Family, Friends and Prison

How have my relationships with family and friends changed since I've been imprisoned?

As I matured, I became more skillful to express myself and develop a focused theory of mind. I could understand what others thought from their point of view. With my parents standing by my side I had a guard rail. They kept me from driving over the edge.

Pent up rage is dangerous.

However, due to the tech advantages my parents are not able to visit as often as they used too. Now enters my sister. She is a mother of three, a grown woman. But I cannot picture her in that capacity of motherhood. When I started this ordeal she had pony tails in primary school. She and I talk over the phone, but it is not the same as being in each other’s company. Our bond has grown over the years. I make sure I have enough money on my phone account to check-in with her. I refuse to allow distance to separate us.

My brother and I had a stronger bond since we grew up together. Our relationship hit a little different. There are circumstances that are not in our favor at the moment to communicate. But like the rest of them there is no weak link in the chain. Our love for each other is undeniable. It is like you know something is there, and you feel its presence. Spirituality ties this presence together. I've held on to it through this journey.

Friends are vetted before I expose myself. This is for my protection. Sometimes people are not what they show you. You might believe that you shouldn't make friends in these conditions.

At one point I decided that I had enough friends. Only to realize that it will happen regardless. My spirit wouldn't allow it.

I've continued to meet wonderful people from all walks of life by networking, inside and outside of prison. So instead of accepting anybody with standup qualities, I refined my process to be keen on strong character traits like how to talk to women, how views are expressed, integrity, and not friend possessive.