Through the Walls

Monday, August 30, 2004


Keep on Going


Friends, I hope that you’re all doing great. Thanks for your support. Tomorrow it will be three months that I’ve been doing this Blog. It seems like only yesterday that I started it. I never hoped that this page would have such good acceptance, but now I see I was wrong. And I thank you with all my heart, one and a thousand times, for your comments and messages of support. I always try to answer your messages as soon as possible, being that I truly value the time you take to read my Blog. I would like to write back to all of you, but sometimes I get anonymous messages and I can’t answer them directly, but I thank them as well, being that you’re all showing me your support. Although I wonder a bit if it’s someone I know. Either way, I really thank you.

I wish I would write in this Blog every day, but it’s impossible for me to do that. What I do wish to do once I get out of here, is keep communicating better with you, being through letters, emails, phone or even chatting on the computer. Because every time you visit my Blog, for me it’s like you’re giving me a little push to keep going through this odyssey and that’s really important for me. Thanks again.

Follow Your Destiny Wherever it may Lead You


There’s a moment in life when you understand that it’s time to change and that if you don’t do it, nothing ever could change. You understand that if when you fail you have no courage to start again, life will carry on without you. Happiness doesn’t always accompany us and our life sometimes turns different that we imagined. Not always are our days going to bring what we hope for. Without understanding why, sometimes they take an unpredictable path that not even in your dreams they would have peered. But the same way, if you don’t encourage yourself to choose a path, or realize a dream, you’re in danger of wandering and getting lost. Better yet to ask yourself with much eagerness, why your life has become what it is now. Accept the open path that awaits you.

Forget about what used to be, don’t confuse yourself. That’s already happened. Only the present matters. The past is only and illusion and the future doesn’t exist yet. But we live in today. Measure your steps one by one. With your head up high, don’t fear to dream, or to look at the stars. A bit more patience, your hardiness will return and you’ll find your way. A path more beautiful and peaceful than you have imagined will take your wherever you want it lo lead you, fulfilling all your wishes. Don’t lose faith in your strength and take that new path. You’ll see that it’s full of happiness, adventures and delight, like you never imagined in your dreams.

(Author: Vicky Silvers)

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Friday, August 27, 2004


Graduation (Non-Violence Program)


Hello my friends. I hope that you’re all doing great as well as your family. I wish to thank everyone who has left messages and words of support for me. Things like these give me the strength to keep writing this Blog. Once again, thanks so much.

Last weekend was the graduation for the students of the Non-Violence Program. That day, speakers from different organizations, like: The Alternatives to Violence Group, Mothers with Sons in Jail, etc, are invited. Also, the grads may invite their relatives to the ceremony and share some time with them.

Happiness can be seen on the faces of the relatives when their sons, brothers, fathers, nephews, etc..., are called up front to receive their diplomas. They can see that we’re not here wasting our time; we’re trying to get ahead so that when we get our freedom, we can be someone of good.

Many of us who are in here have good families who worry about us and they hurt to see us go through this situation, even if they don’t want to show it in front of us for fear of us getting depressed.

This is all for today. Later.

Sincerely,

Pedrito

Be Strong, And Never Give Up


Remember... there is a deeper strength and an amazing abundance of peace available to you. Draw from this well; call on your faith to uphold you.

You will make it through any difficult time and find joy in life again. Life continues around us, even when our troubles seem to stop time.

There is good in life every day. Take a few minutes to distract yourself from your concerns – long enough to draw strength from a tree or to find pleasure in a bird's song.

Return a smile. Realize that life is a series of levels, cycles of ups and downs – some easy, some challenging. Through it all, we learn; we grow strong in faith; we mature in understanding.

The difficult times are often the best teachers, and there is good to be found in all
situations. Reach for the good. Be strong, and don't ever give up.

(Author: Pamela Owens Renfro)

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Monday, August 23, 2004


The Best


Hello friends! Thanks for your support. I really like Britney Spears’ new song (Everytime). In the song she says she feels lost without her wings (partner). If you have some time to listen to this song in detail, you’ll see how beautiful its lyrics are. And I know that at least one time in your lives you’ve felt this way. I say one time, but it could be a few times. It’s not easy at all to separate from the person you love, but sometimes, even if you don’t think of it that way, it’s the best for both. Well, here I leave you with a really beautiful and positive message.

Pedro

Do the Best You Can


When life seems to bring nothing but a string of defeats and disappointments, we’ve got to have faith that something good is still in store for us. With this faith we can forge ahead and continue to put forth our best effort. Without it, we give up and accept what comes our way, good or bad. Our precious dreams begin to seem absurdities.

