EVERY SINGLE DAY

There is no such thing as a typical day in prison

Things differ drastically from prison-to-prison, person-to-person, and from day-to-day. There’s a popular saying among inmates about a prison’s program. The only thing consistent about prison is change.

For instance, it can be a beautiful day outside, guys may be working out, playing sports, cards, or just enjoying the fresh air; and in the blink of an eye you might be in the middle of a full scale riot. Paying attention is a MUST HAVE  in prison; it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

5:30-6:30 AM: Breakfast, a.k.a. ‘chow time’, and the start of most guys’ day. The breakfast isn’t good

6:30-7:15 AM: Start day with a morning prayer and devotional reading

7:15-8:00 AM: Breakfast in cell and prepare for work

8:00 AM-2:00 PM:  Work. I work in the prison’s kitchen at 32 cents an hour

2:00-3:00 PM: Shower grab a bite to eat and prepare for either a self-help group or college class

3:00-5:00 PM: Self-help group or college class

5:00-6:00 PM: Dinner. It tends to be better than the breakfast

6:00-8:00 PM: Another self-help group or college class

8:00-9:00 PM: Socialize with friends or use the prison phone to talk to loved ones

9:00 PM: All inmates are locked in their cells until breakfast.

9:00-11:00 PM: Watch T.V., listen to music or write a letter, and fix something to eat

11 PM-12:30 AM: Homework or letter writing

12:30-6:30 AM: Sleep

There is a perception in society that inmates spend all day doing nothing. As you can see that is not always true. There are more guys spending their time doing something productive than those who are not

How one spends his time---be it in prison or out---is what makes the difference between success and failure. Keep busy!

A day in the life of Chuckwa is almost the same 

every single day

"Hello Mrs. G.  How are ya?  Not a whole heck of a lot going on round here...just another day on the farm"....begins every single letter...

I know and understand what you're thinking...

He committed a crime and he deserves to be in jail.

No heat and air

No internet or computers

Limited TV

I agree, but still I find it hard not to feel a sadness for a lives wasted

"You spoke of being free and listed some circumstances that could be worse"

Chuckwa will come up for parole in 2030...I will be 73

Here's an interesting concept that I ponder over and over....

Chuckwa and I are so similar

1.  We both have committed crimes against God and government (as we all have)

2.  We both regret those crimes and seek forgiveness

3.  He lives in a compound that has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and yard

4.  I do too...mine is gated as is his

here's the difference...he is unable to leave

and I would be happy if I never had to

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.