Friday, October 29, 2004
Birthdays...
Hello friends from Through the Walls. I hope that you’re all doing great. Yesterday was my 34th birthday. I’m getting old, but what’s one to do. None of my friends here knew it. I didn’t tell them, because they would have played tricks on me like throw water on me and stuff like that. Every time there’s someone’s birthday we play tricks on them, but I stayed quiet about mine. I’ve spent 6 birthdays behind bars, 6 Christmases and with the coming elections, it would be two that I’ve been here. I received greeting cards, letters, photos from relatives and friends, which are truly thanked from my heart.
Well, this is all for now. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Well, this is all for now. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Hope
Hope is not closing your eyes to the difficulties, risks or failures.
It’s knowing that if you fail now, you won’t fail forever, and if you get hurt, you’ll heal.
It’s knowing that life is good, love is powerful and the future is full of surprises.
- Anonymous -
Hope is not closing your eyes to the difficulties, risks or failures.
It’s knowing that if you fail now, you won’t fail forever, and if you get hurt, you’ll heal.
It’s knowing that life is good, love is powerful and the future is full of surprises.
- Anonymous -
Monday, October 25, 2004
A Mother's Thoughts
Hi, how’s everyone? Thanks for your support.
Well, I’m Annie, Pedro’s mom. Today he has asked me to write a message in his Blog to tell you about how a mom feels of having a son in jail.
I felt that my life gave me a hard hit. I wondered “why is life so hard on me... why all the obstacles in my way?” I felt my heart stripping and a deep pain in my chest that choked me. I pinched myself to see if it was all true or if I was having a horrible nightmare.
As a mother I felt I was missing a part of my life. It was hard to accept that my son would be incarcerated for so many years.
Then, I got closer to God, for there is nothing without Him and I asked him “my God, protect this being for whom I pray so much, for whom I implore you so much.” And God, like a loving Father, let peace into my heart and I know that my son is comforted, although sometimes as a mother I feel he has his moments of sadness which he knows how to overcome. I feel really proud of him, because he has known how to better himself despite this situation and to value his family even more. I know that we will all soon be together once again.
I wish to share with you this poem I wrote once after visiting Pedro (in April of 2004). During this visit I felt a quiet sadness in him. I titled it “Deep Sadness.”
Sincerely,
Annie Robles
Quiet Sadness
The visit ends,
our good-bye begins.
It is a hard moment
that I do not wish to prolong.
He walked crestfallen
trying to hide his woe;
but as a mother
I felt it all as well.
A deep sadness in his eyes
invaded with bitterness his heart.
He remained sitting there,
looking anxiously,
wishing in his soul
he could leave, too.
Oh!... what a huge pain
I feel in my chest.
A last look at my son
tore my soul to pieces...
- A. Robles -
Well, I’m Annie, Pedro’s mom. Today he has asked me to write a message in his Blog to tell you about how a mom feels of having a son in jail.
I felt that my life gave me a hard hit. I wondered “why is life so hard on me... why all the obstacles in my way?” I felt my heart stripping and a deep pain in my chest that choked me. I pinched myself to see if it was all true or if I was having a horrible nightmare.
As a mother I felt I was missing a part of my life. It was hard to accept that my son would be incarcerated for so many years.
Then, I got closer to God, for there is nothing without Him and I asked him “my God, protect this being for whom I pray so much, for whom I implore you so much.” And God, like a loving Father, let peace into my heart and I know that my son is comforted, although sometimes as a mother I feel he has his moments of sadness which he knows how to overcome. I feel really proud of him, because he has known how to better himself despite this situation and to value his family even more. I know that we will all soon be together once again.
I wish to share with you this poem I wrote once after visiting Pedro (in April of 2004). During this visit I felt a quiet sadness in him. I titled it “Deep Sadness.”
Sincerely,
Annie Robles
The visit ends,
our good-bye begins.
It is a hard moment
that I do not wish to prolong.
He walked crestfallen
trying to hide his woe;
but as a mother
I felt it all as well.
A deep sadness in his eyes
invaded with bitterness his heart.
He remained sitting there,
looking anxiously,
wishing in his soul
he could leave, too.
Oh!... what a huge pain
I feel in my chest.
