September 2013 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.
Echoes in Purgatory III, 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.
a friend of CPF. a Third Order Franciscan and a member of the Holy Name Society …
As I read Echoes in Purgatory Part II I thought; I’m on year 39 in prison and I know almost everyone printed in the April and June issues of CPF newsletter. I hope people will share with children these thoughts of how terrible it is serving Life without Parole in PA. I also hope adults will read these thoughts and know that the taking of another’s life is a terrible thing. The death of someone, and the taking of another’s life results in punishment for life. The mistakes we make as young people can have terrible repercussions. All I can think is ‘why are we so stupid and without feelings for others!! Some of us doing Life did not kill anyone, but we could have walked away or tried to stop the event.
I guess we all hope someone will read these thoughts and help make a change to Life with Parole and also keep others from doing stupid stuff. Over many years people have come into these prisons and have told us they would never vote for Parole for Lifers. A few have changed their minds after talking to us, and some changed their minds after their children did something and got Life. It reminds me of the saying, ‘The life you save may be your own.’
Life without parole (LWOP) should be abolished due to the fact that the State of Pennsylvania recognizes the fact that a certain degree of murder should carry no more than up to 20-40 years. In many instances, there is minute difference between the degrees of murder.
This country has fought many wars and has forgiven debts of its former enemies and is now best friends and trading partners. If this country as a whole can do this, i.e., forgive, then this state (PA) should do likewise and abolish life without parole (LWOP).
What life means to me: I have learned that life imprisonment is not necessarily of innocence or guilt. Life imprisonment forced me to reconsider what is the purpose of Life. After decades of legal and social defeats, I have realized life imprisonment is a journey which takes you to another level of existence. Life imprisonment has led me to confront my ability to adapt to the circumstances. Change is a part of living. Without change there is no chance of developing your character.
Life imprisonment enables me to apply being a part of the universal struggle for redemption. In this seemingly endless journey, the ideology that labeled us lifers is quickly coming to an end, because we are in essence part of the universal family called human beings.
By me having a life sentence, it has definitely devastated my whole life thus far. I mean the system has taken all of my youth and of course my good manly years. And, as everyone should realize, that a life sentence has no ending in Pennsylvania, except for death. It destroyed my whole family and they were hoping, praying to see me get out before they died. I lost both my parents and a sister. But no one’s death hurts me more than loving my Mom. Since I am a Momma’s
boy!!! I only wish that it could be yesterday once more!
There are many variables that come with a life sentence; one is a mother and son relationship. I didn’t understand how important that kind of relationship can affect a person doing a life sentence, but the despondence of a life sentence can be
lifted by the love of mother, and that I can never repay because my life is being wasted in prison.”
A mandatory life sentence without parole denies the change for true human redemption and hope. It says no matter what you do to reform and repent it will all fall upon deaf ears, closed minds, and locked hearts.
Being in prison has made me a father who loves his children with all my heart, but I feel like an invisible person. Every day that I’ve missed being home with them has felt like a day they have moved on without me. Out of sight – Out of mind is more than just a saying!
Doing a life sentence is a very, very harsh reality that I wake up and go to sleep to everyday, knowing that no matter what I do, the light at the end of the tunnel continues to get dimmer and I continue to grow older and those around me continue to pass on to the other side.
If you would like to comment or respond to any of the above reflections, the envelope needs to include: the man’s name, number,
P.O. Box 244,
Graterford, PA 19426