Aging, Loss, and the Impermanence of Life
Losing a parent and witnessing the gradual aging of another changes your perspective on life in profound ways. It's a stark reminder that death is an inevitable part of the human experience, and no one lives forever.
Fatherless Father's Day
All week I have been thinking about today. I saw people buying Father's Day cards at the commissary this week, mailing them off, making them, etc. All I could think about was Marv. This is my first Father's Day without him.
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.
Temporary Release
My anxiety is increasing by the day as I prepare to leave on a furlough. I now see what those who were going home for good were talking about. There is the fear of something happening, something changing at the last minute, and your opportunity being taken.
Furlough Preparation
The past few days have really been a blur. As I have worked on plans for my father's memorial service, I am still in shock. I don't think it will all hit me until I get home. The staff and other inmates here have been very supportive and understanding. They have given me cards, hugs, and condolences for the past two weeks.
The Cycle of Life
It has been a couple of days. A lot has happened. I lost the first man that I knew really loved me. I have spent the last few days planning a funeral from prison, something I never would have ever imagined I would be doing.
The End of This Journey
As things continue to progress we are coming to the end of the journey with my dad. He has been so, so good to me and my daughters. He took me and my girls on as if I were his, for that I am so grateful.