Alarm set to 6:15am and awake at 6:14 ready to shut it off. A special visit request was approved for me, and I can’t wait to go. Up and getting ready, I prepare myself a cafecito to start my day while I wait for the doors to be unlocked.
We have a new officer, so he missed the call for the first move to recreation, and the call for Jewish services. We move on the breakfast call, and I head straight to the chapel. I head straight to the chaplains office, to let her know I am waiting for visit, to please listen out for the visiting room to call for me.
It’s nearing the 9am move, and as soon as the chapel clears out, I go straight to the visiting room entrance, go through the search process, and step into visit. My eyes quickly meet my moms, as she has a worried look on her face. I drop off my I.D. at the officer’s counter and walk over to my mom and give her a big hug. It has been almost three months I do not see her; what a great feeling.
Mom: “What took so long for you to get here?”
Me: “I came straight from the chapel on the move. How long have you been waiting here?”
Mom: “I have been sitting here for an hour now, they have called for your several times”
Me: “I told the chaplain you would be here early, this happens every time I go work on visit days and she is working”
Thankfully the visiting room was nearly empty, though it was extremely cold, and there was no food in the vending machines. After count, there was an emergency somewhere in a unit and some time later, they asked if anyone would like to leave and several families stood to go. Being there was no food, my mom said she was going to leave on this move so I could make it to lunch; we get up and say our goodbyes, I grab my I.D. and head over and stand outside the search room. Our families get escorted out; the other guys and I all wave at our loved ones and when they shut the door, the officer tells us to take a seat, the compound is closed, we cannot go anywhere.
More than an hour later of sitting around without having our families there with us, we were finally taken into the search room two by two to be stripped and checked before being let back into the compound. I walk over to the dining room hoping Mr. Rivero is not interested in having this lunch since I did not go back for him but after eating I head straight to the unit and find him. He wants no part of that food they serve, so I head to my room and prepare myself a shot of coffee using my Cafe Bustelo and a pack of sweetener.
Time for a nap, so I change into some comfortable clothes and get into bed. I put my headphones on, and on low volume I put a certain song on repeat. “Jamie MacDonald – Desperate” is what I am listening to. If you have a few minutes to listen to it, please do so. The lyrics, the music, the feeling put into it, gives me goosebumps, and the very first time I heard it made me cry inside.
Like usual in this Glasshouse, when one tries to nap is when others want to talk louder than the other, but as soon as you get out of bed, those same persons get into bed for their nap. I wait for count and once they pass by our room, I begin preparing a meal for myself. Tonight the menu shows it should be “meatloaf and steamed rice”, which truly means, ground beef and rice as confirmed by a food service worker that returned from work.
My dinner today included: Ramen noodles, spicy Velveeta refried beans, cut up chicken bites, imitation bacon bits, seasonings, and a shredded beef, all mixed together and heated with boiling water from the machine nearby. Time to call dad and check on him for today.
I spoke with dad, he is getting rid of a “cold” and feeling better. I was able to have a good conversation with him, and it lifted my spirits as I needed. Time for a good hot shower; for some reason it is real cold today in the Glasshouse.
Had a nice call with mom, and even though I saw her today, it feels like forever already, and can’t wait to see her again. The night is ending for me, but tomorrow is a new day, and plans are to go out to the rec yard with Bon-Bon in the morning, then chapel Christian services, and an easy going evening.
Father God, thank you for allowing me the chance to see my mom today after so long. Thank you for keeping my mima healthy and I pray she will be able to make it to see me next time. God, help me to obey You at all times and never assume that I know what’s best for my life. I know during these times it is all about patience, and I need to stop worrying so much. I pray in your son’s name, that you put me where you need me to be and I promise I will do what is right and live by your ways. Thank you again dear Lord for the life you have given me and all the realization that has come to me in this time. Amen.
Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
February 22, 2025
20:19
