Gratitude Letters
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” – Randy PauschIt gives us the utmost pleasure of having the capability to share these amazing stories with the world, and in return, receiving a plethora of loving, caring, & inspirational messages that we can share directly back to them. But when these men & women take time to not only thank their supporters, but thank the HOSQ team for everything that we do, that is the greatest reward of all & reinforces that our efforts are not in vain. Beyond the appreciated gratitude, some of these men & women also provide updates after their stories have been shared.Below are “Thank You” notes sent from incarcerated residents to the HOSQ family & supporters.
Michael
“Humans of San Quentin has been very cathartic and healing for me and many of us inside Hopefully my story will help someone else in their healing process.”
Rolando
It really does make me feel good when I’m able to give back to the community. It makes my day when I can help someone.
Cory
“Your kindness has given me a wake up call and a reason to trust again which always has been hard for me to do. I eternally have gratitude towards you. Thank you!”
Jose
“I’d like to thank you! Not many have empathy for those incarcerated for not abiding by rules of society. For most of us normality was not normal as we come from broken homes, drug-addicted parents, gang-infested and crime-ridden neighborhoods.”
Clayton
“Thank you so much for this experience. To all the staff of Humans of SQ, inside and out, you have helped me to heal an old wound, and regain power in the process.”
Demetrius
It’s a blessing and good thing that we survived and are still fighting to overcome. The human will and spirit is one of resilience, fortitude, and determination.
Cory
I’m full of evil, nothing positive to say, so keep me locked up, so far away. Friends and Family lost all hope in me.
Darren
A few years ago I was thinking of how I not only had this need to be of service to others as a big, big part of my recovery and rehabilitation, but I also hoped to find a way to be an inspiration to others. Like so many things in life, as I’m learning, these types of things happen when you’re not really focused on them, when you’re just staying true to the path that you’re on.
James
A few years ago I was thinking of how I not only had this need to be of service to others as a big, big part of my recovery and rehabilitation, but I also hoped to find a way to be an inspiration to others. Like so many things in life, as I’m learning, these types of things happen when you’re not really focused on them, when you’re just staying true to the path that you’re on.
Saragoza
I couldn’t believe how inspirational and positive I sound compared to my struggle and hardships in life! And perhaps it can resonate in others who have endured similar situations. It’s only been a few years since I have grown spiritually and mentally. I now understand it brings me happiness to support and help others in a positive way.
Charles
It was truly humbling to know that I was able to finally give something, for once in my life by virtue of sharing my life experience. It felt good to know my poor choices and negative experiences had such a positive impact on people. Thank you all again for the opportunity.
Eric
WOW! Words cannot express what I feel. You have brightened my day! I am so ecstatic. It is not too often I receive kudos.
George “Mesro”
To everyone reading anything from the Humans of San Quentin, know these true stories come from real people struggling to become better people in a space that is not really designed for such reflection, and shown by people who genuinely care about the condition of men and women in prison.
My
Dear Humans of San Quentin, Thank you so much for referring me to the Prison Journalism Project. I appreciate you showing value in my emotions, feelings and thoughts. I am grateful for your...
Orienthal
Attn: Staff members Diane and Juan I wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to reach the outside community. My wife loved my article. I want to revolutionize the prison system. I want...
William
Dear Diane, Juan, Joe and the HoSQ Family, Peace be unto you! I want to thank you guys for using my story, as well as for your utterly life-affirming words and comments. It is my belief that those...
Walter
2.23.2022 My Dearest Humans of San Quentin Family! I hope I can consider y’all family because I definitely consider y’all family! Seeing and hearing what’s happening with Humans of San Quentin...
Courtney, 37
2.21.2022 Dear Diane, Juan, Marcus, Joe, Rosita, Andrea and the voluminous number of volunteers. Hello, Team of Humans of San Quentin organization, Thank you so much for the wonderful...