Okay - I FINALLY heard from Pelican Bay!

songbird · #1 05-06-2003, 09:41 PM

After waiting and fretting all over this site about my long lost friend, Max, who is in Pelican Bay for 108 years to life, I finally got a letter!!! I got 3 in one day (yesterday) to be exact!!! And one of the letters was 7 pages long, both sides, on LEGAL size paper!!!

So all my worrying was for nothing. He was VERY glad to hear from me, and definitely wants to keep in touch. Yes, he is in the SHU, and that this was his second trip there. Apparently he was there once since being returned to prison in 1996, then got out, then went back in again, and has been there for 2 years, and is up for review again in 6 months. He also said he is working on getting his sentence reviewed - that stupid 108 years to life sentence. He said they took his four counts, which all occurred at the same time, and made them separate, and then used 2 prior felonies that were not supposed to be counted as part of the 3 strikes law because of how long ago they took place. He said what I said - that he got railroaded and even the jailhouse lawyers said so. However, his appeal was denied. So he is working on his own, and his family does have a lawyer. He said that if they did what they were supposed to do, and not count each one separate but as one crime, his max would have been 12 years and since he has been in for 7, he probably would be out by now (there would have been no 3rd strike). So I am praying real hard for him.

He was in real high spirits. He is amazing - his attitude was so optimistic. He never complained (except about his unfair sentence, and then only for a second), never blamed anyone else for his situation, said it was his bad choices, never tried to garner pity or sympathy from me. He was just optimistic and said "I got myself in here, and I'll get myself out. It will just take time. And I will never stop working to get out and never give up hope." He also said (about SHU, because I told him how upset I was to find out about that place), "it's not that bad. Don't believe all those things you read. The writers don't know what's really going on. Only we who are back here know the real story. I'm fine, really I am. Don't worry about me at all." He said you just gotta make up in your mind to be strong-minded while in there, and tell yourself you're gonna make it. He also must have SOME contact with at least one other person, because he is working on some art project with one of his homies. I have to say, he cheered me up more than I cheered him up. He made me feel a whole lot better. He said that hearing from me was the best thing that has happened to him since being put back in. And I was worried he wouldn't want to hear from me or write back . . . .

So KConnor and BSS - thanks for the encouragement, and for saying that you know I will hear from him - to just chill out! For KNOWING because of your experience . . . and sharing your experiences with us all.

Kathy · #2 05-07-2003, 12:50 AM

Songbird,

So glad to hear he wrote! Now, ask him when his Birthday is and we will put him on the list and get him a Card!

Love
Kathy

BillysAngel · #3 05-07-2003, 06:40 AM

That is wonderful news. I am so happy that you finally heard from him. It sounds like he has his head on straight, which is good!!

Looking forward to hearing more...
diane

lulu · #4 05-07-2003, 10:36 AM

This is wonderful news. I am glad that he has wrote

chuysruca · #5 05-07-2003, 08:50 PM

Dear Songbird:

I have been writing to a guy at Pelican Bay for a few months now and, although it's not Max, they seem to have a lot in common. He, too, has a very upbeat attitude and is a wonderful artist. His zany sense of humor is contagious, and his realistic spin on the world is inspiring. I'm glad you and Max finally re-connected. Take care.

songbird · #6 05-07-2003, 09:05 PM

Thanks so much everyone!! I am looking forward to more letters from him. The more I read his letters (over and over!!), the more I see what a wonderful person he is. He made a mistake, like many of these people in prison, but on the inside they're just like you and me. And he is truly an honorable and admirable person. I wish I could write everything he said to me. I am just humbled by his thoughts and opinions of me, remembering back to our friendship years ago. I had no idea he felt that way, no idea I touched his life like that. It just goes to show - you never know how much your kindness, friendship and deeds (no matter how small or insignificant they seem to you at the time) are affecting those whose lives you choose to be a part of. And now, in the midst of my somewhat depressing life (divorce, single motherhood, etc), he is the one who is lifting me up - from a prison cell no less - because he remembers the kindness and friendship I showed him 15 years ago. You reap what you sow - thank You, God, that I sowed good seeds in my past!!!