions or doubts about life in prison or any question about me, you can send it to me and I will gladly answer it. Thank you for opening your doors to this Blog. Take care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Always Hope for the Best
Don’t let go of hope. Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up. Don’t ever quit believing in yourself. As long as you believe you can, you will have a reason for trying. Don’t let anyone hold your happiness in your hands; hold it in yours so it will always be within your reach.
Don't measure success or failure by material wealth, but by how you feel; our feelings determine the richness of our lives. Don't let bad moments overcome you; be patient, and they will pass.
Don't hesitate to reach out for help; we all need it from time to time. Don't run away from love but toward love, because it is our deepest joy. Don't wait for what you want to come to you. Go after it with all that you are, knowing that life will meet you halfway.
Don't feel like you've lost when plans and dreams fall short of your hopes. Anytime you learn something new about yourself or about life, you have progressed. Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect. Feeling good about yourself is essential to feeling good about life.
Don't ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to cry. It is by doing both that we live to its fullest.
(Author: Nancye Sims)
When I’m writing this Blog, it’s like I’m forgetting that I’m in prison, because I do it with all my heart so you can see, that having committed a crime, does not mean that our lives are lost. On the contrary, this time I’ve been in prison has helped me set goals for the future and to dedicate more time for myself, either by getting more education, exercising, communicating or better yet, noticing who are those people who really care for me. Being that many time, when we were outside, we didn’t pay our loved ones the attention that they really deserved.
Well, this is all for now and if you have any questions or doubts about life in prison or any question about me, you can send it to me and I will gladly answer it. Thank you for opening your doors to this Blog. Take care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Don’t let go of hope. Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up. Don’t ever quit believing in yourself. As long as you believe you can, you will have a reason for trying. Don’t let anyone hold your happiness in your hands; hold it in yours so it will always be within your reach.
Don't measure success or failure by material wealth, but by how you feel; our feelings determine the richness of our lives. Don't let bad moments overcome you; be patient, and they will pass.
Don't hesitate to reach out for help; we all need it from time to time. Don't run away from love but toward love, because it is our deepest joy. Don't wait for what you want to come to you. Go after it with all that you are, knowing that life will meet you halfway.
Don't feel like you've lost when plans and dreams fall short of your hopes. Anytime you learn something new about yourself or about life, you have progressed. Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect. Feeling good about yourself is essential to feeling good about life.
Don't ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to cry. It is by doing both that we live to its fullest.
(Author: Nancye Sims)
Monday, July 12, 2004
Temper
Welcome to this Blog. Thanks for visiting. Today I will tell you about how we treat each other in here. Although we all try to get along, due to the circumstances we’re in, we shouldn’t be mad at each other. But it isn’t always this way, because we’re not in the same mood every day and some jokes may be result annoying. Sometimes one gets tired of seeing the same people every day, although over here we make very good friendships that may last a lifetime.
At least, I am a person who tries to get along with everyone, even though I get mad at someone from time to time, but I don’t stay mad but for a few minutes. Because I think that feeling that way will not serve me well. So I always go and apologize to the person either for saying something insulting to them or for my attitude towards them. There haven’t been many times that this has happened to me, only a few, but I don’t like that for a silly thing, we stop talking or being friends. Like I said, it isn’t worth it. Because of the situation we’re in, what we should do is think before saying anything and set all our differences aside.
You should see why there’s arguing sometimes between friends... just because of silly things. Like for example, someone wants to watch a show on TV and another one wants to watch something else; or for politics; or a basketball game. So you see, we argue sometimes for things that aren’t worth it, and much less worth it to lose a friend over that. But generally, we all get along really well. We share much and treat each other like family.
Again, thanks for visiting this Blog. Take much care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Nail in the Fence
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him, that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the would is still there.”
A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their heart for us.
At least, I am a person who tries to get along with everyone, even though I get mad at someone from time to time, but I don’t stay mad but for a few minutes. Because I think that feeling that way will not serve me well. So I always go and apologize to the person either for saying something insulting to them or for my attitude towards them. There haven’t been many times that this has happened to me, only a few, but I don’t like that for a silly thing, we stop talking or being friends. Like I said, it isn’t worth it. Because of the situation we’re in, what we should do is think before saying anything and set all our differences aside.
You should see why there’s arguing sometimes between friends... just because of silly things. Like for example, someone wants to watch a show on TV and another one wants to watch something else; or for politics; or a basketball game. So you see, we argue sometimes for things that aren’t worth it, and much less worth it to lose a friend over that. But generally, we all get along really well. We share much and treat each other like family.
Again, thanks for visiting this Blog. Take much care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him, that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the would is still there.”
A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their heart for us.
