 Br. MikeO'Grady, S.J., Prisoner of Conscience |
School of the Americas |
Letter from Mike O'Grady to Angela
December 15, 2003
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your kind note.
I return in my thoughts to our lunch prior to my departure for Columbus , Ga. Your listening and understanding came to me as a friend giving another friend a great gift. I try to embody the same here in this setting. I am grateful for your friendship and support. I was not able to cary the Bible you gave me into jail here. It is sitting with my possessions in the lock-up downstairs; they wouldn't let me bring it inside
This place is rough. The time goes slow. Early on, I was separated from my friend Ben and put into a "maximum lockdown" unit. No exercise--TV blaring 21 hours a day--lights on 24 hours a day; all in a confined, volatile space.
Jail personnel seem to be losing my inmate requests for visitors and a Bible. No books are being allowed in. I'd ask you to send me a big book, but it seems they're keeping all those books. Frustrating, but totally expected. At surface things are very difficult--at core, I am at deep peace, knowing that I'm supposed to be here learning a bit more about poverty, solidariity, acceptance. I am thankful for the lived experience of "being with" society's outcasts and trouble makers--so many who seem to be scared and angry children putting on a tough, mean, macho front in order not to get hurt; to get by.
I pray for you and our friends at St. Leo's. Give all my love and regards to the crew there.
Looking forward to our next lunch.
Mike
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