After a busy Saturday, 12th day of October, with the Jewish community in the chapel, the compound was locked in all of Sunday the 13th. Whatever reason for the lockdown, and the BOP staff sending our families away and not getting visits this week, I will say I was not bothered by it, and took advantage of a day off from work, a day to focus on myself, and rest.
Today, October 14th, 2024, Columbus Day, or how some are considering it now, Indigenous People’s day. Another good day to catch up on some sleep. Awake for the morning count, I look at my watch and notice it was almost 10am; I change from my “sleep clothes”, into my weekend shorts and shirt, put my shoes on, have some cereal with milk, and stand for count.
Nearing lunch time, I head to Mr. Rivero’s room and see if he is ready to eat. We are hoping for a holiday meal today, but from the rumors going around, we understand they will be serving hotdogs and hamburgers. I pull the wheelchair out of his room, and we sit to wait. Chow is called, Mr. Rivero gets into his chair, and we head out of the unit, past medical, down the small slope and head the short way around the lake over to the dining room. Shredded chicken, white rice, red beans, corn, and two flour tortillas. This is why I stopped listening to rumors a long time ago and like to see things for myself. The food was not as bad as others made it out to be. I place a tortilla in a U shape, use my utensil to put in some chicken, then top it with beans, and the corn on top. No rice, that’s fattening for me. After eating the two tortillas stuffed equally with the same ingredients, I grab both our trays, and take them to the dish room, then return to get Mr. Rivero and roll him back over to the unit.
Already Mr. Rivero is preparing my mind for dinner, as he plans to make a mackerel and tuna noodle soup. I drop him off and head to my room to grab a cup of coffee then sit at the entrance to my room to read my daily devotionals while my roommate takes a mid afternoon nap.
I very much enjoyed two of the verses in today’s devotionals. First one is:
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Some officers and the chaplain before have asked me how I am the way I am, especially being I am in prison and I my response has always been, that I repent from all my wrongdoings, and all I have learned while incarcerated, my goal is to forever follow God’s word, and ALLOW Him to help me and guide me to always act with kindness, bring hope, and inspire kindness to others, and maybe some day, God’s presence in this prison will be felt amongst as many as possible.
The second verse from today’s devotionals is this one:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24
My faith in God is growing each and every day. My “fear” in God is what allows me to STOP, and think before responding in any sort of conflict, to avoid any undesired consequence. I thank God each and every day for the opportunity He has given me to learn as much as I have.
Nearing 3pm, I am taking a ramen soup, a mackerel and a tuna over to Mr. Rivero along with my large bowl, so he could prepare our meal for this evening. Count is about to clear, I came over to the computers for a minute before going to call my dad, and Mr. Bethune, here in the Glasshouse asked me for help with writing an electronic request to our unit manager, so later on, I will sit with him to write up a draft on what we will send before typing the final draft and submitting it.
Count cleared, I called dad, then went over to eat the noodle soup with Mr. Rivero, and it was excellent. I cleaned our bowls and utensils, he grabbed his stuff to shower, and I went over to my room, grabbed my tablet and headphones and sat down for some television time.
Nearing lockdown for the evening, I finished my call with mom and grandma, went over to my room, made a peanut butter sandwich, and sat down to watch “The Voice”. I will shower before going to bed, those are the benefits of being in the Glasshouse. Tomorrow, back to work, and another day of classes.
Thank you God for a few days of relaxation, thank You for my family and loved ones. I pray dear Lord for a smooth and safe week with much positivity. Please continue to build my faith; remain in my heart, so my behaviors and actions will inspire others to follow Your ways and allow them to be an inspiration to others as well. Amen.
Eduardo L Valdes
02499-506
October 14, 2024
20:51
