The Midnight Report

Today is a day that many Americans take for granted. I probably did myself–once upon a time–but not any longer. Once you have had your freedom taken or restricted, nothing feels better than celebrating it. I manage several Facebook support groups for those who have loved ones in prison and/or have been to prison themselves. Many others join the group because they are headed to prison. They seek information, like I once did. They come to the group with anxiety and concerns about what lies ahead of them. I remember well the feeling of having prison held over my head. Thankfully, I am now over two years post release from prison. But the memories of my days locked up have not faded. This week I posed the question, “What does FREEDOM mean to you?”, in several of the Facebook support groups. Many of the answers were as expected, especially given that many of the participants of those groups have been wearing an ankle monitor for over two years now, due to being released on the CARES Act. One person answered “Being able to do what I want as long as I’m abiding by the laws set for us but also being able to make my own choices for myself not one’s forced on me.” Another chimed in “The ability to open doors and pass through them as I please. When I first got out of Prison I would just open and close the closest door to me when I was frustrated. It may sound crazy but it helped remind me that things could be worse. Also freedom is driving with my windows down, wind blowing my hair like crazy. These two things are the simple things I missed the most while incarcerated. 15 years later, I refuse to take these things...