A last look at my son
tore my soul to pieces...
- A. Robles -
Friday, October 22, 2004
Life’s Situations (continued)
Hello friends. I hope that you’re all doing fine.
This week everyone who was close to Pepo (the guy who was killed in Puerto Rico) got taken various photos to send to his family. It was about 30 of us who got photos taken. I still find it hard to believe what happened to him, but that’s the way it is. I wrote to his mom to give her at least some support through my letter. I thought a few times how I would write to her, because I couldn’t find the right words. The loss of a son is something really painful and not easy to face.
Well friends, this is all for now. Thanks for visiting this Blog. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Find Everyday Something that Inspires Gratitude
Have conscience every day of the beauty that surrounds you and full gratitude for friendship and family, for the kindness you find in others, for your health and for what you’re capable of doing. Have full acceptance of yourself and others, without conditions, judgements, knowing that differences and changes make life interesting. Appreciate as gifts the laughter and fun in your life and find comfort in knowing that you can always be capable of seeing the positive side.
- Barbara Cage -
This week everyone who was close to Pepo (the guy who was killed in Puerto Rico) got taken various photos to send to his family. It was about 30 of us who got photos taken. I still find it hard to believe what happened to him, but that’s the way it is. I wrote to his mom to give her at least some support through my letter. I thought a few times how I would write to her, because I couldn’t find the right words. The loss of a son is something really painful and not easy to face.
Well friends, this is all for now. Thanks for visiting this Blog. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Have conscience every day of the beauty that surrounds you and full gratitude for friendship and family, for the kindness you find in others, for your health and for what you’re capable of doing. Have full acceptance of yourself and others, without conditions, judgements, knowing that differences and changes make life interesting. Appreciate as gifts the laughter and fun in your life and find comfort in knowing that you can always be capable of seeing the positive side.
- Barbara Cage -
Monday, October 18, 2004
Life's Situations
Hello friends. I hope that you’re all doing great. I’m doing just fine.
Do you remember when I once told you about the reaction one feels at the time they free one of our inmate friends? Well, that time my good friend (Pepo), who I appreciated very much, was set free. Last Monday his co-defendant, who is also in here and a good friend of mine as well, went looking for me outside and told me that they’d killed Pepo in Puerto Rico. I was surprised, because I didn’t expect it, or at least I didn’t expect it so soon. He knew what could be waiting for him in PR, being that he had a few problems before being locked up, but who knew that after nine years in prison, death would be waiting. We used to tell him to stay over here, but his ambition for money was stronger than our advice. I can imagine how his mom might be feeling, but especially his daughter, for he was imprisoned when she was one year old. He was always in contact with her throughout the years and she loved him a lot and was proud of him.
Each day I think more and more about going to Puerto Rico when I get my freedom, because I don’t wish to stay in the US. If I don’t go to Puerto Rico, then I’m going to another state, but I won’t stay here in the US.
Well friends, this is all. Take much care and until next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Maintain Your Optimism
When life seems overwhelming and you can’t seem to do all that awaits you. When there isn’t any time left for resting and enjoyment. When the reward for all your efforts is little and you wonder if it’s worth it, if life might be this way, if this is all that the future holds.
Try to keep a positive attitude, thinking about the small blessing which happen every day without us noticing. Keep an open mind to the funny situations, because humor may rescue you from overwhelming situations.
And never forget that there are people who love you and who think of you; people who want to help and support your through the difficult times in your life; people who think you are very special; people who worry much about you.
- Barbara Cage -
Do you remember when I once told you about the reaction one feels at the time they free one of our inmate friends? Well, that time my good friend (Pepo), who I appreciated very much, was set free. Last Monday his co-defendant, who is also in here and a good friend of mine as well, went looking for me outside and told me that they’d killed Pepo in Puerto Rico. I was surprised, because I didn’t expect it, or at least I didn’t expect it so soon. He knew what could be waiting for him in PR, being that he had a few problems before being locked up, but who knew that after nine years in prison, death would be waiting. We used to tell him to stay over here, but his ambition for money was stronger than our advice. I can imagine how his mom might be feeling, but especially his daughter, for he was imprisoned when she was one year old. He was always in contact with her throughout the years and she loved him a lot and was proud of him.
