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I am the son of a man who has denied me since before I was born, but I am still human. I was raised by a mother full of anger, rage, brokenness and bitterness, but I am still human. I grew up feeling rejected, confused, hurt, neglected and angry, but I am still human. Even though I was considered smart, funny and caring, I felt lost and unsure, but I am still human. As I grew up I became exactly what I did not want to be, angry, bitter and abusive, but I am still human. I did things to hurt people who did not deserve to be hurt, but I am still human. Now I am in prison serving my 34th year of a life sentence, so unsure of my future, but I am still human. I have learned that my past does not dictate my future, but I am still human. I have trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and He has helped to change my life in many ways, but I am still human. I have come to believe that my life can and does still have meaning and purpose, but I am still human. I do not have to be all of the negative, hateful things people have said about me, but I am still human. I do not have to repeat the mistakes of my past, but I am still human. I am not perfect and never will be. I am still human. I am deserving of love, compassion, care, concern, freedom and hope for a better and brighter future.

I AM STILL HUMAN

📬

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.

📬 Join the Mail Club

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