Letter 20

April 20, 2011


Dear Mom,


Happy Easter to you, too! I've got the Easter card you sent me posted prominently in the doorway. I think it is hilarious. The kind of funny humor I didn't need to think about at all; when I saw it I laughed immediately. Where did you get it? That type of humor transcends this time of year. I think it might be a salvageable holiday for me after all, although I wish I could see an egg coloring kit and eat some chocolate.


I want you to know I actually have a point to writing you this time. I'm now officially a student here. After many failed attempts, I finally met with some reasonable success. I have to start at the bottom level and work my way to the top, hopefully after I get my TABE scores figured out. I don't imagine they will hit me with anything challenging. I mean, I think I'm a fairly smart guy. I'm nervous; it has been awhile since I've been in a classroom. I guess I have reason to be nervous.


Jesus and I were in our cell this morning (where else?) and I'd just started getting the day put on straight when three guards came in looking for something with hand writing on it. I later found out that the reason for this was that some guy keeps writing notes to the Lt. and Captain without including his name. This prompted me to say something ridiculously foolish to one of the guards. I can't remember just what it was I said, but unfortunately my filter wasn't turned on before I shot my mouth off. These guards have the power to make my life unbearable if they choose. Fortunately, the guard I spoke to had bigger things to contend with than the mouse that roared.


It is Wednesday evening now, and not a shower night. It shows to go that I don't do all my letter writing on shower nights. Unfortunately, this has just about exhausted my repertoire. Please know that I'd much rather spend Easter with family than thugs and predators. At least I'm not back in"Egypt" (Lake C.I.) still. In any case, I'll close this now.


Much love and best wishes,
James