NOTE: Letters written between 09-22 and 09-24 by Justin to his dad show that Justin has experienced some very, very difficult days that he’s struggled through. Just like our own emotions concerning Justin continually flux from fear, worry and dread to that of hope, faith and peace and sometimes a blend of both...his too are a challenge to get under control. Prison life is so new to Justin and all of us – but I believe we can gain strength from each other and develop even more love and appreciation for Justin as we travel this rough path with him. I hope his letters are as much a support to you as they are for me. Blessings, Ann.
Mail from Justin:
09-29-07
Hey Mom !
Wow. It was soooo amazing to get some mail ! Keep it coming please !!! *smiles* I was really surprised at how fast the mail worked. I look forward to getting some pictures of the garden *smiles*.
Mail from Justin:
09-29-07
Hey Mom !
Wow. It was soooo amazing to get some mail ! Keep it coming please !!! *smiles* I was really surprised at how fast the mail worked. I look forward to getting some pictures of the garden *smiles*.
NOTE: Amanda, Justin and I planted a lovely butterfly garden together – Amanda’s idea – our last weekend before he was sentenced. It almost immediately drew both butterflies and hummingbirds to it’s beautiful flowers.
Thanks for the envelopes & stamps. I was worried I would run out. Plus, sometimes you can only get a limited number of items from the commissary. So being as hungry as I always am, I try to get food (Ramen Noodles are “da’bomb”).
I feel so incredibly lucky to have the family I do. I know that I have an amazing support group and immeasurable love at home. So many in here have nothing and what a reality check the past few weeks have been for me.
Earlier this week or like last week I had a few really rough days. Knowing that I had the love from my family kept me going when I just wanted to completely give up.
I don’t think I’ll be here at C.F.R.C. too much longer – maybe another week, two weeks tops ? Also, I have a little bit of possibly good news. I saw the Drug & Alcohol Abuse counselor and he said that based on my interview, prior treatment and the nature of my crime, he was recommending a treatment program. With my Classification Interview, the officer seemed pretty cool and he put a note in my file for a recommendation for me to be sent to Tomoka C.J. near Daytona. I’m told that it is the most lax of the psych camps around. Also, because I’m on psych meds I automatically must go to a psych camp. Those are three pretty good pieces of news to me right now.
As of right now I don’t believe I will need Protective Management but thanks for looking into it for me. Believe me…I understand your confusion and skepticism (about this classification) because I get a different story with every person I talk to as well.
I finally got to attend a NA meeting the other night. Woo-Hoo ! Man was it f’d up ! But it was a 12 Step (program) so I’m thankful either way.
You know something weird ? I think the hardest ‘concept’ to get used to is that I can’t do things my way. There is no “Complaint Department”. Customer Satisfaction just isn’t in anyone’s vocabulary. It’s just weird, you know ? Like if the line is too long I always had the option to take my business elsewhere. Not here. You have to wait. I just don’t like not being able to do what I want – or more specifically the way I want to do it. Even in rehab there was always someone to talk to, room to negotiate. Bummer, huh ?
I thought of two more movies I like that I think you and Sis will both LOVE. “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail”. They are among my top 10 of all time (favorites) and I think you guys will love both of them *smiles*.
I turned in my phone list so I hope I will be able to call soon. We'll see.....
Thanks for the envelopes & stamps. I was worried I would run out. Plus, sometimes you can only get a limited number of items from the commissary. So being as hungry as I always am, I try to get food (Ramen Noodles are “da’bomb”).
I feel so incredibly lucky to have the family I do. I know that I have an amazing support group and immeasurable love at home. So many in here have nothing and what a reality check the past few weeks have been for me.
Earlier this week or like last week I had a few really rough days. Knowing that I had the love from my family kept me going when I just wanted to completely give up.
I don’t think I’ll be here at C.F.R.C. too much longer – maybe another week, two weeks tops ? Also, I have a little bit of possibly good news. I saw the Drug & Alcohol Abuse counselor and he said that based on my interview, prior treatment and the nature of my crime, he was recommending a treatment program. With my Classification Interview, the officer seemed pretty cool and he put a note in my file for a recommendation for me to be sent to Tomoka C.J. near Daytona. I’m told that it is the most lax of the psych camps around. Also, because I’m on psych meds I automatically must go to a psych camp. Those are three pretty good pieces of news to me right now.
As of right now I don’t believe I will need Protective Management but thanks for looking into it for me. Believe me…I understand your confusion and skepticism (about this classification) because I get a different story with every person I talk to as well.
I finally got to attend a NA meeting the other night. Woo-Hoo ! Man was it f’d up ! But it was a 12 Step (program) so I’m thankful either way.
You know something weird ? I think the hardest ‘concept’ to get used to is that I can’t do things my way. There is no “Complaint Department”. Customer Satisfaction just isn’t in anyone’s vocabulary. It’s just weird, you know ? Like if the line is too long I always had the option to take my business elsewhere. Not here. You have to wait. I just don’t like not being able to do what I want – or more specifically the way I want to do it. Even in rehab there was always someone to talk to, room to negotiate. Bummer, huh ?
I thought of two more movies I like that I think you and Sis will both LOVE. “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail”. They are among my top 10 of all time (favorites) and I think you guys will love both of them *smiles*.
I turned in my phone list so I hope I will be able to call soon. We'll see.....
NOTE: Justin has only his dad's work and home and my home numbers. If you want him to be able to call you collect, please send him your land line home or business phone numbers. Once he has your information, he'll be able to add it to his list every 6 months.
Another thing I was thinking of is – I need to revise my magazine list. If you or Sis (still) want to send me some when I get to my permanent camp, send these four (in order of importance): Maxim; a snowboarding magazine; Car and Driver OR Motor Trend; and Sport Rider or Dirt Rider.
How are things at home ? Any news on downtown Maitland ? How are Bruce & Company ? Tell him I send my love and send me his address.
Have you heard from Kerry ? If she’s sent an email recently, send one back telling her I’m thinking of her and that I send my love. I hope you can send me those email print-outs soon. Did you figure out how to get her my letter ? I hope so. I’d love to hear how she’s doing.
Well, I’m going to write sis a letter, Kerry too, I think…so I’m going to go now. I love you and I miss you bunches.
Love, Justin
How are things at home ? Any news on downtown Maitland ? How are Bruce & Company ? Tell him I send my love and send me his address.
Have you heard from Kerry ? If she’s sent an email recently, send one back telling her I’m thinking of her and that I send my love. I hope you can send me those email print-outs soon. Did you figure out how to get her my letter ? I hope so. I’d love to hear how she’s doing.
Well, I’m going to write sis a letter, Kerry too, I think…so I’m going to go now. I love you and I miss you bunches.
Love, Justin
NOTE: Remember, our postcards, letters, photos, news clippings, etc. to Justin are vitally important for him to receive. I encourage everyone to write often regardless of how often he writes to us and even when we don't hear back from him.
If you receive a letter from Justin and learn of information you think is important to share, please send it to me via email and I will post it here for you.
Blessings to everyone who knows, loves and/or cares about *Our Justin*.