It is imperative that we see ourselves as worthy and deserving of a good life. There may be rejections; it may take us a while; but as long as we stay in the game, there’s every chance we’ll score. On the sidelines, we can only watch as others do the work and the winning.

(Author: Eric V. Copage)

posted by P.M., 12:09 AM | link | 0 comments Email This Post

Friday, August 20, 2004


Another Course I'm Taking...


Hello friends. I hope that you’re all doing great. I’ve started taking a course about the effects of drugs. It’s called: Drug Program of 40 hours. I thought it was going to be a boring class, but I was wrong, because it’s proved to be pleasant and fun. They’re on Mondays and Wednesdays, two hours each day and it lasts about three months. I’ve learned various things that I never imagined could be used as drugs. I won’t mention them, because I don’t wish that any minor who reads my Blog, starts experimenting with that. There are various types of drugs that could be purchased at any store. I was startled when the teacher showed us all those things. I’ve only taken four classes so far and I’ve liked them a lot.

The Four Agreements


1. Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

(Author: Don Miguel Ruiz)

posted by P.M., 11:12 AM | link | 0 comments Email This Post

Monday, August 16, 2004


Domestic Violence


How are you? I hope you’re all doing great and enjoying this Blog, and I wish it’s of some encouragement to your daily lives. Today I was reading a message, which really got my attention, because what it says is a reality. It’s about domestic violence. I don’t support men who beat up women, I see it as very wrong. I can’t find a logical reason for a man to have the right to beat a woman. I’d rather end the relationship than lay a hand on her. I don’t know how there are still women out there who let their spouses do this to them. Perhaps because of fear, or their children or because of what others might think. I hope that if any woman who’s reading my Blog is going through this type of situation, that she arms herself with courage and takes the necessary action. Here you have the message I read and really impacted me. Thanks for your unconditional support and good luck in everything you do.

I Got Flowers Today


I got flowers today. It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said, because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day. Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare, I couldn’t believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. And it’s not Valentine’s Day or any other special day. Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me. Not even make-up or long sleeves could hide the cuts and bruises he caused me this time. I couldn’t go to work today, because I didn’t want anyone to find out. But I know he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today, and it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day. Last night, he beat me up again and it was much worse than all the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? I’m afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral. Last night, he finally killed me; he beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him; if I only I had accepted professional help. I would not have gotten flowers today.

(Author: Anonymous)

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Friday, August 13, 2004


The Purpose of this Blog


Hello. I’ve been thinking these last few days about this page... what makes me write it. When I decided to make this Blog was when my sister printed out and sent me various Blogs. When I read them, I liked them and thought I’d like to make one as well, but I didn’t know about what, being that there’s not much to tell from inside this prison. But one day as I was reading a book about inspirational stories, which gave me much encouragement, I decided that my Blog would be about positive and inspirational messages. And that’s how this page was born and I named it: Through the Walls, because it is from inside these walls that I’ll keep sending encouraging messages for all those who visit this Blog, hoping that they help you in one way or another.

Inspirational Messages


1. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. (Helen Keller)

2. Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit. (Napoleon Hill)

3. History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. (B. C. Forbes)

4. It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

5. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. (Anne Eleanor Roosevelt)

6. There comes that mysterious meeting in life when someone acknowledges who we are and what we can be, igniting the circuits of our highest potential. (Rusty Berkus)

7. A happy person is not anybody that is in a certain series of circumstances, but rather anybody that adopts a certain series of attitudes. (A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul. - Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen)

8. The most beautiful and better things in the world, cannot be seen nor touched... but they’re felt in the heart. (Helen Adams Keller)

9. Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. (Albert Schweitzer)

10. Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. (Helen Keller)

11. The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse. (Helen Keller)

12. I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do. (Helen Keller)

13. Life is a song - sing it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a dream - realize it.
Life is a sacrifice - offer it.
Life is love - enjoy it.
(Sai Baba)

posted by P.M., 10:45 AM | link | 0 comments Email This Post

Monday, August 09, 2004


Change


How are you? I hope that you’re all doing great. I’m doing fine, although I was a bit sick last week. Well, a few days ago, a very good friend of mine wrote and told me that her boyfriend wishes her to change, attitude-wise, being that she doesn’t give her arm to twist. But honestly, I can’t understand, because she’s a real sweetie, and also a hard-worker, a struggler, good mother, good friend and all in all, she’s a wonderful person. I wrote her back and told her that in my opinion, she doesn’t need to change, but if she has to change, it has to be because she wants that change herself. And if he when he met her, accepted her like that, then he doesn’t need to complain now. Here’s something about that topic.

