Who Am I

I am James' mom. He writes to me and a few other people nearly every day. Being able to speak to us through his writing and knowing we hear him keeps him going. This blog is for him so that he can let others know what takes place behind the concrete and steel walls and the locked doors of the prison where he currently resides. Some of the letters were written prior to his incarceration and reflect the difficult life he has led.

I welcome constructive comments and encouragement for him. His entire life has been a struggle. Intellectually gifted, he never managed to fit in with his peers. After his unsuccessful suicide attempt in 1982, he faced major problems associated with trauma to his brain. However, when you read his letters, you will see that his dry humor and wit managed to survive. This has always been part of his nature.

My own story is pretty normal. I retired from a career in the finance department of a large corporation in 1999. I acquired a Master's Degree in Business (M.B.A.) and an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling.

Divorced twice, I am now remarried to a wonderful man who is also retired. We stay busy with projects at home, and I write, play my mountain dulcimer and bowed psaltery, play bridge, stay active in my philanthropic group, and try to stay fit by swimming, going to Zumba class, and walking. I also like to cook, read mysteries, garden and watch my favorite TV shows.