Notes from My Cell, April 14

[Letter to my friend Jay, living in San Francisco]

I miss real coffee like you wouldn’t believe. Not the caffeine really, but the whole experience- the heat, the smell, the taste…especially a good beany cup. I think I’ll like your neighborhood [I had written about the international varieties of coffee within walking distance from my new home.]

Thank you for the Bonhoeffer & the hymn texts, prayers, and liturgy--would you believe I haven’t heard music in two weeks? Meanwhile, I noticed that when I read the stanza, and found myself humming, then singing along. Meanwhile, the Fundamentalist church ladies who come in tried to sing, but it was another one of the “Jesus is my sex symbol” songs- "yes lord oh yes lord…Amen"? Eew. A few girls were smirking.

Just now I was thinking of Bonhoeffer’s imprisonment & noting the differences between then & now--such as a blaring television in the background. I suppose he & I both have the same difficulty getting visitors, & we’ve both been helped by an understanding/sympathetic guard. Of course, I know when I’m getting out of here. That is good. He got more books. Not so good. Finished a few books of his own- um, well, he was there longer? (wink) And yet I wonder, what will become of my time here? What will it mean a year from now? Or fifty?

I am looking out of my cell window at a beautiful blue sky and know spring is on the way. I’m glad to get out in May.

Monday is the day when lots of folks go home, held for the weekend. Now we are a quieter bunch. I hope my former cell mate is doing well, staying out of trouble- she is a good person at heart but caught up in a lot… I gave her my address. There are a few girls here I hope to stay connected with.

I’m documenting cases of medical negligence by the night nurse here. Details to follow… Must run! Peace to you!
Le Anne
___________

Letter dated 4/16-
Greetings Jay!
While its on my mind I thought I would write about accessibility issues here in jail.

We have a 63 year old lady who came in two days ago and has a lot of trouble with mobility (to be honest I thought she must be much older because so many women I know her age are much healthier). She has seemed quite disoriented as well. For some reason she didn’t get sent to the medical ward, which is an easier place to be, so we’ve been learning how to look out for her here.

I think that’s about the time I noticed that there are several accessibility features built into this cellblock. Half the doors on the lower level are wider doors and wider cells with larger, lower sinks and bigger beds (although there’s still a top bunk.)
Some of the stools/tables are higher & some are lower. We have an accessible shower with a ramp and one smaller, "traditional" shower. In some places there are extra grip bars. Huh! I guess the place was built in the 90’s or later, if I remember right, and perhaps it had to comply to ADA.

I hadn’t thought much before of older or more physically challenged people in jail. Sadly, most of the women in our “pod” (unit) who are older than I are here for multiple DUIs. The younger women are generally here for drug possession & related crimes.

I went to an AA meeting last night, just to check it out (I don’t know if that’s allowed-but I went anyway.) I thought it was pretty good actually. Several of the women from my pod went. I read the “Blue Book” a few years ago on retreat at a monastery, and I came across it in their library—and also found it pretty good. I’ve been thinking of getting a chapter together for seminary students, and/or perhaps clergy. I saw up close enough heavy drinking and its effects (and causes, I might add) at the Lutheran school to get pretty scared and cut back a good deal myself. Even now at CTS, when there’s a heavy drinking party I tend to avoid it. I do see that it is quite hard & risky really for a seminarian to admit to addiction & seek help. That’s why I think a specialized AA meeting would help. The students who I know are in AA & who I admire much are graduating this year. I will see if I can recruit other potential leaders who have some experience with the programs. And also look for good safe places where it could be held around the neighborhood.

Enough for now I suppose & time to help a girl write some letters in search of a better lawyer.