Each day I think more and more about going to Puerto Rico when I get my freedom, because I don’t wish to stay in the US. If I don’t go to Puerto Rico, then I’m going to another state, but I won’t stay here in the US.
Well friends, this is all. Take much care and until next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
When life seems overwhelming and you can’t seem to do all that awaits you. When there isn’t any time left for resting and enjoyment. When the reward for all your efforts is little and you wonder if it’s worth it, if life might be this way, if this is all that the future holds.
Try to keep a positive attitude, thinking about the small blessing which happen every day without us noticing. Keep an open mind to the funny situations, because humor may rescue you from overwhelming situations.
And never forget that there are people who love you and who think of you; people who want to help and support your through the difficult times in your life; people who think you are very special; people who worry much about you.
- Barbara Cage -
Friday, October 15, 2004
Teachings
How are you? I hope that great. Soon will start another course of the Non-Violence Program. As facilitators (teachers) we have met together to figure out how we’re going to run the course this time. There are many people who wish to take the course. That’s why we’ll offer two classes, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I’m going to teach the afternoon class, because I don’t wish to get up early and teach the morning one. One never knows what will happen in that course, because there are always two or three people who with their questions make the class really fun. As the course goes by, I will keep informing you about it.
Well, this is all for now. Thanks for your support. And take good care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Gifts of the Heart
Trust...that whatever happens, there is someone who will understand.
Honesty...the feeling that you never need to hold back.
Peace...in being accepted for who you really are.
Beauty...in outlook more than appearance.
Freedom...to be yourself, to change, and to grow.
Joy...in every day, in every memory and in your hopes for the future.
Love...to last a lifetime, and perhaps beyond.
- D. L. Riepl -
Well, this is all for now. Thanks for your support. And take good care.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Trust...that whatever happens, there is someone who will understand.
Honesty...the feeling that you never need to hold back.
Peace...in being accepted for who you really are.
Beauty...in outlook more than appearance.
Freedom...to be yourself, to change, and to grow.
Joy...in every day, in every memory and in your hopes for the future.
Love...to last a lifetime, and perhaps beyond.
- D. L. Riepl -
Monday, October 11, 2004
Complaints
Hello. I hope that you’re all doing great. I’m doing fine, taking things easy from day to day, because every day that goes by is one day less to go from my sentence and I get closer to my precious freedom.
Today I wish to talk about the many times I complain for the littlest things, but reflecting upon it I realize that I shouldn’t do it. For example, the times I complain when I wake up in the morning and see the walls around me and I tell myself: “another day in this nightmare.” But what I should do is thank God for letting me see another day, because there have been many people who go to sleep to never open their eyes again.
Also, many times I complain about my bed, because the mattress is not too comfortable. But how many people in this world sleep on cardboard and without a roof over their heads. Other times I complain of the food they give us here, but there are millions of people who wish they could pick up the crumbs of bread I throw in the trash every day, because they don’t even have anything to eat.
Sometimes I get angry or desperate when my mom tells me something I don’t like, but how many people, who don’t have their mothers alive, wish they could hear them right now even if it’s a scold from them and to have them by their side. I complain about how much I have to go up and down the stairs to get to my Unit. And I haven’t thought about the handicapped inmates here who wish they could walk and climb up and down those stairs that I complain so much about.
I also complain, because sometimes the money that my relatives send me doesn’t cover much of my expenses. And they are probably denying themselves of buying things they need to send me that money. Other times I see the date of my freedom really far away, but I have friends who will never have that freedom which awaits me, because they’ll never get out of prison.
There are many times when we have to wait long lines just so we can talk on the phone and that really makes me impatient. But I don’t stop to think about many of my inmate friends here who don’t have anyone to call, because everyone, including their relatives, have turn their backs on them.
Sometimes I think that life is unfair, but we should think that even if problems sadden us, there are people out there with more problems than us.
Sincerely,
Pedro
The Everyday Miracles
Each day is full of miracles that seem so common that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate the marvel of the moment. With each baby born, each rainbow that glows, each smile we share, a miracle is born.
Sometimes we forget that miracles are not always spectacular, or happen once in a lifetime. Almost all miracles are much smaller. The best ones of all are those that happen every day and reflect the love and hope for nature and humankind.
