Lots of movement

A lot of change in my tier the past two months. Today alone there were three inmate movements opening up 3 beds. It's like a lottery on who fills the beds. You hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. One selfish inmate can affect the entire morale of the tier. One of the 3 inmate movements today was to lockup. An inmate, my old bunkie, who was into his 28th year incarcerated, was taken away in handcuffs. Long story, but needless to say, he was a veteran of the system and knew what he was doing. The other two inmate movements were status changes to full-minimum, which moves them to a full-minimum unit (FMU). One was an older gentleman who wasn't on this tier long, but the other was my friend Jack.

Jack is now ‘full minimum,' which is the final status in a prison journey. I'm so happy for Jack and though change is difficult when you are comfortable, change is necessary and needs to be embraced. It's another step in the right direction. I will still see Jack in mess hall and rec, but when someone leaves your unit, where a majority of the time is spent, it changes the dynamics of the tier.

Jack brought respect and leadership to the tier, and many believed he was a judge (literally). He was a constant encouragement in my ear and always had my back. Definitely a major loss to 2 East, but I would rather see Jack leave, than to see him not take advantage of his opportunity to walk out of these gates. Time is on his side and everyday is another day closer to his freedom. Though he didn't choose his starting point in this prison, he knows his next destination point; and though he may not know his ending point yet, he will move on with confidence. He was a "Jack" of all trades. At times, I called him Uncle Jack, Jack ‘The Shore' Moore, and Elmer. When he slept, I called him ‘rigor-mortis Jack, HA. Before he left, we called him ‘Full Minimum Jack.' But today I call him ‘Adaptable Jack.' Adaptability requires teachability. The ability to change comes from one core characteristic-- humility. Humility keeps us flexible. It serves as the oil that keeps our hearts open to change and able to adjust (p 72, Wide Awake, McManus).

~Adaptable Jack today, but a friend tomorrow and forever~

Completed "Lies We Tell Ourselves" by Greg Laurie, "Welcome the Rain" and "Live Inspired" both by Michelle Sedas, and halfway through "I Feel Great and You Will Too!" by Pat Croce.