I D E A S . . .

What else do you include with your letters to Justin?

Here are some things I've done that may help or inspire you to either do the same or think of other things we can mail to him!

And if you have ideas....please, please share them with me and I'll post so that all of us can learn from each other.

MOVIES...I have sent Justin articles of various movies from the web site http://www.imdb.com/ It is a great data base of information. I printed out some of his favorites, like "Monty Python" and then one of his hero's, Steve McQueens, movie "Bullitt". You could share one of YOUR favorites with him this way.

MOTORCYCLES...Brian recently acquired a new job in the heart of San Francisco and so after he and Julie moved there, Brian sold his car and bought a motorcycle. I figured Justin would enjoy reading all about his brother's newest acquisition and so I did a search online, printed out the article and included it with my next letter to Justin - http://www.gizmag.com/go/4192/

PUZZLES...On one of the prison web sites that have chat areas for family (especially wives) of inmates to connect with each other about a gazillion different subjects, I read a posting that suggested sending puzzles to our loved one. You can find all sorts of free printable puzzles online. Thus far I've sent him some Word Search, Maze and Sudoku puzzles.

MAGAZINES...Since it will work best to send Justin a magazine subscription once he gets settled into a permanent location, in the mean time I search for his favorite type of magazines (car, motorcycle and snowboarding) and print out articles from online to share with him. I always try to find a good one that includes some graphics or photos for Justin to enjoy.

WHAT ELSE...What's YOUR favorite type of vehicle ? Maybe you love the Segway or Vespa Scooter or unicycles ! Did you just add a new birdbath to your yard? Why not look up an article about birdbaths? Here's one! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_bath Or maybe you just added a new leaded glass front door? If so, print out an article about the History of Glass like this one - http://www.alan.hudsonnet.com/history.htm and send it to Justin.

FAMILY & FRIENDS...I encourage you to share articles with him about any and all of the things you love. Reading it will give him something to focus upon, it will help broaden his education and awareness...and maybe most important of all he'll be learning more about YOU and the things you like, love and enjoy.

REMEMBER...you can send only 5 pages of printed articles per envelope, therefore PRINT ON BOTH SIDES so Justin has more to read. That suggestion came from Justin himself! And don't forget to share your ideas of what to send Justin by emailing me at Eklectika@aol.com I need your help, too ! THANKS !!!

MAIL FROM JUSTIN

From what everyone is saying, Justin has been busy writing back to each and every person who has written to him. And some of us have been sharing our letters by reading them on the phone to each other.

It is clear that EVERYONE who loves and cares about Justin is thrilled each time we hear from him...especially when his letters reflect that he is doing okay and coping with his new environment.

There is a constant theme of appreciation woven into almost every single letter of his regarding the mail he receives from us. Justin has written: "...letters are what keeps me going", "...mail means the very most to me", "...hearing the good, the bad and the even the ugly about your life helps me feel like I'm still there", "...letters are so important to me because they help me stay connected with my outside circles (of family & friends)", and "...they are the cornerstone of helping me get through each day", etc.

Here is a letter from Justin written on the 7th of October:

Dear Momma Gen & Papa Jack,

It's hard to believe it's been a month already! Even though the days drag, when I look back it just doesn't seem like I've been gone that long.

I've been going to canteen and so I have not been so hungry and yes, I have a locker so my letters and food are safe. Unfortunately it may still be awhile before I can call anyone. But writing letters is really good for me.

Anytime an inmate is on psychotropic medication, they must go to a psych camp. So as long as I'm on my meds, I will stay at one of those facilities.

Ha! Ha! Those darn love-bugs are EVERYWHERE ! It's Crazy ! They are soooooo bad out here. I'll be glad when it cools down and the bugs aren't so bad.

How are Lara and Kristen? Doing great I'm sure. I'd write them if I could get their addresses. Could you please send them to me?

Yes, I'm sorry they shaved my head, too *smiles*. But it does cut down on maintenance. Unfortunately I'm just not one of those people who look good bald. I think I'll stick to the shaggy look. But cleaned up a little though *smiles*.

Well, football is about to start and that's a BIG deal around here. So I'm going to go for now. I miss you and I love you very much. Thanks for your prayers.

Love, Justin Kendall

PS...I don't know if Justin has mentioned this to you or not...but he has a health issue that was discovered during one of his physical exams. He wrote to me the following: "Some good news from the Veterinarian they use as a doctor in here. I don't have HIV ! Go me *silly face with tongue sticking out*! Unfortunately the bad news is I do have Moderate Asthma."

If he's mentioned other things to you in your letters that might be helpful to share with everyone, please call or send them to me via email Eklectika@aol.com and I will post them.