Don’t ever forget to be glad of every small joy. If you only celebrate the most spectacular happenings, you’ll spend much time waiting for joy to find you. It’s better if you find that joy.
- Patty J. Rice -
Today I wish to talk about the many times I complain for the littlest things, but reflecting upon it I realize that I shouldn’t do it. For example, the times I complain when I wake up in the morning and see the walls around me and I tell myself: “another day in this nightmare.” But what I should do is thank God for letting me see another day, because there have been many people who go to sleep to never open their eyes again.
Also, many times I complain about my bed, because the mattress is not too comfortable. But how many people in this world sleep on cardboard and without a roof over their heads. Other times I complain of the food they give us here, but there are millions of people who wish they could pick up the crumbs of bread I throw in the trash every day, because they don’t even have anything to eat.
Sometimes I get angry or desperate when my mom tells me something I don’t like, but how many people, who don’t have their mothers alive, wish they could hear them right now even if it’s a scold from them and to have them by their side. I complain about how much I have to go up and down the stairs to get to my Unit. And I haven’t thought about the handicapped inmates here who wish they could walk and climb up and down those stairs that I complain so much about.
I also complain, because sometimes the money that my relatives send me doesn’t cover much of my expenses. And they are probably denying themselves of buying things they need to send me that money. Other times I see the date of my freedom really far away, but I have friends who will never have that freedom which awaits me, because they’ll never get out of prison.
There are many times when we have to wait long lines just so we can talk on the phone and that really makes me impatient. But I don’t stop to think about many of my inmate friends here who don’t have anyone to call, because everyone, including their relatives, have turn their backs on them.
Sometimes I think that life is unfair, but we should think that even if problems sadden us, there are people out there with more problems than us.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Each day is full of miracles that seem so common that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate the marvel of the moment. With each baby born, each rainbow that glows, each smile we share, a miracle is born.
Sometimes we forget that miracles are not always spectacular, or happen once in a lifetime. Almost all miracles are much smaller. The best ones of all are those that happen every day and reflect the love and hope for nature and humankind.
Don’t ever forget to be glad of every small joy. If you only celebrate the most spectacular happenings, you’ll spend much time waiting for joy to find you. It’s better if you find that joy.
- Patty J. Rice -
Friday, October 08, 2004
Snail Mail
How are you? I hope you’re doing fine. Thanks for supporting this Blog; please continue that way.
Once again I’d like to thank everyone who’s sent me e-mails for your words of support and encouragement. Many times I’m not able to reply, but I want you to know that I read all the messages you send, which give me strength to keep going in this difficult path.
I am surprised when I even receive messages from far away places like Indonesia, Spain, England and more. Is good to know that various people have liked my messages. I hope to always be able to write my messages in this Blog. You can also send me letters by postal mail so that I can receive them here; if you wish to do so, send me an e-mail (there’s a link on the right-hand menu) and I will e-mail you my postal address. And if you have a website or know of an interesting one, let me know so I can read it. I would like to know a bit about your countries as well.
This is all for know. See you.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Don’t Ever Abandon Hope
Life doesn’t always bring us the happiness we desire. Not always our hopes come true, or our dreams and not always do we get what we want. But don’t abandon hope, because you can make a difference on a situation and a person each time.
Look for the beauty that surrounds you in nature, in others, in yourself and belief in the love of friendships, family and humanity. You may find love in a smile, or a helping hand, in an understanding gesture, or in a kind word. It’s everywhere, you only have to look for it.
Give love, because you’ll find the power of life together with happiness, cheer, patience and understanding. Believe in the kindness of others and remember that anger and depression can be battled with love and hope.
Although it may seem that there is nothing you can do to change misfortune or other problems, there’s always a small thing that you can do, and a small thing each time can make a great difference in time.
- Barbara Cage -
Once again I’d like to thank everyone who’s sent me e-mails for your words of support and encouragement. Many times I’m not able to reply, but I want you to know that I read all the messages you send, which give me strength to keep going in this difficult path.
