Furlough Recap
What a blessing it was to furlough for 72 hours in order to attend my father's memorial service. I am grateful that I was granted the opportunity to go home to be with my family. 72 hours is not the standard length of most furloughs; it is usually about 48 hours. However, because of the distance, my case manager was able to secure a longer furlough time for me.
Although it was not an ideal situation or reason to go home and get a much needed break from prison, it was welcomed. Before I left, I decided that there were numerous things I wanted to do for myself when I got home. Some of those things included getting my lashes, nails, eyebrows, hair done and a facial. I wanted to do ll of this in addition to attending the memorial service, helping my daughter with a setup, seeing my family and friends, and eating at least one good meal. I succeed at all of this with the exception of one thing, the facial.
I arrived at Charlotte Douglas Airport shortly before 10 am. My daughter Victoria and granddaughter picked me up. My flight landed a little early, so I had a short wait. Although I was anxious and ready to see them I was just grateful to see my family outside of the prison visitation room. Once I was picked up, we headed straight home where I got to see my youngest daughter and my mother. My youngest was excited to see me and the feeling was certainly mutual. We hugged and laughed. My mom looked great. I could tell that she was sad, which is understandable when you have lost someone you have been with for over 40 years.
Around noon, my lash tech arrived and I got my lashes done. While on the table my best friend of 25 years came over. Our friendship is long standing, deep, tried and true. We headed out to get smoothies and mani/pedis. On the first day my nerves were still getting the best of me and I was unable to eat like I wanted to. After we left the nail salon, we picked up food from her favorite restaurant, CAVA, and headed back home because I had to help Vic and Mary with a setup. I took a quick nap before we headed to the venue where I had the opportunity to the set up for my dad's service. Everyone who was there was excited to see me and told me I looked really good. That made me feel like all of the work I have been putting in is paying off. We completed the setup and headed back home were I slept with my daughter for while. It felt good to be in my bed and take a shower without shower shoes and not have to worry if I would have running water.
Thursday was the day of the service. It was beautiful! I believe fully that we did a great job honoring my father's legacy. It was good to see my family and friends. What I was most proud of is that I was not ashamed of the fact that I was in prison. I spoke, stood up and moved around as if it was nothing; it was simply a part of my journey. I did notice that people were continually asking me if I was okay. I wasn't sure if they were asking me because I lost my dad or because I was in prison. Either way, it really did not matter. After the service, two of my friends came over to the house and I had the opportunity to just sit and chat. It felt good to just be with them and chill again.
Friday, my final day, was a little full. I got to take my baby girl to her dentist appointment, get my brows done and eat a good meal at my favorite restaurant, Flemings. In case I have not mentioned it before, I love, love, love a good steak. The only thing that was missing was my signature drink, a lemon drop. Otherwise, I was in heaven. I think the highlight of Friday was the conversation I had with the brow tech. It was so good I had to record it. She spoke so much life into me and affirmed many of the thoughts I have had.
I had to get up early Saturday morning and return to the camp. When I arrived at Charlotte Douglas Airport, I was met with an unusually long line. It was so long that I knew it was a possibility that I would not be able to make my flight if I had to stand in it. I then made the bold move of telling a security officer that I was a Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) inmate and need help getting through security. I even pulled out my inmate ID and showed her. In the past, I would have been embarrassed and ashamed. However, the thought of missing my flight and messing things up for other inmates compelled me to make the bold move. The lady so graciously took me to a short line and I was able to make my flight.
This has been a brief summary of my 72 hour furlough. I am grateful to the staff at FMC Lexington Satellite Camp for making it happen. I am grateful for everyone who came out to honor my father. I am especially in gratitude to all the vendors and contributors who made the service extra special.