Bye.

Sincerely,

Pedro

Change


You cannot change other people. You love them the way they are or you don’t. You accept them the way they are or you don’t. But sometimes we try to change them; why can’t we allow a person to be itself and love them just the way that person is, without trying to change them? Sometimes we think, what if I am not with the right person? And what is the right person? Someone who wants to go in the same direction as you do, someone compatible with your views and your values. But the right person for you is the one you love just the way that person is, the one you don’t have the need to change at all. Because if someone wants to change you, it means you are not what that person wants.

posted by P.M., 11:02 AM | link | 0 comments Email This Post

Friday, August 06, 2004


What goes on in Here


Welcome to this, your Blog. Today I will tell you about things in here, because I imagine that many people think, or at least, they have the wrong idea about prisons. Most people think that it’s like they see in the movies: a building with a few floors with lots of gates everywhere and that there’s much violece. Although I imagine that some prisons might be like that, the ones I’ve been in haven’t been like that. Like for example, this one seems like a small community.

For starters, we have a Vocational school where they have drafting, electricity, plumbing, building construction, computer and typing classes. Also, there’s the regular school where they teach English, Math, and G.E.D. courses. They have a very ample library and it has a law area. There’s a small store which has many products for sale. They have everything, from personal products to food. There’s a chappel for the different religion denominations, too. We have a barber shop and a laudry. And a medical and psychology area. We also have the visit salon for our relatives and loved ones. The dining room is huge and they have good food (sometimes). They have a furniture factory which employs people in this prison. And finally, we have the yard which is immense and it has basketball (3), handball (6), racquetball (1), paddleball (1) and volleyball (2) courts, baseball (2), soccer (1) and flag football (1) parks, and a track. Oh and there’s also an activity center with pool tables (4), stationery bikes and a few rooms to play musical instruments.

As you can see, it’s not too bad in here, but there’s nothing more precious than freedom and seeing my loved ones every day.

Sincerely,

Pedro

Prevail in every Aspect of your Life


People only obtain what they look for. Choose your ideals with care. Learn what you like and what you don’t like. Be critical with what you do well and with what you don’t do well. Choose a career or a lifestyle that interests you and work hard so that it is a success, but also enjoy what you do. Be honest with people and help with what you can, but don’t depend on someone to make your life easier or happier; only you can obtain this on your own. Be strong and decided, but stay sensible. Consider your family and the idea of a family, because that’s the foundation of security, support and love.

Understand what you are and what you want in life, before sharing it with someone. When you’re ready to begin a relationship, make sure that the person is worth in everything like you, physically and mentally. Fight to reach everything that you want. Find happiness in everything that you do. Love with all your being; love with an uninhibited soul. Prevail in every aspect of your life.

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Monday, August 02, 2004


Visits


Friends, I hope that you’re all well and thanks for your support and words of encouragement. I thank you with all my heart.

Yesterday, I went to my visit and I tell ya, I had a great time. My youngest son and my mother came to see me. I had so much fun with them. Also, there were a few of my cell mates with their respective families. Everyone enjoys their visits so much, especially me, because I feel as if I’m not in prison. The stress, worries and everything else, are forgotten while one is sharing with parents, sons, partner or simply friends. It’s like being in another world, as one enters the visiting room. Although at the time of saying good-bye it gets a bit saddening and one wishes to say so many things to the visits, and sometimes we forget to tell them how much we appreciate them having time for us. For example, I try to tell them how much I love them, because I don’t know if this will be the last time I see them, God forbid, but one never knows. I think that when a person is in prison or in a hospital, they know who are really their friends. If it weren’t for family or the few friends who write or visit, the time while in prison would be so lonely.

Bye.

Sincerely,

Pedro

You’ll Know


You will know of the pain of being alone and the pain of being with many.
You will know how dark the nights are and how long the days can be.
You will know of the hunger of the skin and the anguish of the spirit.
You will know of the treason of the loyal ones and the hard cruelty of the "perfect ones".
You will know of hoping without peace and waiting in fear.
You will know that it is already late and, in addition, almost impossible.
You will know that others do not understand and, in addition, they do not care.
You will know of the desertion of yours and the scorn of everyone.
You will know that will not be forgiven or be paid attention.
You will know that you are the last one and still less.

But also you will know:

That pain redeems,
That solitude cures,
That Faith grows,
That love helps,
That understanding encourages,
That hope maintains,
That forgetfulness mitigates,
That forgiveness fortifies,
That everything is in you
and HE is with you.

(Author: Pope John XXIII)

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