I am surprised when I even receive messages from far away places like Indonesia, Spain, England and more. Is good to know that various people have liked my messages. I hope to always be able to write my messages in this Blog. You can also send me letters by postal mail so that I can receive them here; if you wish to do so, send me an e-mail (there’s a link on the right-hand menu) and I will e-mail you my postal address. And if you have a website or know of an interesting one, let me know so I can read it. I would like to know a bit about your countries as well.
This is all for know. See you.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Life doesn’t always bring us the happiness we desire. Not always our hopes come true, or our dreams and not always do we get what we want. But don’t abandon hope, because you can make a difference on a situation and a person each time.
Look for the beauty that surrounds you in nature, in others, in yourself and belief in the love of friendships, family and humanity. You may find love in a smile, or a helping hand, in an understanding gesture, or in a kind word. It’s everywhere, you only have to look for it.
Give love, because you’ll find the power of life together with happiness, cheer, patience and understanding. Believe in the kindness of others and remember that anger and depression can be battled with love and hope.
Although it may seem that there is nothing you can do to change misfortune or other problems, there’s always a small thing that you can do, and a small thing each time can make a great difference in time.
- Barbara Cage -
Monday, October 04, 2004
New Beginnings
Friends, how are you? I hope that you’re all doing great. Thanks for supporting this Blog and remember that, God willing, it will post on Mondays and Fridays.
I finally took the test for the Drug Course. I thought I wasn’t going to do any good, because I didn’t study. But I found it to be easy and I passed it. I think that almost everyone passed; who knows if everyone.
I hope that of those of you who read my Blog, and who live in Florida, haven’t been affected much by the hurricanes that have gone through here. I’ve never seen anything like this before, that various consecutive hurricanes have gone through Florida. I hope that we don’t get any more.
Thanks again for visiting this Blog. See you next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Let Each Day Be a New Beginning
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
I finally took the test for the Drug Course. I thought I wasn’t going to do any good, because I didn’t study. But I found it to be easy and I passed it. I think that almost everyone passed; who knows if everyone.
I hope that of those of you who read my Blog, and who live in Florida, haven’t been affected much by the hurricanes that have gone through here. I’ve never seen anything like this before, that various consecutive hurricanes have gone through Florida. I hope that we don’t get any more.
Thanks again for visiting this Blog. See you next time.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Friday, October 01, 2004
Another Hurricane
Good morning, friends of Through the Walls. I hope that you’re all doing fine. As you know, another hurricane hit Florida and as always they locked us in our rooms for security reasons. There have been already three consecutive hurricanes (Charley, Frances and Jeanne); I hope there aren’t any more. It’s bad enough with them destroying many places; I don’t wish to be locked up in my room again. I already have enough without having my freedom; imagine how do I feel when I’m locked up in my room. I feel desperate, because I’m very hyperactive and I always have keep busy.
Well friends, this is all for now and thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Pedro
Do That Which Brings You Happiness
If you have certain anxiety to choose your life’s path, give yourself some time, go somewhere. Let go, give yourself freedom. Contemplate the depth of your soul and ask yourself what it is which brings you happiness.
Don’t take a certain path just because it seems that you should do it or because it was in your plans. Sometimes it takes much time to know what you want. Go for a walk, sit by the fire, contemplate a lake’s surface; go where you will find inspiration.
Try different things. Discovering what you should do, does not have anything to do with how much money you might earn, or who you can please. You should please yourself first, love yourself enough to discover that which will please you most.
In time you will find that which makes you happy. It is worth whatever time it takes you; you’re worth it.
- Carol Howard -
Well friends, this is all for now and thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Pedro
If you have certain anxiety to choose your life’s path, give yourself some time, go somewhere. Let go, give yourself freedom. Contemplate the depth of your soul and ask yourself what it is which brings you happiness.
Don’t take a certain path just because it seems that you should do it or because it was in your plans. Sometimes it takes much time to know what you want. Go for a walk, sit by the fire, contemplate a lake’s surface; go where you will find inspiration.
Try different things. Discovering what you should do, does not have anything to do with how much money you might earn, or who you can please. You should please yourself first, love yourself enough to discover that which will please you most.
In time you will find that which makes you happy. It is worth whatever time it takes you; you’re worth it.
- Carol Howard -
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...
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- Name: P.M.
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