Like a computer in your hand
It is appropriate an early morning phone call from a friend on his way out of prison inspires my first Substack post (finally!) today.
Imagine holding a cell phone in your hand for the first time in your life – full of apps and connections to the outside world. This was the case for my friend David Keegan who, today, 12-13-23, ventured outside the prison walls – his home for the last 22 years – on his way to a halfway house after after years of incarceration. He called me while his sister was driving. “This is like having a computer in your hand!” he mused.
David admitted he might be paying too much attention to the new device in his hand rather than appreciating the surrounding landscape on this crisp, sunny December morning. He had only seen pictures of smartphones before, heard about them, and imagined their power for connections. Now he was using one in real life.
And in the excitement of this day, he didn’t know what to appreciate most, first.
This is the first day he leaves the Iowa prison facility not in the company of guards, nor wearing shackles and bright prison garb. And even though this is a highly monitored and controlled journey between prison and halfway house (his sister has only had one hour between getting him checked out of prison in Rockwell City and checking him into the Fort Dodge Community Correctional facility), it is a significant first step in the process from inmate to released “free” person.
I am honored he chose to make one of his first calls to me.
Mr. Keegan has a gift and inspiration for writing. He recently started a substack,
in which he writes about experiences of the past and dreams for the future. He says, “Despite my incarceration, I want to contribute to society & leave my mark in a positive way. Writing is my passion & purpose.”Today I share David’s excitement. There are many obstacles ahead – among the most significant is finding an employer who will give him a chance to work despite his criminal record.
I look forward to continued communication with him - initially through cell phone only, and hopefully soon in person. I hope we can encourage each other to be better and consistent writers!