“Well, you have the opportunity to do something different. I got a question for you. Don’t answer it out loud. Don’t answer it for me. Answer it for you,” Thomas said. “You really get off on telling people what to do don’t you,” Ricky interrupted. “When was the last time that you?” Thomas paused and then threw a pen and a pad at Ricky, “Wrote to your son?” “I didn’t mean for it to happen,” Ricky replied with his eyes full of tears.
“What are you after?” Thomas asked. “Not even sure if I ever was in love,” he said with a tear streaming slowly down his cheek. “It really wasn’t supposed to happen.” It was a college party. He was there with his frat buddies. But he as more interested in making money. “I don’t even know you anymore!” His girl since high school scorned. “You really think I care? I can get any woman I want. Ain’t that right? Come here you.” He motioned his hand, waved her to him. She was very susceptible since she took what he called, ‘A piece of white heaven.’ Five minutes later he was doing her in a bed.
“Hey,” Rcky said calmly to his mother during visiting hour, The room was like being inside of a box. “Thanks for visiting me in this box. Ricky always said to his mother. His tone was getting brighter and cheerier as the weeks passed. Yet his mother could sense something was wrong, “What is it?” he asked. “When was the last time you saw…” “Jakel.” His mother interrupted. “I been seeing him more over the passed year,” She paused “Damn,” he muttered.
Would you like me to bring Jakel with me?” She asked. Ricky wanted his mother to leave. He didn’t want to think about his son seeing him in there. “Maybe later,” Ricky replied. “You know that maybe sooner is better than later,” his mother replied. “I’ve written this,” Ricky replied as he handed her the folded letter he wrote.
About a week ago, “I don’t even know what to write?” Ricky said defeated with his head down. Thomas remained calm, “Well with your head down you can always take this opportunity to pray for God’s guidance.”
“Just ask him more questions about himself than you talk
about yourself.”
“So, how’s your school year going? What sports do you enjoy?
I’m getting very smart up in here. Learning about things I never knew before.
Seems like the more I learn, the more I want to know.”
Weeks later:
“Well, Ricky,
this is our last session. I appreciate learning from you,” Thomas Moon said
with a warm grin. “You learned from me? It’s because of you that I’m tight with
my son again.” While Ricky gave his praises he remembered the visit during
Thanksgiving with his mother and son. Almost a year ago, he would have been
resentful that he was forced to spend Thanksgiving behind bars. Yet now he was
grateful to have his son and his mother back in his life. He had a guard take a
photo of him. While he was working in the trade shop he was able to burn the
picture onto his twenty four hour chip.
“Well, we’ve
made some arrangements for you. Are you ready?” Thomas Moon asked. Reverend
Span came to the jail AA meeting after being telephoned by Thomas, “I have
someone for you.” At the time, Span was looking at photo albums. He was
reflecting on his past. He remembered the first church he was appointed to. He
had just came back from Nam. Went through so many struggles. Used to try to
drink what he saw away. His father raised him. Told him one day, “Son, talk
about it and you’ll be free.” And he talked his way into preaching
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