I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD, UNTIL THINGS GOT WORSE

LIFE IN PRISON WITH COVID

Forward by Dale Russell

In our communications with all our AIC (Adult in Custody) contacts, we have asked them to tell us how life is under constant lockdown and COVID restrictions. Many have said it is like being locked in an 8×12 bathroom, 24/7 with someone else. It is important that we see what these men and women are experiencing, to know how to pray, how to empathize and how to send our notes of encouragement. The following description should prompt thoughts of what to say to these men and women.  More on that shortly.

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I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD, UNTIL THINGS GOT WORSE  

by AIC Guy E. (Snake River Correctional)

Thank you so very much for your thoughtful newsletters. That encouragement has helped me personally quite a lot during this awful time with COVID. I will share my experiences as well as how God convinced me I would not die.

The first two weeks of August I spent in quarantine. I thought I was bad until it became even worse. I developed a fever, had bathroom accidents, and then passed out waking up in a ball on my cell floor discovering I had broken my nose. My kidneys hurt so bad I was doubled over in pain and was delirious, not able to concentrate or make much sense.

“I’m not done with you yet”

On August 24th I was admitted to the prison Infirmary with COVID-19. I was poked and prodded to find a place for an IV in my right wrist where no vein actually exists, causing severe swelling on the back of my hand. The next night the same male nurse found access in my left hand and was given my first steroid medication. It was also injected in my stomach once a day with the blood thinner which bruised me the size of a fist. I did tell the nurses, “pick a spot that’s not bruised and good luck”. It did not feel like I was going to survive all this. I prayed quite a lot and in my spirit I heard the Lord say, “I’m not done with you yet.”

I was discharged from the Infirmary 17 days later having had COVID for roughly 31 days.

Bradley was in a state of giving up on life

During my stay in the infirmary, I was in a room with a friend I had known for 41 years, Bradley, who is also a Visions of Hope artists here. Bradley was in a state of giving up on life. As bad off as I was because of COVID, God took ahold of my words to speak life into Bradley, encouraging him to eat, watch TV with me and go through our personal property, downloading as much as we could that really wasn’t needed. Three times we did this and it gave Bradley in opportunity to show me a lot of the art he has for Visions of Hope. This gave me a chance to encourage him into recognizing the kids of Otino Waa were dependent on his art, that he has a purpose in life.

By mid-September I was able to go back to work. I noticed I was having brain fog, lacked concentration and couldn’t follow through with many things. My short-term memory is still a problem.

In November I became Bradley’s live-in helper. He was, and still is, in a lot worse condition than I, do to COVID. He uses a walker and wheelchair to get around. He had lost 30 pounds during his hospital stay and continues to have many health problems.

So, God wasn’t done with me

When we place God in control, he takes the lead. To date, Bradley as found many health improvements. He gained back 11 pounds in six weeks and his feet have stopped peeling skin. God has also given us the wisdom to undo bad medical treatment and apply the right medications. God opened up the ears of the medical professionals to listen to us and make better choices with our suggestions. So as days come and go we see small increments of improvement.

Bradley has found a new inspiration to continue his art for the Otino Waa kids. He is always showing me new pieces and our conversation is full of his ideas of new projects, anticipation of seeing the volunteers of Visions of Hope and news from Uganda.

So, God wasn’t done with me and placed me in a position to encourage and lead by example. Thank you for this opportunity to share.

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How should you respond to such a story?

An amazingly simple way would be to write a simple note of encouragement.  Every three weeks we send a newsletter to all our AIC contacts which includes your personal notes. You can be the one to write the words or send the laugh that helps someone through a rough day—or a whole tough season of life.   

What to write or how to say it?

Hallmark has long been the leader in appropriate and supportive words. A kickstart might look like this:

• “You’re never far from my thoughts.”
• God brought you to mind today and here’s what seems important to say…………..
• “Know how often I think of you? Always.”
• “You’re on my mind and in my heart.”
• “Lifting you up in prayer and hoping you have a better day today.”
• “Just wanted you to know you’re on my mind and in my prayers.”
• “I hope you don’t feel alone as you go through this time. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all the way.”

Please send your notes of encouragement HERE and we will add yours to the next newsletter!