Here at Thomson, we just got off of a month lockdown. For circumstances unknown to us still, we had to deal with an environment that was difficult on many levels.
First, we had gunners inside the units with live AR-15’s and sidearms…INSIDE the units, which is unheard of. Pointed at us every time we were escorted handcuffed to the shower, which was only twice a week after the first 6 days.
Secondly, we had staff (a few rotten apples, not the majority) that were doing their best to keep us up all night. Making noises over the mic every twenty minutes all night, Bright lights on all night, and throwing of chairs across the dayroom at 2am to make more noise. We had to sustain off a couple hours of sleep a night for a bit. Through it all, I seen a group of men that handled the situation the correct way, and encouraged others to do the same.
I was able to focus on creating a new curriculum for a program I have proposed to the administration, and will submit that next week. I was able to focus on beginning to learn a new language. I was able to pray and meditate, as I had slacked on that area some over the last several months. Over all, I was able to do what mentors before me always encouraged me to do and that is “focus on the things I CAN control.”
After Covid, many of us lost momentum and it seems like we have not been able to get it back. I thank God for the (brief) lockdowns now, as it creates a small lull in the everyday hectic life and allows us to recharge and refocus.
I see this as growth, and I thank God for all the men that came before me that passed these tools on to me.
Staying focused, staying strong.
Daniel
