Commissary day today, hoping they have deodorant because I am running low. I usually have extra just in case but for the last few weeks there has been no deodorant in stock that does not irritate me. I did not hear my alarm but thankfully being in the Glasshouse there was enough noise to wake me up in time to get ready and go to Mr. Rivero’s room without rushing. Mr. Rivero is ready and a move gets called so we head out the door. Like every commissary day, we have breakfast in the dining room first, then quickly over to the shopping area.
Today was the first morning of Sukkot for the Jewish community, they did their prayers and had their bread and grape juice, then by 10am we all headed back to our units. As I return to the unit, one of the guys from the Education department handed me a certificate from the “Non-Profit” class I recently successfully completed, and I added it to my file of certificates from the programs I have taken.
Mr. Rivero and I head to lunch at 11:25am for our chicken on the bone. After lunch I head to the chapel, but the chaplain tells me she needs to step out, which works to my advantage, because at 1pm Mr. Rivero was to go see the Assistant Health Services Administrator about a medication of his. When we arrive in medical, we are told to return tomorrow at 9am. By now Mr. Rivero is bothered because he is not getting the assistance he needs, and has not received the medication in a long time, and being nearly 89 years old, the back and forth is tiring. Thankfully I was able to talk to him, and advise him that I will be there with him tomorrow as well to make sure we can resolve this issue and get him what he needs. I want to do so much more to help him, but there is only so much I can do. “I need to keep him in my prayers”, I think to myself and head over to my room to read my daily devotionals.
Nearing 3pm, from my room I hear Mr. Rivero’s voice. He is sitting in Mr. Campos’ room talking about what they are preparing for dinner. As every Thursday evening, we have a chicken noodle soup, but this time, Mr. Campos prepared it with some extra things included and a small side salad. Count was quickly done, and my eyes were closing as I sat watching television, so I went and laid down on my bunk and fell asleep. A quick 35 minute nap, and I realized it was already 5pm, I grab my bowl of food from Mr. Campos and some saltine crackers, my spoon and a napkin, head to the phone to call my dad, then I head out to the chapel and sit in the Sukkah tents set out by the Lieutenants office, across from the chapel. The Orthodox Jewish tent was full, so I sat in the other tent where the Messianic Jewish group was eating their meals.
The Orthodox head back to their units, and some to recreation for bingo night. I stayed helping the chaplain with a few things around the chapel and at 7pm the Orthodox returned. Both groups entered the chapel and went to their designated areas, said their prayers, lit their candles, and fifteen minutes to 8pm I handed both groups their bread and grape juice. While everyone was outside at the tents, the lit candles remained lit in the chapel, and all of a sudden a fire alarm is heard in the distance. Maybe I shouldn’t have in some eyes, but as soon as I heard the alarm, my first instinct was to run over to the chapel, remembering that the candles were still lit. Thankfully the alarm was coming from one of the nearby units and not the chapel, so I was able to return calmly to the tents. The chaplain calls compound and asks for the all clear to send everyone back to their units, and so he calls a 10-minute move and everyone says goodbye.
I stay behind to walk the chapel with the chaplain, make sure no one is left in the chapel, verify all doors and lockers are locked, and turn all the lights off. I head back to my unit, and call mom. Time flies when you’re having good conversations. Now for a good shower, then some tv time, then going to sleep as soon as count is over because tomorrow is a full 3-shift day for me.
For today I want to thank you Dear Lord because when I feel down or begin to worry, I think of You and all You have done for me, and know You have something great planned for my future. Thank you Father for my family. Thank you for another great day in this life. I pray dear God for a smooth, safe day tomorrow for everyone as we head into the weekend. Amen.
Eduardo L Valdes
02499-506
October 17, 2024
22:15
