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Out
Yesterday I was walking down State Street when a man near Lisa Link Peace Park called to me, "Miss! Miss!" This is not unusual, but he was insistent, so I put on my "panhandler face," turned, and saw he was someone I knew as a jail library patron. He was smiling so broadly I couldn't help but grin.
We stood there for a minute as he shook my hand and said, "I'm out." He reached for one of those one-armed hugs, which I gave back. I said "Congratulations." He thanked me for bringing him books, then invited me to his upcoming birthday party at the Pub. I said I probably couldn't be there, but thanks, and to take care. He waved and smiled and headed on.
Other jail library volunteers have met their patrons again, but I had no idea that when it finally happened to me I'd be so moved.
∞ | January 21, 2005 in jail library journal
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Whoa. I'm speechless.
Posted by: d' | Jan 21, 2005 8:38:23 PM
It really shouldn't matter to people that the guy only has one arm. I guess people just have a visceral reaction and most make little effort to self-reflect. The important thing is that he's out and looking forward.
Posted by: r.piggy | Jan 21, 2005 9:11:27 PM
It's really nice when they remember you and appreciate what you do for them.
Posted by: Violet | Jan 21, 2005 11:19:04 PM
Armed robbery?
Posted by: r.piggy | Jan 22, 2005 9:20:53 PM
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