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When I had this vision of freedom, I

thought about the ocean and the water,

being a place where it’s peaceful

and quiet.

“My Life”

When I was a kid, I had a dark life.

Had a lot of anger that was built

inside of me emotionally and physically.

I spent most of my life behind closed doors.

My life has been like being in a dark

tunnel, locked in, so many years

locked down.

I saw myself a vision of freedom.

When I had this vision of freedom, I

thought about the ocean and the water,

being a place where it’s peaceful

and quiet.

I also thought, what would life be like

outside these walls?

Freedom, freedom, freedom.

I can see myself being on the beach,

playing in the water. Being somewhere

nice and quiet. Being in a world of

no violence, no stress. Less emotional,

less physical pain. Being somewhere

where I have inner peace.

📬

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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