Prison Passages: Finding light in family day

The most fun should happen on my birthday. Don’t even try to shoot me down. However, this will never be the case in prison. The menu shall remain the same. The times table as usual.

Is it my day?

I will be awake by 4:30. Bed made; face washed by 6:00. Counted at 7:00, eating before 8:30. One hour of free time if we are lucky. Meal served by 13:00. This sounds so much like fun. There will be no cakes, frozen pops, warm snacks, or anything. There are no surprise visits. The possibility is good there may be some phone contact. However, all depends on luck and timing. There are some days that hurt more than others. My day is not so bad, but missing loved ones and ostracism can hurt.

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Family Day

This is one very special day. The day when one feels human for a minute. It was the most pleasant surprise for me to have my loved ones visit on ‘Family Day.’ Even more surprising, they were all lighting thousands of miles across the globe. Yes, the family had kindly gone behind our backs and arranged for many inmates to enjoy that “family feeling.” The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) knew who our friends were and sometimes pulled off the most enjoyable day. Juices, boerewors, krummel pap, and all things lekker were served. The walls were broken down again.

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People came together, and as the day progressed, introductions and greetings were made, some by choice and others by voice. During this time, we all got to know each other on some level. This was a way to test and build trust. Understanding each other’s habits was one of the easier ways to become familiar with one another. By nature, we could sense that the usual routines were great conversation starters because we all began this journey together.

By the time Family Day in September had arrived, we were left with only this means of connecting with our friends or identifying those who were not so genuine. My experience has taught me to stay close to calm, focused, honest, and reliable individuals, like metros.

For any offender or ex-offender, the atmosphere and excitement surrounding Family Open Day are unmatched inside the prison. Smiles are abundant. Even the toughest guys keep smiling, and the family atmosphere and unity prevail. It’s all very real! Am I above understanding or forgiving? Nope!

Just keeping it real.

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE 

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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