-Phillip, San Quentin State Prison
I find it funny in a way, when I think about who takes care of me all these years in prison, which is going on fourteen years now. So, there was a time when I first came to prison, I had this expectation that my people in the free world were going to put money on my books and send me packages.
At the same time, I wasn’t doing anything for myself. As you can imagine I became a burden to my family, and the money and packages dried up fast. I had to figure something out and stay out of trouble at the same time. I had to find an honest hustle. I did everything from iron clothes, make taffy, draw and sell cards, to crochet bears, beanies, scarfs, and blankets.
Not only that, I worked every job in prison from kitchen worker, building porter, PIA Sewing Factory, IOL Worker, and now a certified SVO counselor. Now that I’m able to care for myself financially, the wallet has opened up and my family cares for me. I don’t need it now and I’m glad.
What I need from them is their love, and emotional support to help me get through this time. It’s a struggle because sometimes I feel they don’t see who I am today. I don’t blame them. I hurt them badly.
So, I find the care I need from my brothers here in prison. I know they see me for who I am today. I know I can care for them in the same way.