Letter 23

April 20, 2011


Dear Mom,


Happy Easter to you, too! I have the Easter card you sent me posted prominently in the doorway. I think it is hilarious. It is an example of the kind of "funny" I didn't need to think about, I just laughed immediately when I saw it. Where did you get it? It's the type of humor that transcends this time of year. It might be a salvageable holiday for me after all, though I wish I could see an egg coloring kit and eat some chocolate to celebrate the occasion.


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


My celly and I were in our cells this morning (where else?) and I had just started to get my day straight when three guards came in looking for something with handwriting on it. The reason being, as I later found out, some guy keeps writing notes to the Lt.'s and Captain without including a name. This prompted me to say something ridiculously foolish that I could not unsay to one of them. Too late. I can't remember exactly what I said, but my point is I didn't get my filter turned on before I shot my mouth off to a guy with the power to make my time here unbearable if he chose to do that. Fortunately, the guard I spoke to had bigger things to contend with than the mouse that roared.


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


Much love and best wishes,


James