Gerald, 35

As I sit in this segregation cell, I make myself a cup of coffee and start to think.

Another day down off my 99 year sentence that I was wrongly convicted on. The memories come back to haunt me daily as I start to reminisce.

First, let me introduce myself so I can take you down memory lane with me, because I am not alone. My name is Gerald. I was born and raised in Southern California in foster homes and group homes, with no family at all. I got out of prison in California in 2015. I wanted something different, so I moved to Texas for a job opportunity and a fresh start. I had a job, a car, a place. I felt I was ready for a relationship. I thought I met the girl of my dreams, proposed to her, and moved her in with me.

Then one month before we were going to get married, I came home early from work and caught her physically cheating. I left and then relapsed back on drugs. I ended up in jail for two months. When I got out, she came back to me with tear filled eyes, begging me to take her back. Me being a firm believer in second chances, because I was given them many times, her family was huge and held me with open arms. I never had that as a kid, so it was hard to let her go, even when she was still cheating. I didn’t want to lose my house and everything I built.

Several months later, I was arrested again on April 9th for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. I know I didn’t do what they said I did. As courts came and went, everyone kept telling me that with my background they were going to find me guilty. The day before the trial, I was scared. My attorney kept telling me, even though you say you didn’t do it, just plead guilty. The jury will give you a lighter sentence. Regardless, they are going to find you guilty with your background. So that’s what I did.

Then the jury read my sentence, 99 years in prison. I looked at my attorney and said, what does that mean? He said, the rest of your life. I broke down and told the judge please don’t. He looked me dead in the face. That is when I realized all that running as a kid and young adult caught up to me. I used to say it’s just a phase. I am not going to keep coming back. I will never get a life sentence. The judge said, sorry Mr. Thomas, with your background you should have gotten a life sentence a long time ago.

As reality comes back, I am in my cell. I start to listen to music and draw portraits and realism art. I start to realize I am alone again, with no family or anyone. Tears start to fall. Then I remember my friend gave me the info to Humans of San Quentin to write and share my story, to let my voice be heard again. I hope to hear from someone to share some laughs, smiles, and my art.

Thanks again for letting my voice be heard. Till then, I sit in a cell with the perfect background.

This is my story. I hope you like it. I truly hope you guys have blessed days and nights. It is awesome what you are doing for us incarcerated.