Friday, July 09, 2004
My Son
First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who has visited my Blog. Thank you for your support and your words of encouragement. I’m eternally grateful. And I apologize with all my heart to those of you who’ve written to me and I’ve taken longer than I thought to get back to you... but soon, I will get in contact with you. You’re all great!
I want to share a letter that my youngest son wrote to me where he expresses what he feels about a comment I made to him, about me going to Puerto Rico once I get my freedom. From what I can see, he doesn’t want me to go over there.
Once again, thank you for your continuing support and for visiting my Blog. Take much care. Later.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Ps. In my son’s letter, he refers to my Mom as “Tata”, to my sister as “Titi Davaina” (“Titi” means auntie) and to her husband as “Teo Jamie” (he means by “Teo”, “tío” and that means uncle).
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My Son's Letter
My Son's Drawing
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Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn what envy is.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn to be confident.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to find love in the world.
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If children live with honesty and fairness, they learn what truth and justice are.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If children live with serenity, they learn to have a piece of mind.
With what are your children living?
I want to share a letter that my youngest son wrote to me where he expresses what he feels about a comment I made to him, about me going to Puerto Rico once I get my freedom. From what I can see, he doesn’t want me to go over there.
Once again, thank you for your continuing support and for visiting my Blog. Take much care. Later.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Ps. In my son’s letter, he refers to my Mom as “Tata”, to my sister as “Titi Davaina” (“Titi” means auntie) and to her husband as “Teo Jamie” (he means by “Teo”, “tío” and that means uncle).
My Son's Letter
My Son's Drawing
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn what envy is.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn to be confident.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to find love in the world.
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If children live with honesty and fairness, they learn what truth and justice are.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If children live with serenity, they learn to have a piece of mind.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Alzheimer's
Hello... first of all, I’d like to thank everyone who’s visited this Blog. I’m sincerely thankful.
I was reading the newspaper and I found an article that really called my attention - about Alzheimer- because my grandpa has that condition, and I want to know more about it. This condition is the most common type of dementia in people over the age of 65. It starts with short memory lapses. But in time, this loss of memory gets more severe and hinders the ability to do certain normal body functions and is why some fatal illnesses may attack more easily. People with this condition get paranoia, they’re afraid of almost everything, don’t recognize their close relatives or friends.
I remember a grandfather who was always happy, telling jokes, intelligent and lively. It is hard for me to believe, or accept, what is happening to him. Sometimes when I talk to him on the phone, I can’t hold back my tears because I notice how deteriorated he’s getting. And always, before ending our phone call, he asks me to bring him a gallon of milk. What wouldn’t I give to be able to bring him that gallon of milk and many more things.
I also imagine how hard this most be for my Grandma, battling with her husband’s condition, because she’s already older and has her ailments as well. The last time I talked to her, she told me that Grandpa wouldn’t get a haircut or go to the doctor, because he’s afraid of getting out of the house. I trust God will take care of both of them. Bye.
P.S.
Here is an article I read and really liked.
All I Remember
When my father spoke to me, he always began the conversation with “Have I told you yet today how much I adore you?”. The expression of love was reciprocated and, in his later years, as his life began to visibly end, we grew even closer... if that were possible.
At 82 he was ready to die, and I was ready to let him go so that his suffering would end. We laughed and cried, and held hands and told each other of our love and agreed that it was time. I said, “Dad, after you’ve gone, I want a sign from you that you’re fine”. He laughed at the absurdity of that; Dad didn’t believe in reincarnation. I wasn’t positive I did either, but I had had many experiences that convinced me I could get some signal from “the other side”.
My father and I were so deeply connected, I felt his heart attack in my chest at the moment he died. Later I mourned that the hospital, in their sterile wisdom, has not let me hold his hand as he had slipped away.
Day after day I prayed to hear from him, but nothing happened. Night after night I asked for a dream before I fell asleep. And yet, four long months passed and I heard and felt nothing but grief at his loss. Mother had died five years before, of Alzheimer’s, and though I had grown daughters of my own, I felt like a lost child.
One day, while I was lying on a massage table in a dark quiet room waiting for my appointment, a wave of longing for my father swept over me. I began to wonder if I had been too demanding in asking for a sign from him. I noticed that my mind was in a hyper-acute state. I experienced an unfamiliar clarity in which I could have added long columns of figures in my head. I checked to make sure I was awake and not dreaming, and I saw that I was as far removed from a dreamy state as one could possibly be. Each thought I had was like a drop of water disturbing a still pond, and I marveled at the peacefulness of each passing moment. Then I thought, “I’ve been trying to control the messages from the other side; I will stop tat now”.
Suddenly my mother’s face appeared – my mother, as she had been before Alzheimer’s disease had stripped her of her mind, her humanity and 50 pounds. Her magnificent silver hair crowned her sweet face. She was so real and so close, I felt I could reach out and touch her. She looked as she had, a dozen years ago, before the wasting away had begun. I even smelled the fragrance of Joy, her favorite perfume. She seemed to be waiting and did not speak. I wondered how it could happen that I was thinking of my father and my mother appeared, and I felt a little guilty that I had not asked for her as well.
