Now that the PO paid a visit to my home for an inspection, we are one step closer to receiving my recommended release date. I pray for a release date prior to my daughter’s wedding.
For those who may not know, I already applied and was approved for a Furlough to attend the wedding. The furlough is a pass for 15 hours in total, so I am being picked up at 8am by dear friends, and then I will have to leave the wedding around 8pm by another dear friend to do me the huge favor of driving me back.
Huge thank you to my wife for finding me a job for when I reach the next step, which is halfway house.
In the meanwhile, I keep myself busy with sports, gym activities, Judaic studies, Shabbat services, garage work, Town Driver duties, reading books, writing book reports, reflecting a lot, pondering, walking, and learning a lot about my Jewish heritage and history.
Being in a prison camp is nothing I thought I would be at for my 60th birthday, but I am taking it one day at a time, being as positive as possible and growing through this experience. I would not be able to go through this experience without my beautiful family. I am grateful for all of your support, kind words, love and encouragement.
I’ve been blessed to be around many great men. Most people are supportive of each other. Some aren’t but that’s ok. I choose to make lemonade out of lemons every day.
I made a cool memory during softball this week. I was playing second base and took a short hop throw from my centerfielder while the runner was coming into second standing up. After the play, I heard one of my friends from the picnic bench seated with like 10 others say out loud “Way to go Mr. Baseball!”. I heard it and then just quickly waved my glove in the air to acknowledge him. As I was waiting for an open phone tonight to call my wife, I asked the same friend, “Did you call me Mr. Baseball today?” and he replied “Yes man. You have the most skills on that field, Jerry!” I thought that was extra nice of him to say especially considering my age. I am proud of the memorable plays I’ve made on the field. Each catch felt great and brought applause and cheers from both teams! What a feeling!
Regarding my spiritual growth, I believe I have been sent here for a reason, and one of those reasons was to become closer to Hashem. I believe, know it, and embrace it. I love the fact that Hashem has been behind many of what we refer to as Hashem Hugs. These hugs are times when you realize things are not happening out of coincidence, but because Hashem is blessing you and your family. Hashem Hugs have occurred on my first day getting my bunkie, to starting Tefillin, to receiving my work boots from a friend, to applying for my furlough, to being approved for the furlough, to being able to have my wife and kids visit me only 4 days after I surrendered, to finding the Bruce Springsteen book in the library waiting for me. The examples are endless.
I constantly think of my siblings who are struggling with their health, and wish I could do more. I will continue to pray for you all.
Baruch Hashem!
