Doing Time, Gratefully

It needs to be said and acknowledged how very fortunate and blessed a man I am. I have only been able to survive, and thrive, in prison for five plus decades because of the family and friends who have supported me, been there for me, believed in me, expected of me, and given me their love. I am nothing without those people in my life. You all know who you are and I want to tell you thank you for sharing your lives with me. Thank you for believing in me and making me believe in myself. Thank you for your care and love that has cocooned me in safety and armored me to face the world. You should know that I will always feel you with me, even those who have passed on, and will always strive to live up to your expectations. I will never cause you to regret your love for me, never cause you to be ashamed of me, and to always try to pass on your goodness to others in life who need it. Thank you.