As the holidays approach, the hearts of the people in the San Quentin community flood with thankfulness.
“Asked on the Line” conducted 11 random informal interviews with the men in blue and asked them to respond, with the first thing that came to mind and heart: Who is the one person or group of people that you are most thankful for having in your life?
And, what is the one thing—tangible or not—that you are most grateful for having at this very moment?
It took some men back in time and for others in brought them to tears.
Robert Frye said he is thankful for “all the beautiful people” in his life and for God. He is also grateful for his recovery.
Jesus Flores said he was thankful for his parents. “They have always been there for me. Everyone else in my family moved on with their lives. I don’t blame them, but my mom and dad have stood by my side for 20 years.” Flores is also thankful for having his health. “Without it, I wouldn’t be alive.”
“Am thankful for the loving support of a mother
who has never wavered in her love and support,
despite my shortcomings”
Nate Collins said that he is most thankful for his family, especially his “mom, brother, auntie, and uncle.” He is also thankful for having courage. “I can look at myself with a critical eye to fix my flaws and accept my short comings.”
Chapple Sims said he was thankful for having a loving family, especially his wife. He is also grateful for having peace in his life.
Dexter Coleman said that he is “thankful for having people in his life who love me unconditionally.” He also said that he is grateful for his “ability to experience all of the emotions that a person, son, brother, father, and grandfather could go through in life, no matter the location.”
Orlando Harris is thankful for his mother. “I am thankful for the loving support of a mother who has never wavered in her love and support, despite my shortcomings.” He is also grateful for “being blessed with a changed heart.”
Randy Maluenda is thankful for his father, Victor. “I am also thankful for God’s blessings and challenges, for His grace and life’s setbacks. For everything!”
Valeray Richardson is also thankful for his family. “I’m very thankful for my family, especially my daughter.” He also expressed gratitude for his health and his new outlook on life.
Eric Boles is most thankful for his daughter and is grateful for his health.
Billy Allen was thankful for his family and is grateful for having good health.
Yours truly is eternally thankful for my parents, Albert and Marie, and my daughter, Janie. I love them beyond words. They have my unconditional love and I know that they love me in the same way. As far as the one thing I am thankful for having in my life right now, it would have to be the opportunity to help others. I never thought I would ever be able to help so many people. Over the years, I have been graced with the opportunity to help others in the most unexpected of ways. Happy Thanksgiving.
