The autumn season is in full swing. The World Almanac reports the month of October has the following national observances: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Diversity Awareness Month and National Popcorn Poppin’ Month.
Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, Oct. 3, Columbus Day is on Monday, Oct. 13, and Halloween is on Friday, Oct. 31.
After October, only two months remain before we close out 2014. Similarly, many of the men who have served decades in prison may be getting closer to the door to freedom if they can convince the parole board that they are not “currently dangerous.”
Mainliners who have served the minimum terms of their life sentences with the possibility of parole prepare themselves to appear before the Board of Parole Hearings. Many chose to rehabilitate themselves through workshops offered by ILTAGs such as the San Quentin TRUST, Alliance for Change, Kid CAT or ELITE.
Others took college courses offered through Patten University, Coastline College or Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
Some participated in Peer Health Education training offered through Centerforce or learned to understand and curb their violent tendencies, manage their anger or heal from the trauma of child abuse through various groups offered by the Insight Prison Project.
Men on the mainline recently were asked, “What steps have you made to take personal responsibility in your life?”
George “Mesro” Coles-El thought this was a great question. “First, I had to inform myself of my own ignorance. This was the biggest hurdle because arrogance is strong in the male ego. Once that happened, I began making amends with my family and friends as best I could while becoming more of a person of service — helping others help me be a better man. In doing so, I have learned that I am the sole force responsible for everything that happens to me. No one else was responsible for my actions except me, in that no one can influence my decisions and life unless I let them. The best step to take in being responsible for my life is making the best choices I can in life. Peace.”
Adriel Ortiz Ramirez said, “I have taken groups and utilized the skills taught in each group to communicate better with my family. I am able to talk with my family about issues we had difficulty talking about when I was growing up. This broke the cycle. Today, I share with them all of the skills I have learned while in prison.”
Tim Thompson said, “I have used education as one way of taking personal responsibility. Responsibility is not just saying I am sorry and that I will not do it again. Responsibility for me is also teaching others so they will not make the same mistakes that I made. Education gives me the information and ability to not only recognize my faults, but to also show others why my actions were wrong.”
Teddy Fields said, “I have quit blaming others for my woes and have learned the concept of accountability. I have come to realize that I am the sole dictator of my happiness and blaming others will not contribute to a wholesome life.”
Terrell Merritt said, “First of all, I had to make a choice of what direction I wanted my life to take. Once I did that, I began to try to match my actions with my intentions. Now I try to surround myself with like-minded individuals in order to strengthen my resolve to continue to move forward. I own my own mistakes and work to identify my shortcomings in order to turn them into strengths.”
Randy Maluenda said, “I live as if I will die tomorrow, but I learn as if I will live forever. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so I live and breathe the serenity prayer: accept the unchangeable, try to change what I can and have the wisdom to know the difference in this adventurous life, with God’s help.”
Leroy Lucas stated, “The first step that I took was attaining my GED. Getting that allowed me to understand the concept of accomplishment. I also thought honestly about my past actions and how I could redeem my mistakes. I began to take the initiative and read self-help books, which led me to take various self-help classes. Now I am a straight-A college student.”
David Le was poetic in his response. He said, “When I wake up, I ask myself: What have I left undone? When I go to sleep, I ask myself: What have I done?”
Jesus Flores said, “I had to learn to respect authority and follow the rules. When I was young, I didn’t want to listen and I broke the rules because I did not respect authority. I also learned that no matter how tough I thought I was, there was always someone tougher than me. I also got older and learned that it’s better to make friends than enemies, because you never know where you are going to end up.”
