Don’t Give Up

I was talking today with an x-prisoner who has a history of mental illness.  He is trying to regain his SSI benefits and was asking about how to follow up on an appeal after being denied.  We talked for a while, and I told him, “Don’t give up.”  He replied: “I won’t.  You have been there visiting me in jail and encouraging me.”  I said, “Yes, and if it weren’t for Judge M, you’d still be locked up!”  He said, “Not just him, but you too!”  (I had interceded with the judge for a more lenient sentence, and the judge told me later that he followed my suggestion because of my interest in and concern for the inmate).  I’m told that it really does make a difference when an advocate appears in court with our guests who have no one to be there for them. 

By the way, when this inmate went on to the prison system, I did not hear from him until he was released a couple of years later (just a few months ago).  He told me that he didn’t want to bother me any more after what I had already done for him while he was in jail.  He is living in a shelter, taking his medication, wants permanent housing and is keeping himself clean of drugs and alcohol while doing what he needs to do.  He is grateful to be free. -Br. Bob