Ninth Visit to Taft

As I wound down the Grapevine on Friday, just after dawn, a beautiful sight awaited me. On both sides of the freeway for about two miles, was a blanket of purple wildflowers. It was magnificent, and after seeing that, I knew it was going to be a great day. It was.

The weater is warm at Taft during the days now, and Ron works in the garden four days a week, so he came for our visit looking strong, tan and fit. Even though he wears a hat most of the time, he still has a nice tan and looks very well. How do any two people have so much to talk about? We talk on the phone for 5-7 minutes a day, yet we talked for six hours on Friday. I usually make a list of what I want to talk to him about. Can't I remember? No. I almost always walk out of there and then think of something I wanted to discuss with him. Oh, well, I guess I'm just showing my age.

I said last week that I would tell you about some of the things Ron and other inmates are doing to help each other while at Taft. First, I must say that the inmates consider each other extended family, and in some cases, the only family they have. They are each other's daily support system, confidant, psychriatrist, and anything else you can think of. There is one man who has been there 16 months and has never had a visitor. How devastating that must be, so you can see how they need each other.

The level of education of inmates at Taft goes from Doctors, Phd's, judges, lawyers, accountants and businessmen at the top end, to some with just a third grade education. Each man has something to offer his fellow inmates at one time or another. Ron knows of a man who cannot read, and when he gets letters from home he finds a friend (it has to be someone he trusts not to make fun of his illiteracy) to read him his mail. Ron is on the unofficial welcome committee. New people are always coming in, and he has taken it upon himself to make them feel safe and get them acclimated. He remembers all too well his first 11 days at Taft, and the night he arrived with no mattress, no clothes or toiletries, and someone helped him out. He said that no one should feel the way he felt that night, so he is always there to greet the new arrivals. There is a non denominational chaplain on duty at all times, so Ron takes the new arrival there first, where he is given a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Then Ron helps him to get his mattress and bedding, and a few articles of clothes. There is no one there to help you out in the beginning, and if you're not an outgoing guy, it might be very difficult.

Ron is also helping at Taft in the sports program. They have several excellent softball teams, and since he is an official umpire, he spends many afternoons umpiring the games. He loves it and they love having someone official to umpire the game. He hopes sometime soon to be able to get some of the many seniors involved in softball and have a few teams just for seniors. He feels anything you can do to help the time pass and stay productive is worthwhile.

Ron will also become the new secretary of the Toastmaster's group. He loves this organization for several reasons. First, it gives him a chance to learn more about the background and lives of those that speak (he says some of these men are amazing) and second, it gives him an opportunity to speak in front of a group, something he enjoys and is very good at.

Finally, Ron is always available to help other inmates with anything they are having a problem with. Most of the men there are helpful too, but Ron is a good listener, and people respect his opinion. A personal problem is often talked out and a solution found. There is a wealth of information, intelligence and street smarts within the 600 men, so there should be no problem they can't solve together. As I said earlier, these men consider each other extended family while they're incarcerated, and they share a great deal with each other.

I'm happy to see Ron, someone who has loved helping others throughout his life, find a way to continue this important work in Taft. It adds value to his life, increases his own sense of self worth, and most importantly helps time pass. Next week I'll write about me, and how I'm coping. (you may get more than one week on the subject, I've got lots to say)


FYI...Tomorrow, March 23, from opening until 10:30am you can get a free pastry at Starbucks with the purchase of any handcrafted, brewed or iced beverage. Go to www.kyxy.com (one of my favorite local websites for deals), scroll down to the Starbucks story, click and get the coupon. You need the coupon to get the free pastry. Enjoy your morning coffee and sweet on Tuesday.