September 2014 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.
Echoes in Purgatory VIII, SCI Graterford
A collection of writings by men who are serving a Life Sentence Without Parole [the other death sentence]. Read their words, then listen quietly and you will hear their cry for their God given “Right to Redemption.” …
*These reflections were written in the spring of 2013
Echoes is a continuing effort of CPF and Lifers Inc. to educate the public and our legislators about the injustice of Life without Parole here in PA.
Hugh Williams’ reflection is timely as we prepare to transition from Graterford to Huntingdon Lifer Without Parole resident reflections.
As a contributor to the Echoes in Purgatory and supporter of parole eligibility for all life sentenced inmates, I would like to say something that none of these articles mention; personal responsibility. We cannot and must not forget that there are two sides to our convictions and what has been printed thus far is only one side, our side. If not guilty as charged, then perhaps we were a little too close to the situation to be considered totally innocent or unaccountable. We all know what part we played, either direct or passive. And the rest is history.
Many of us are too proud and unwilling to accept personal responsibility or express genuine remorse. I may be pre- sumptuous, but I believe I speak for all, that there is a deep seated but unspoken regret which is internalized. Prison, as such is not a place for weeping willows or shrinking violets, therefore we present a macho persona, if that is the proper word to use. However in the deep recesses in one’s soul and in those rare moments of quietude, the reality of it all surfaces. T.V., radio, card and chess games only mask what we all feel inside, but never publically express. And on occasion there is that feeling of hopelessness. No one wants to hear another’s tale of woe and for the most part we remain silent and bear our burden. But pain and suffering is equally if not more shared by the victim’s family, and we must not forget this. There are those who desperately want to hear this. Social scientists call this closure and closure has two sides. Our side is ac- accepting responsibility. Echoes in Purgatory is a beginning of this process.
There’s an old saying which is relevant: when you have done the unforgivable, forgive your-self. The journey for seeking redemption and forgiveness begins with taking personal responsibility. No matter what faith one practices, most tenets of religion are based on recognition of one’s actions. It is just that simple. As stated above, this is the other side, the unspoken side of Echoes in Purgatory.
Hugh Williams,
AF 2932 P.O. Box 244 Graterford, PA 19426
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