Bloom Where You Are Planted

This blog was created March 11, 2015. The contents of this blog contain correspondence between Chuckwa Don Crabtree and Gina Gillispie.

Although the two have never met, they became friends via mail when Gina, editor of an online news site, first reported Chuckwa's story.

When Gina saw his arrest photo, there was something that tugged at her to believe this person had a story to tell.

She mailed her first letter September 7, 2012 and they have been writing ever since.

After several years, Chuckwa decided he wanted to begin to tell his life story and send a message of hope to those who still have choices to make...his goal is to spend his time doing good things and good work right where he is....

Chuckwa has decided...to bloom where he is planted.

The posts that you will read will be a mix of old letters, stories about his everyday life in the James V. Allred Unit in Iowa Park, Texas and stories from his boyhood growing up along the creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas.

He signs his letters...."The Callisburg Kid"

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

GRANDPA CHUCK

Since I talked to you last some good things have happened in my life.

The court of appeals sent my 11.07 back to the convicting courts to be reviewed on the claims of ineffective assistance and other things they can find wrong.

The court appointed me an attorney out of Borger to represent me in the appeals process so that's good I hope!

I'd just like to thank you for all your prayers over the past 3 years ma'am.  Every bit of effort you have put forth is certainly greatly appreciated ma'am.

I'm not a grandpa yet.  He's still in the oven but he's getting pretty close to being done!  He is supposed to be ready to come out sometime in January so it won't be long now.  I've got to get me out of trouble so I can hold him when they come to visit.  That will make my day.

I still remember carrying my oldest boy out of the delivery room and into the nursery as if
it was just yesterday.

I found out then what my dad was talking about when he told me how he felt when I was born and he carried me into the nursery.

He said he stood there at the nursery window and told me all the plans he had for us.  He used to tear up when he would tell the story and now I'm the one with tears both when I think of his story and mine.


There's one thing I can say for sure, the man loved me and still does.

Psalms 127:3-4 "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"

Deuteronomy 30:6"The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!"