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Because this race we call life, you know it can last a long time.

Being Left behind  can be a blessing. You see, that means you’re a one of a kind story. Before you knock it, listen and tell me what you think. Take out “left,” and you got “behind.” And behind? Behind is a good thing. That means you’re still in line. You feel me? Picture it: you’re on third, but you can see second and first just fine. Second trip, I fell in a ditch, didn’t catch the sign that said, “Hey! There’s a ditch.” But you? You saw it. Because you were behind. And you made that right move. Now you are one step closer. First is right there, five steps away. Then on the first trips, his shoelace comes undone. But you were smart. Yours was tied. Double knots. From the jump. Headstart. Because this race we call life, you know it can last a long time. So call it what you want, behind, left behind, it’s the same to me. Left Behind means I got to see your mistake so it wouldn’t be me.

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These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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