2nd Anniversary

Happy May 1st, our 2nd anniversary of enrolling Michael at Camp FPC Pensacola! April seems like it flew by, especially as Madison and I were able to go to Florida for the last two weeks to visit family. It is so wonderful that you can always go back home again! Thank you for your thoughts for Michael's health. He has found a few guys who strength train and has been doing some strengthening for his back in the evenings with them. His back is feeling much better and a camper who is a doctor suggested some orthopedic inserts for his boots. The downside to his working out is that the FPC does not serve a lot of good protein and only offers milk in the mornings so he is learning how to adjust his diet needs to his increased working out. He has been feeling weak and fatigued and is trying to supplement his protein needs at the food commissary. So amazing what you can take for granted each day, like being able to drink milk when you want.

I am learning a lot about the BOP system and received a home visit from a probation officer. I am sure he got more than he bargained for when he met me and my list of questions. If nothing at all, I am good a researching, asking questions, and holding you to an answer! I am not a pushover inmate spouse by any stretch of the imagination. He even went so far as to say that in a year he may not be assigned to Michael but probably will. I think I made him a little nervous! I am thankful that Michael's file landed on his desk because he does like to get things done early and be ready for release dates. I was anxious about the visit (especially when he asked for a floor plan and tried to make a joke about knowing where we might be having a counterfeiting ring until I asked him if the floor plan was really for fugitive extraction - no answer to that one!). It is hard to explain but I felt that God was with me and happy that Madison could stay with a neighbor. Hopefully the paperwork ball is rolling in preparation for an eventual smooth release.

Madison and I enjoyed a great outdoor sunrise Easter service on Sarasota Bay by the church I grew up in. It was nice to see old friends and former congregation members who return for the service as well as the pastor who married us and dedicated Madison. Michael enjoyed the Good Friday and Easter services offered at FPC Pensacola. During the Easter service the pastor compared the gospel accounts and Michael said he like how it was presented. He was looking forward to some holiday celebration as Passover had been celebrated for those of the Jewish faith, however he learned Christian holidays are not. Michael said in fact some campers seemed surprised when he told them Happy Easter that morning. On the Easter dinner menu: liver and onions! Michael chose the vegetarian option of PB&J! It is sad that we are not able to send him baked goods for a holiday at least.

We are excited about what May brings for our family. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and for checking in on us. Michael really has enjoyed your visits and correspondence. We are thankful that he still is finding favor in the bakery despite some attitude problems of the other workers and that he was able to help out some new campers. Michael said he remembered wandering around lost and wanted to be helpful like those who had been to him. He was able to give another man an extra pair of shower shoes that he had. I am proud that it is important to him to help others and that he continues to be a shining light.

Heidi