Just Do It!

The countdown narrows: I am two days away from self-surrender - It's getting real! Here are the sobering statistics that occupy my mind.

1) 1 out of 2 adults in America have had or will have a family member in jail or prison.

2) Children of inmates have a 72% chance of spending time in prison themselves.

3) Over 50% of the 2.5 million American children who have a parent in prison never visit their parent in prison.

4) Currently 1 out of 3 adults have a criminal conviction that impacts their employability and future.

5) $1 out of every $15 in taxpayer money is spent on corrections in America (sickening to learn this factoid); however, every $1 spent on effective programs reduce the cost of crime and a $10 to $20 savings to the criminal justice system (the good news).

6) 1 out of 3 black males and 1 out of 6 Hispanic males born today can expect to spend time in prison.

7) The United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, but the USA incarcerate nearly 25% of the world’s prison population.

8) At least 95% of all prisoners will be released from prison.

9) The recidivism rate (people that return to prison) is 83% according to the Department of Justice.

It's hard to deny the statistics, and I wonder, “Is this country building a better society and productive members of the community, or do we feed the prison industrial complex?”

10) Ninety-eight percent (98%) of marriages fail before or during prison, and of the 2% that survive 98% of marriages fail.

I have been happily married for 29 years, and it seems the Bureau of Prisons is a direct threat to my union. I am nervous about facing the prison experience, but I am deeply concerned about preserving my marriage. Regarding prison, I am surprised my concern is not for the wellbeing of my person, but only the preservation of my marriage. The deck is stacked against us as a married couple.

I am certain of my naivety as I begin this journey, but this is my vow, everything I do behind bars will be to a single purpose – the preservation of my marriage. As for me and my house, we will survive and thrive the prison experience. I am required to remain positive, support my wife and find a way to stay motivated while in prisons. This is simply another hurdle along the road of life, and I am fortunate to have the love and support of everyone around me. I will learn the ropes and become a model prisoner. The time has come to, “Just Do It.”