I said, “Oh, Mother, I’m so sorry that you had to suffer with that horrible disease”.
She tipped her head slightly to one side, as though to acknowledge what I had said about her suffering. Then she smiled – a beautiful smile – and said very distinctly, “But all I remember is Love”. And she disappeared.
I began to shiver in a room suddenly gone cold, and I knew in my bones that the love we give and receive is all that matters and all that is remembered. Suffering disappears; love remains.
Her words are the most important I have ever heard, and that moment is forever engraved on my heart.
I have not yet seen or heard from my father, but I have no doubt that some day, when I least expect it, he will appear and say, “Have I told you yet today how much I love you?”
I was reading the newspaper and I found an article that really called my attention - about Alzheimer- because my grandpa has that condition, and I want to know more about it. This condition is the most common type of dementia in people over the age of 65. It starts with short memory lapses. But in time, this loss of memory gets more severe and hinders the ability to do certain normal body functions and is why some fatal illnesses may attack more easily. People with this condition get paranoia, they’re afraid of almost everything, don’t recognize their close relatives or friends.
I remember a grandfather who was always happy, telling jokes, intelligent and lively. It is hard for me to believe, or accept, what is happening to him. Sometimes when I talk to him on the phone, I can’t hold back my tears because I notice how deteriorated he’s getting. And always, before ending our phone call, he asks me to bring him a gallon of milk. What wouldn’t I give to be able to bring him that gallon of milk and many more things.
I also imagine how hard this most be for my Grandma, battling with her husband’s condition, because she’s already older and has her ailments as well. The last time I talked to her, she told me that Grandpa wouldn’t get a haircut or go to the doctor, because he’s afraid of getting out of the house. I trust God will take care of both of them. Bye.
P.S.
Here is an article I read and really liked.
When my father spoke to me, he always began the conversation with “Have I told you yet today how much I adore you?”. The expression of love was reciprocated and, in his later years, as his life began to visibly end, we grew even closer... if that were possible.
At 82 he was ready to die, and I was ready to let him go so that his suffering would end. We laughed and cried, and held hands and told each other of our love and agreed that it was time. I said, “Dad, after you’ve gone, I want a sign from you that you’re fine”. He laughed at the absurdity of that; Dad didn’t believe in reincarnation. I wasn’t positive I did either, but I had had many experiences that convinced me I could get some signal from “the other side”.
My father and I were so deeply connected, I felt his heart attack in my chest at the moment he died. Later I mourned that the hospital, in their sterile wisdom, has not let me hold his hand as he had slipped away.
Day after day I prayed to hear from him, but nothing happened. Night after night I asked for a dream before I fell asleep. And yet, four long months passed and I heard and felt nothing but grief at his loss. Mother had died five years before, of Alzheimer’s, and though I had grown daughters of my own, I felt like a lost child.
One day, while I was lying on a massage table in a dark quiet room waiting for my appointment, a wave of longing for my father swept over me. I began to wonder if I had been too demanding in asking for a sign from him. I noticed that my mind was in a hyper-acute state. I experienced an unfamiliar clarity in which I could have added long columns of figures in my head. I checked to make sure I was awake and not dreaming, and I saw that I was as far removed from a dreamy state as one could possibly be. Each thought I had was like a drop of water disturbing a still pond, and I marveled at the peacefulness of each passing moment. Then I thought, “I’ve been trying to control the messages from the other side; I will stop tat now”.
Suddenly my mother’s face appeared – my mother, as she had been before Alzheimer’s disease had stripped her of her mind, her humanity and 50 pounds. Her magnificent silver hair crowned her sweet face. She was so real and so close, I felt I could reach out and touch her. She looked as she had, a dozen years ago, before the wasting away had begun. I even smelled the fragrance of Joy, her favorite perfume. She seemed to be waiting and did not speak. I wondered how it could happen that I was thinking of my father and my mother appeared, and I felt a little guilty that I had not asked for her as well.
I said, “Oh, Mother, I’m so sorry that you had to suffer with that horrible disease”.
She tipped her head slightly to one side, as though to acknowledge what I had said about her suffering. Then she smiled – a beautiful smile – and said very distinctly, “But all I remember is Love”. And she disappeared.
I began to shiver in a room suddenly gone cold, and I knew in my bones that the love we give and receive is all that matters and all that is remembered. Suffering disappears; love remains.
Her words are the most important I have ever heard, and that moment is forever engraved on my heart.
I have not yet seen or heard from my father, but I have no doubt that some day, when I least expect it, he will appear and say, “Have I told you yet today how much I love you?”
