It wasn't my first trip to a prison. My job has taken me to many unusual places to conduct interviews or to gather information for research. Prison isn't even the scariest place I've ever been. This one was different, though. This one held someone who mattered to me. This trip wasn't just part of the job.
When you visit someone in prison, there are rules you must follow. There is always a dress code. The things that you are allowed to carry in with you are severely limited. It can vary from one place to the next, but usually not by much. I followed the rules for the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center to the 'T'. I did not bring my purse or my cell phone. I did not wear an underwire bra because they can set off the metal detectors. The only jewelry I wore was a watch. My pocket contained my driver's license and a roll of quarters for the snack machine.
When I had been properly screened for visitation, I was escorted into a secure visitation room. The difference between 'secure' and 'regular' was a Plexiglas window. Regular visitation took place in a large cafeteria-like space where inmates could hug family members and hold their children in their laps. SueAnn and I would sit opposite one another in small booths and talk through a round vent in the Plexiglas. Somehow that Plexiglas really reinforced just how bad things had gotten for her. It made my stomach hurt.
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I'm hooked!
ReplyDeleteBrianne, I think you're literature's version of 'Mikey' - you'll read anything! LOL
ReplyDeleteSeriously, though, I'm glad you approve. And I'm totally loving my blog experiment idea. When I have an idea for a couple of paragraphs, I can just write them out and be done with it - no fretting over what comes next or how it fits into the bigger picture.
I will assure you, I am no Mikey! That is why I only read 2 books a year, not including yours!
ReplyDeleteYou really write good and keep me interested and it is exciting to read something as it develops. I feel like part of the process, I guess.
Something I can tell my kids when they are older.
When I am in line at your book signeing 20 years from now, I can tell all the people in line around me about those first books you wrote and how I was able to read them when you were just coming up with ideas!
You have DEFINITELY been a part of the process - an important part! You can't imagine how many times over the years I've asked myself if anyone would ever want to read something I've written. Thanks to you, now I know the answer. =)
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