Twenty Fifth Visit to Taft

I just got home from another visit with Ron. I was lucky enough to have someone else to drive with today, a new friend to help shorten the drive. Talking and sharing stories with someone new made the time fly by.

My visit with Ron was so rewarding. We feel such a deep committment to each other, and spending the intense time we do during visitation only makes us appreciate each other more.

I said a few weeks ago that there were changes coming to Taft, and that's a good thing. For one, Taft has a new warden. Not that there was anything wrong with the old warden. He was good, fair and well liked. But for some unknown reason they assigned Taft a new warden, one that everyone is happy with. The assistant warden is also a good, compassionate person that sees the inmates as people, not just numbers. Another change coming to Taft sometime this year, is e-mail. They're a little behind other prisons in this area, but they assure us that it will be here soon. That will make communication so much easier, faster and cheaper. There will be a two hour delay between the time an e-mail is sent and the time it is delivered.

Other things that we have to look forward towards the end of the year is November and December. During these months there is extra telephone time and extra, sometimes free visiting days. That is great for the holidays, and I look forward to it.

The other change that has taken place is that Ron has changed to a kosher diet. Only a few inmates receive a kosher diet. It is healthier for him, especially considering his diabetes, and he has already lost weight. It's available to all Jews at the camp, but not everyone takes advantage of it. Much improved.

Today was the first day with new guards in the visiting room. Every 90 days there is a changing of the guards. The inmates and the visitors both have to get to know each other. Last week the old guards all knew me by name and knew Ron by name too. Now we start again getting to know each other. Then, as soon as we know each other, they'll change the guards again. And so it goes.

We're past the 1/3 mark, and although I'm still counting months, Ron is counting weeks. He's so positive and energized right now. It's great to see. I talked to one of his friends today who told me he is a real leader. He shows new and younger inmates what is expected and is a great source of comfort to those going through difficult times. He's turned into a pretty good listener. Today was another great day for us both.