This week, I took a trip up to Sittingbourne Prison to discuss fatherhood and creativity with some of the inmates. I know people who have gone to prison, and I’ve visited people in prison, but it’s different when you’re walking down the long corridors, hearing the heavy metal keys clank behind you, it’s claustrophobic. For me, I know it’s temporary, but for some of these men, that is their reality (some forever).
The thing that hit me the most during the interacting, is that it was no different from talking to my boys, family members, or any of the mandem I’ve met throughout my lifetime. I’m not here to dismiss anyone’s crimes (I don’t know what they are!). Yet, when you hear someone tell you he’s going to spend the next 20 years institutionalised, you have to admire how they fight that mental battle from day to day. It’s hard not to feel empathy. It really brought to light, how ONE wrong decision, ONE bad friend, can impact the your entire life.
There are some very dangerous people in prison , maybe I met some of them (I don’t know) but I was able to connect with the men on a human and respectful level.
I left with a new appreciation of FREEDOM. If you’re having a bad day but can still walk out, take a trip to the local park or library, sleep in your own bed, and be surrounded by people who love you, take it as a win. Not everyone has that.
Suli Breaks
This week, I took a trip up to Sittingbourne Prison to discuss fatherhood and creativity with some of the inmates. I know people who have gone to prison, and I’ve visited people in prison, but it’s different when you’re walking down the long corridors, hearing the heavy metal keys clank behind you, it’s claustrophobic. For me, I know it’s temporary, but for some of these men, that is their reality (some forever).
The thing that hit me the most during the interacting, is that it was no different from talking to my boys, family members, or any of the mandem I’ve met throughout my lifetime. I’m not here to dismiss anyone’s crimes (I don’t know what they are!). Yet, when you hear someone tell you he’s going to spend the next 20 years institutionalised, you have to admire how they fight that mental battle from day to day. It’s hard not to feel empathy. It really brought to light, how ONE wrong decision, ONE bad friend, can impact the your entire life.
There are some very dangerous people in prison , maybe I met some of them (I don’t know) but I was able to connect with the men on a human and respectful level.
I left with a new appreciation of FREEDOM. If you’re having a bad day but can still walk out, take a trip to the local park or library, sleep in your own bed, and be surrounded by people who love you, take it as a win. Not everyone has that.
3 days ago | [YT] | 42