tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121150673263413209.post1470854554831400679..comments2023-10-29T08:17:04.833-05:00Comments on Rocks and Thorns: The “T” WordDoug Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02963733768402746175noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121150673263413209.post-41565945897644987772016-09-25T21:54:06.071-05:002016-09-25T21:54:06.071-05:00This is an issue that has been on my mind a lot. J...This is an issue that has been on my mind a lot. Jamie (mynameisjamie.net) still has over 6 years to do if he doesn't make parole, which is doubtful because he has never been able to participate in anything to improve himself and that will show. He has expressed concern. he wasn't able to complete tenth grade. I don't know how yet, but I have to trust things will come together the way they should. The power of a positive focus helps him keep it together. I know, being black will be an extra deterrent. He has said he would like to work with kids, using his life as an example of what can happen so easily. Of course that means school. He has to understand that, although hard, his determination matters. Getting back to society when you are almost 40, having spent no time in that society is scary. He said in a recent letter that he is aware of computers but there was no internet back then so learning to live today is a shock to the system because he realizes how little he knows. He calls me mom and I knew a long time ago that I was taking on a commitment that needed to be real and see it through, otherwise he would be too broken and give up. Fighting depression right now is one of the hardest battles - keeping him looking ahead.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545140685887650782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121150673263413209.post-4298646722394310342016-01-20T07:38:01.946-06:002016-01-20T07:38:01.946-06:00HI Kathleen,
I'm definitely not hopeless, for ...HI Kathleen,<br />I'm definitely not hopeless, for myself or your daughter. I wrote the post as an advocate, raising awareness and pressing for change. I'm on a panel discussion today at the Capitol, where I'll talk about housing and collateral consequences. People are listening. In the meantime, everything your daughter is doing matters - staying sober, getting involved in positive activities, improving her education/skills. I found my dream job despite the criminal record, and I'll eventually find a place to live. I'm very hopeful for your daughter. If you'd like help or information, contact me at my office - dsmith@texascjc.org. <br />Best Regards,<br />Doug Doug Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02963733768402746175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121150673263413209.post-21482950558154837832016-01-18T14:38:57.749-06:002016-01-18T14:38:57.749-06:00I hope things change. My daughter is incarcerated...I hope things change. My daughter is incarcerated and now that she has been clean an sober for 4 years, she is such an awesome person. I worry for her that when she gets out she will never be able to find a job or housing.Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07544974003528351211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121150673263413209.post-25677559018888161972016-01-15T16:15:01.015-06:002016-01-15T16:15:01.015-06:00Another great post!!!Another great post!!!dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00970548997575328691noreply@blogger.com