Prisoner / civilian relationships

I want to thank my dear friend Elisabeth – Auntie Betty as I call her – for giving me this opportunity to talk about a stigmatized subject when it comes to prisoner males and civilian females relationships. To be sure. These relationships happen and they can range in many ways and degrees. However, not all of these relationships are on the level where they are committed in a personal way based on the girl/boyfriend types that lead to marriage and dating or sexual natures. Not even the conning of one another to see what advantages a person is able to gain from the exposure of saying they are with this prisoner in those manners and ways.

Now, I will take a moment to thank the Husbands of the many women with whom I communicate with on a daily or weekly basis through calls, letters and emails. These men evidently know their wives and they have full confidence in them being able to seek friendships, comradeships with a prisoner. Even a prisoner who fights for their life inside a cage. Often times, these men will join in our conversations and we become closer. Then closer still. As I see it. We become a family in every way because we are supporting, uplifting and encouraging one another.

This is worth more than ‘in love, marriage’ lasting type of relationships. If you are able to find a lasting relationship through friendship, truth, honour and respect you will ultimately find love. A genuine, better love.

My Auntie Betty has tatted my initials on her hand, among other tattoos that signify our relationship and when she’s in public and is approached by curious people they inquire who I am and why she has me tatted on her. When she tells them their mind leaps to a conclusion that makes them look at her quizzically before asking her, are we in love? Or, are you getting married? I believe the reason for this response is so common is because prisoner/civilian relationships are normally highlighted in this fashion. For better or worse.

Peope miss the fact that my Auntie has these tatts because she uses them as a conversation piece with people. An ice-breaker so to speak where she’s then able to bring about ways of telling them about my situation and predicament and what I’m enduring in prison and on Death Row. She able to let them know and see how she supports me, her friend, because this is what she believes is a great way to advocate me to the public at large. So. Yes. I love her. I will always love her. But we are not in love. Understand?