"Mornin', Bill." I greeted a soft spoken, friendly prisoner I've been eating meals with the past month. "Mornin'" He responded, with a warm smile on his country-boy face. "How's the pancakes?" I asked. "Not too bad. I've had better though." He answered.
"Where are you from, Bill?" I curiously asked. "Oklahoma, but I've lived in Arizona and California mainly." "36 years locked-up here in Arizona." He continued. "Damn, 36 years!" I was shocked and a bit disbelieving, after all, Bill doesn't look much older than 45 or 50. "How old are you, Bill?" "I'll be 61 February 12, 2006." Coincidently, I'll be 32 February 11, 20006. - Look out, two Aquarius prisoners ...
"What were you convicted of?" I asked. "First Degree Murder. I got a Life Sentence. I've been locked up since January 1970." "That's a long time, Bill. I bet you've seen so much change in the prison system over the years." "Yeah, but not all for the better. Sure, it's less violent in here and a little safer, but we've lost nearly all of our privileges and creature comforts and the system has become more of a business." "I still hope that I will be paroled some day. With a place to go, work and a plan, I can be paroled still." "Do you have family out there?" I asked him. "No, They are all gone now. I had a lady friend who would write and visit but that was a long time ago."
A sinister though entered my head. "What are your likes?" "Well, let me think... I like sports... reading... learning new things... That's all I can think of at the moment. Why?" He responded. "You'll see." I answered with a smile.
If anybody out there reading this wants a pen pal, a friend or would like to send Bill an encouraging word or holiday card please write: Bill Sturgis #34395 ASPC-Tucson-Santa Rita, P.O. Box 24406, 10012 S. Wilmot Rd., Tucson Arizona 85734-4406.
