At first glance, prison does not seem to be a place that offers kindness. The razor wire, fences, towers and guards present a very cold and intimidating environment. This has been my home for almost two weeks. I have seen things here that have surprised me, and I also have seen things that I expected. One thing that has surprised me is the momentary glimpses of kindness. On my first day, I surrendered to the medium security prison next door to where I live now (satellite camp). This place is scary. Huge walls, gun towers, just an overall violent place. Through the intake process, I was met by very serious but also kind guards. I was treated fairly and with dignity. This brought me a quiet peace, that gave me the feeling that all was going to be ok.
Once I was through intake, I was picked up and taken to the minimum-security camp next door. The car the came for me was driven by a camp inmate named BC. He was very kind. He made small talk and made me feel welcome. He commented on my Bible and let me know that he was a man of faith. He has continued to be kind, always offering a smile and a fist bump when I see him around.
Once I was brought to my housing unit, I was approached by a guy that goes by “Tennessee”. He gave me his old running shoes. This was a huge act of kindness. When you come into prison, they give you paper-thin slip-on boat shoes. Getting a pair of shoes on the first day allowed me to go outside and exercise. This was great physically but was absolutely needed for my mental health. I repaid him for the shoes the next day with some snacks from the commissary.
On the same evening, an inmate stopped by my cell and asked if I wanted to attend a prayer group. I accepted. About 8-10 guys, reading a devotional and then praying together. I have been every single night that I have been here.
This place is not warm and fuzzy. It is cold and intimidating. These simple acts of kindness have made this place ok at some base level. The largest dose of kindness has definitely been from my collie. He has been extremely kind, patient and willing to show me the ins and outs of prison life. He has guided me and helped me navigate the learning curve. This is not something he is expected to do. It is actually rare.
These acts of kindness, by these men…remind me of how important it is to help others. Simply. A smile, a kind word maybe some basic help, these things can mean so much more to someone in need. This reminds me of my friend Joe B at my homegroup. He always gets up and walks to someone new to our group and shakes their hand and welcomes them. Seem inconsequential, but to someone that is nervous or afraid, this means so much. On my first days of prison, I was terrified and alone. These kind gestures from my fellows were what carried me through those initial hours. These gestures are examples of my Higher Power working through people.
My attention is on finding ways to be kind to others here, so I can repay what has been given to me.
