Every morning after breakfast and before I go to work, I log on to the computer in my unit to
check for any announcements, prescriptions available for refill, or any replies to messages I may
have sent a staff member. I also check my commissary balance every once in a while, especially
after having gone to the commissary. This morning, I did happen to check my commissary
balance and it was more than I remember it being before.
As I investigated further, I noticed an entry that wasn’t there before: “Payroll” The amount was
slightly over 29 dollars. It was my April paycheck (or about 3 weeks of April, since I didn’t start
formally until around April 8th). Turns out, I make about 40 cents per hour. I was very amused,
but then I became somewhat sad.
I’m so very fortunate that I really do not need the 30 dollars or so, per month. I’m thankful to
have been recruited to work in the Education Department, which is considered the cream-of-
the-crop as far as jobs go. I thought of the people here who are not as fortunate as I am – who
have no money or anyone who can send money to their commissary account. I know many such
people. One was one of my first cellmates. He made crafts to sell here for stamps (the prison
currency) which he in turn used to then barter for food or other supplies (such as toiletries) he
might need.
I think back to when I was working before, and I would look at my paystub and comment on how
much taxes were taken out. Now, I make about 30 dollars per month and think about how much
that small amount of money would make such a large difference in the lives of many of the
inmates here.
I truly am fortunate, and I remind myself of that every day.