Friday, July 02, 2004
Alternatives to Violence
Hi and thanks for visiting this Blog. Today I’d like to talk to you about the program (that I once talked to you about) that they bring here to the prison every two or three months. It’s called AVP (Alternative to Violence Program). It offers workshops that help people live a life without violence, through affirmation, respect for others, cooperation and trust. This program started back in 1975 in the prison system of New York. The first workshop was created at the Greenhaven prison, when a group of inmates felt the need to start a course to solve conflicts, in preparation for their roles as counselors for an experimental program in a juvenile institution. The inmates asked the Quaker’s local chapter to provide them with that course. From that prison, the program has extended to other prisons through the meetings of the Quaker.
The program is pleasant and fun. When I took it, I had a lot of fun, because we seemed like kids playing. I thought, what would our sons say if they saw us right now. The program is also offered outside of prison. If you have a chance to take it, I recommend it, because asides from having fun, you’ll learn a lot, as well as meeting new friends.
Here below’s a message I really liked. Hope you like it as well. Bye.
Your friend,
Pedro
The Island of Emotions
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the emotions lived: there was Happiness, Sadness and a lot more, including Love. One day, there was an announcement to all the inhabitants, that the island was going to sink. All the emotions got in their boats and got ready to leave, but the Love stayed, because it wanted to spend more time with the island it loved so much before it sank. When the Love was almost drowned, it started asking for help. The Love saw the Richness and asked: “Richness, take me with you?”. “I can’t”, replied the Richness, “I have a lot of gold and silver and I have no space for you”. Then the Love called to the Vanity who was passing by, saying: “Vanity, help me?”. “I can’t”, said the Vanity, “You’re all wet and if I take you, you are going to ruin my new boat”. Then the Love asked the Sadness for help: “Sadness, can I go with you?”... “Oh, Love! I’m so sad that I want to travel by myself”. The Happiness was sailing also, but it was so happy that it didn’t hear the Love when it was calling her. Desperate, the Love started to cry. That is when the Love heard a voice: “Come here Love, I’ll take you”. It was an old guy, but the Love was so happy, he forgot to ask the name of who was helping him. When the Love got to the new island, he asked the Wisdom: “Wisdom, who was the old guy who took me here?”... “It was the Time”, the Wisdom answered. “Time!... why was the Time the only one who wanted to save me?” The Wisdom answered: “Because Time is the only one capable of helping and understanding a great Love.”
The program is pleasant and fun. When I took it, I had a lot of fun, because we seemed like kids playing. I thought, what would our sons say if they saw us right now. The program is also offered outside of prison. If you have a chance to take it, I recommend it, because asides from having fun, you’ll learn a lot, as well as meeting new friends.
Here below’s a message I really liked. Hope you like it as well. Bye.
Your friend,
Pedro
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the emotions lived: there was Happiness, Sadness and a lot more, including Love. One day, there was an announcement to all the inhabitants, that the island was going to sink. All the emotions got in their boats and got ready to leave, but the Love stayed, because it wanted to spend more time with the island it loved so much before it sank. When the Love was almost drowned, it started asking for help. The Love saw the Richness and asked: “Richness, take me with you?”. “I can’t”, replied the Richness, “I have a lot of gold and silver and I have no space for you”. Then the Love called to the Vanity who was passing by, saying: “Vanity, help me?”. “I can’t”, said the Vanity, “You’re all wet and if I take you, you are going to ruin my new boat”. Then the Love asked the Sadness for help: “Sadness, can I go with you?”... “Oh, Love! I’m so sad that I want to travel by myself”. The Happiness was sailing also, but it was so happy that it didn’t hear the Love when it was calling her. Desperate, the Love started to cry. That is when the Love heard a voice: “Come here Love, I’ll take you”. It was an old guy, but the Love was so happy, he forgot to ask the name of who was helping him. When the Love got to the new island, he asked the Wisdom: “Wisdom, who was the old guy who took me here?”... “It was the Time”, the Wisdom answered. “Time!... why was the Time the only one who wanted to save me?” The Wisdom answered: “Because Time is the only one capable of helping and understanding a great Love.”
News From This Blog
Sat.Sept.24.2005
Hello my friends! I haven't forgotten about you, although I'm still behind... Pedro
Monday.July.20.2005
Hello my friends! Sorry for the delay. I'll start posting again in July... Pedro
Monday.Nov.29.2004
There's a new link, under the Archives section, which says "Subscribe to my Blog and More..." Pedrito
Nov.23.04
My Blog's almost updated. Before this Friday I'll add Monday's entry. Take much care.
Nov.15.04
There are some days that say "Under Construction."
I'll start updating really soon.
Intro
The thoughts of a guy locked up in a Florida federal prison...
I'll try to write Mondays and Fridays...
About Me
- Name: P.M.
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