Every December 1, I make it a point to share my story with an inmate I think could benefit from it. This year the inmate chose me. Remember the “shot her in the mouth” guy? He came to me and asked me to help him write an introduction letter to three halfway houses.
I immediately recognized one as a large AIDS organization. I told him I could definitely help him out, but asked, “why are you applying for this one?” He replied, “I wasn’t honest with you before.” He continued, “I actually shot my girlfriend because I tested positive then she disclosed she had known her status for years and hid it from me. In the heat of the moment, dealing with my diagnosis and her betrayal, I acted recklessly. That's why I only got 6 years for reduced manslaughter.”
He then turned the tables on me and asked how I knew what an ASO [AIDS Service Organization] was. That began my disclosure and life story. This guy has had nothing but questions ever since he was imprisoned right after diagnosis. Obviously I have to process the fact that he killed somebody. He is getting out in 6 months, no matter what. Not at least he is well educated, sober, and eager to be a contributor.
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