Just a quick blog update to let you know I made it! I was discharged from the Department of Corrections (DOC) on March 15, 2018 ..."Beware the Ides of March." My original sentencing documents called for 12 month of parole. A week before I was release, the DOC decided I wasn't worth watching. In prison, men are given 'infractions' when they break a rule. If one garners too my infractions, more time can be added to his sentence. Me? I kept to myself and followed the rules (mostly) and did not get one infraction in the 40 months I was incarcerated. I think that's part of why the DOC waived the court ordered parole.
I immediately began settling into a life I've so missed ...the day after release I attended a concert at the Edmond's Performing Arts Center. Last week I attended a lecture on the history of the English language at Seattle University. Yesterday I received a new library card. My post MSU life continues to blossom right along with this awesome northwest spring. Yesterday's mail delivered my Voter's card and I felt compelled to share. It might be hard to understand but getting my voters card returned to me sent a visceral joyous spark through my body. It feels so good to assume the responsibility of being a citizen again. A couple years ago I read "The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint", by Tommy Chong The book is full of humor and great prison stories. One theme kept coming back onto the pages of this little memoir. It's how easily I abused and under appreciated my freedom. My uncle Bob use to say "any day above ground is a good day." I now know what he meant. As I tell my prison-story to friends and family I am reminded at how fortunate I was to land in Monroe. What I did was reprehensible. I broke the laws of society and the laws of morality and I deserved to be punished. Incarceration kept me away from my family, that was the punishment. But the counsellors at Monroe encouraged me to reflect and adjust. Today I really like the man looking back at me in the mirror.
2 Comments
6/12/2018 02:02:32 pm
Hey Patrick, I am so happy you are back home. Looking forward to reading more blog posts by you! Love, Cousin Sherry
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Dave Archer
6/13/2018 08:53:23 am
Welcome home! Let me know if you still want some books.
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AuthorPatrick Michael Leonard Archives
August 2020
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