I just got off the phone with the birthmother of my younger son. It was an open adoption when he was born in 1996, and we've stayed in touch. She's now in a half-way house and will be released back to where her family lives in mid-January. She seems in a good head space, and I was so happy to catch up.
I told her about discovering Stephen's Table. This is the group you met awhile back, and signed up to have someone write with you (which may not have happened yet). She affirmed that getting mail makes a difference. She affirmed that there are a lot of people who don't get any visitors or mail.
Even before I got this "thumbs up" from her, I've really enjoyed writing with three guys this year. Last month I met with the Chattanooga Endeavors staff to learn more about their work. I heard that they are short on volunteers to write to those people who've requested it. In the new year, I want to help them find some more volunteers. But for this month, I wanted to stand in the gap and to send you something.
Since November, I've been thinking a lot about you, and others who are spending the holidays in prison. The Christmas songs tell about this being "the most wonderful time of the year," but it can also be a really tough time for many. With all the traditions and hype, it compounds sadness for those of us who are having a tough time.
There have been a few years for me feeling blue during this season. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and I'm a Christian ~ I have every reason to feel festive December! However, whether it was living overseas & away from extended family (for 17 years), or a rebellious season for one of my children (since 2009), or the death of a parent (2015, 2016, and 2019), there have been some sad holiday seasons for me.
I've never been in prison, though. So, I can't really know what it is like for you. I wanted to write to you and tell you that you are not forgotten, and that someone is thinking about you! I'm sure I'm not the only one. I don't know you personally, but here are some things I know about you:
· You are part of the human race, and valuablebecause you are uniquely and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
· You are skilled. (You can read this, can't you? So many in the world today still can't read!)
· You have the capacity to learn and take on more skills.
· You are able to problem solve.
· You are creative. Yes. Everyone is creative...even if you've not realized it yet.
· You have the capacity to choose to think positively when negative thoughts enter your mind. And then,
· You can influence others for good.
So, there you have it. A short list of some of the powerful, valuable things about you!
Note 8/29/20 ~ This letter got a bunch of responses. I wasn't expecting it, but now 13 are writing to me.
Some of their letters are so touching, or sad, or earnest.
I was hoping to spend my time recruiting more volunteers this year,
but Covid has made that difficult!
But it also has given me more extra time.
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