Friday, September 11th, 2015
RAPHAEL GETS A RED BOX
One month ago, Raphael told me his cellmate would be transferred to another prison the next day. I asked him how he knew that, since he had previously told me prisoners are transferred without advance notice. “Because they brought a red box to our cell the night before last, which means he will head out the second morning from then.” He explained that when a prisoner gets a red box, he packs all his belongings into that box and that’s what he can take with him to his next stop.
I have told you how stifling the penitentiary is where Raphael resides. He’s locked up 22-23 hours a day, and his cellmates have included murders and otherwise unsavory fellows. With great sadness in his voice, he told me one evening he’d probably be there for his first three years. But God had other plans for him. Two nights ago, Raphael got a red box.
I received a phone call this morning from Raphael at his new facility. I’ll tell you about it next week.