May 13, 2020 Mailing

Lifelines for MCI | lifelinesformci.com

Thoughts from the Free World

When we first moved to Ohio, I taught at MCI for the Ohio State University, and I met some of the most amazing students who were incarcerated. Stay strong, and look ahead to better days. I can't imagine what you're facing right now, but I hope for all the best for you. -Regina

We have not forgotten about you, and we care about your wellbeing. Try to stay strong, and we will do what we can to help you. You are part of our state, and you matter. -Emily

I’m pleased to remember seeing many of you at a reading a couple years ago (was it really that long ago?) My daughter talks about you guys a lot. It sounds so empty but my thoughts and prayers really do go out for you. -Grandma

Mental & Physical Challenges

Finish these beginning sentences: I am. . . ., I know that. . . ., I will become. . . .

Write about a question or problem that took you a long time to answer or solve. Was there a time when you thought you would never figure it out? Then try drawing an image that expresses what traveling that path was like for you.

Quotations to Think about Today

It may be that when we no longer know what to do

we have come to our real work,

and that when we no longer know which way to go

we have come to our real journey.

The mind that is not baffled is not employed.

The impeded stream is the one that sings.

- Wendell Berry

“Yesterday is heavy. Put it down.”

Eagle Poem – Joy Harjo, Poet Laureate of the U.S.

To pray you open your whole self

To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon

To one whole voice that is you.

And know there is more

That you can't see, can't hear,

Can't know except in moments

Steadily growing, and in languages

That aren't always sound but other

Circles of motion.

Like eagle that Sunday morning

Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky

In wind, swept our hearts clean

With sacred wings.

We see you, see ourselves and know

That we must take the utmost care

And kindness in all things.

Breathe in, knowing we are made of

All this, and breathe, knowing

We are truly blessed because we

Were born, and die soon within a

True circle of motion,

Like eagle rounding out the morning

Inside us.

We pray that it will be done

In beauty.

In beauty.