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Little did I know, God had heard me loud and clear.

When I arrived here in prison, I was 27 weeks pregnant with my youngest child. While I was in county jail, I met my best friend, “Elljoy.” I know there’s a stigma about forming friendships in institutions, but meeting her was truly God’s way of getting me through such a difficult time while pregnant.

We were separated for a while as I was transferred from facility to facility, and during that time, I became lonely and extremely emotional, feeling like I had no one to trust or confide in. I prayed to God for my pregnancy to pass quickly so I could go home and reunite with my only friend. Little did I know, God had heard me loud and clear.

The week I arrived at the medical unit, I found out that Elljoy was also pregnant, with our due dates just a day apart. She was transferring to the medical unit the following week. We were both so close and focused on living better, with new reasons to succeed as we prepared for motherhood. The best part is our babies will be growing up together as me and Elljoy grow into being successful, stable, parents. I now know God is always listening.

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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.

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