I never win anything, so it was a huge surprise when I found out I’d won the 49ers Christmas giveaway here at San Quentin!
I never win anything, so it was a huge surprise when I found out I’d won the 49ers Christmas giveaway here at San Quentin! The day I signed up for the raffle, I laughed to myself, wrote it off as impossible, and went on to class, putting it out of my mind entirely. A few weeks later, my friend Tony called me over and said, “You won the raffle!” It took me a moment to register because I had completely dismissed it. Then it clicked, and a big smile spread across my face.
I thanked him and hurried back to my cell, where I immediately called my family. My wife answered, and I shared the good news. She was excited for me, though I could tell her enthusiasm was tempered—she’s a Raiders fan. After a quick conversation, we ended the call and went on with our day. Later that evening, I got a message from my wife saying my 14-year-old daughter wanted to talk to me immediately. I called her right away, and as soon as she picked up, I could hear the excitement in her voice. “Stop lying to me, Dad! Is it really true? I feel like it’s all a dream!” I reassured her that it was real. I told her she’d be visiting me at San Quentin, and we’d get to enjoy food, gifts, and meet Diane together. Hearing her joy made the moment unforgettable.
