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Here I sit, 13 months later, a child of God, a recovering addict with over a year of sobriety, and a restored relationship with my children.

This is not my first incarceration although it is the one that changed my life. I have been an avid drug addict for 15 years. I continuously put dope before my family, my children, and even myself. My mom died five days after I went to prison. I became incarcerated on February 28, 2024. On March 5, I got a phone call that my mother had died and that my children had found her. It’s amazing how something so tragic can change your life. My mom was my best friend. We shared everything and now she’s just gone. Earlier that day, all I could talk about was how badly I wanted to get high. But after that call, I was done. I was adamant about being done. Here I sit, 13 months later, a child of God, a recovering addict with over a year of sobriety, and a restored relationship with my children. We talk every day. I hate that it took something so devastating to get me here, but I’m proud of where I am in life. I work in the kitchen and now I love myself. Thank you for sharing 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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