To About Time and follow inmates around Australia,
There is a line so many of us here have heard over and over again from inmates going home: “I’ll write to you and put my number on when I get out.” And you never hear from them again.
If you have no intentions of keeping in touch with people you met on the inside, don’t say you will. Life is pretty hectic on the outside, I get it. But don’t promise fellow inmates something you have no intentions of doing.
But for me it was a different story. I met a bloke in here back in 2022. I will keep his name out of this. We didn’t really hang around a lot together at first, but he was someone I could have a decent conversation with – and no BS or war stories.
Over the next 12 months we became good friends, and I found he was someone I could honestly trust in here. He never once repeated anything I said to him, nor did I. We always had each others’ backs. Then came his turn to go home. It was sad to see him go as he was and still is the only one I could really trust. But, on the other hand, I was very happy for him. It was bittersweet I suppose.
Before he left, he said he would keep in touch and gave me his address and phone number. Within two weeks, I got my first letter from him and I had his number on my phone. I have been ringing him at least once a week every week since his release in 2023, and he sends me emails regularly.
The biggest thing I can’t get over is he sends me money every month (I have never heard of an ex-inmate doing this for someone still inside). I made him my power of attorney about a year ago, and he has done nothing but go over and beyond what I’d expect anyone to do.
He has a very busy lifestyle on the outside. Now, since his release, he has a very successful business and still manages time to take my calls and do things for me.
But this is the thing that blew me away. Last year he purchased a property for me to use as a parole address when I am due for parole in 2030. He has just put a tenant in it until I’m due for release.
This guy is a godsend. He truly is. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I’d meet the most loyal person I have ever met in my life in a prison. I have kept a record of everything he has done and every cent he has sent me. I am due for a compensation payout soon, and I will make sure he is well looked after.
I could never thank you enough, mate, and it just goes to show you don’t judge a book by its cover.
Treat people with respect, be an ear when needed and, above all, be loyal to those who earn it – and, who knows, maybe god might send you an angel too.
Take care and stay safe,
Anon.
To About Time and follow inmates around Australia,
There is a line so many of us here have heard over and over again from inmates going home: “I’ll write to you and put my number on when I get out.” And you never hear from them again.
If you have no intentions of keeping in touch with people you met on the inside, don’t say you will. Life is pretty hectic on the outside, I get it. But don’t promise fellow inmates something you have no intentions of doing.
But for me it was a different story. I met a bloke in here back in 2022. I will keep his name out of this. We didn’t really hang around a lot together at first, but he was someone I could have a decent conversation with – and no BS or war stories.
Over the next 12 months we became good friends, and I found he was someone I could honestly trust in here. He never once repeated anything I said to him, nor did I. We always had each others’ backs. Then came his turn to go home. It was sad to see him go as he was and still is the only one I could really trust. But, on the other hand, I was very happy for him. It was bittersweet I suppose.
Before he left, he said he would keep in touch and gave me his address and phone number. Within two weeks, I got my first letter from him and I had his number on my phone. I have been ringing him at least once a week every week since his release in 2023, and he sends me emails regularly.
The biggest thing I can’t get over is he sends me money every month (I have never heard of an ex-inmate doing this for someone still inside). I made him my power of attorney about a year ago, and he has done nothing but go over and beyond what I’d expect anyone to do.
He has a very busy lifestyle on the outside. Now, since his release, he has a very successful business and still manages time to take my calls and do things for me.
But this is the thing that blew me away. Last year he purchased a property for me to use as a parole address when I am due for parole in 2030. He has just put a tenant in it until I’m due for release.
This guy is a godsend. He truly is. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I’d meet the most loyal person I have ever met in my life in a prison. I have kept a record of everything he has done and every cent he has sent me. I am due for a compensation payout soon, and I will make sure he is well looked after.
I could never thank you enough, mate, and it just goes to show you don’t judge a book by its cover.
Treat people with respect, be an ear when needed and, above all, be loyal to those who earn it – and, who knows, maybe god might send you an angel too.
Take care and stay safe,
Anon.
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GROW is a community-based national organisation that works on mental wellbeing using a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help and support. It operates through weekly peer support groups.
Hello to everyone in Australia. My name is Tricia. I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am serving a life sentence, and, for those of you who don’t know, a life sentence in Pennsylvania means your entire life.
In New South Wales, there were previously three levels of protective custody for vulnerable inmates, such as myself, who have autism spectrum disorder and other mental health issues.
I am writing to you about my one and only older sister, Alithea. RIP. It’s been 2 months since I lost you.
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Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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