My sincere apologies for leaving folks hanging with the letter concerning JA. That was not my intention. I was totally caught off guard by the whole situation and needed some time to further think on the letter and discuss it with Shawna.
We need to understand, these women live in terrible situations. Makes little difference whether we think they deserve their situation, we think they are guilty or innocent, we think they created their own mess or not. The world they live in is one few of us can comprehend unless we have been there. A group of women in the best of circumstances will argue and be catty having "drama" among themselves. Many of these ladies are functioning at about a high school level emotionally and with that type of pressure they are under, combined with the crowed unpleasant living conditions and it's the perfect storm for spats, disagreements, etc.
My concern lies with Shawna, always. I felt she was angry and upset when writing that update and that it would be in her best interest to cool off. After talking to her, she did agree with me. The rest of that letter will not be published. While I do not represent JA, I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon and bash on her. She has upcoming litigation and I do not believe that is fair. It would also invite her to write about Shawna, and keep this type of thing going and that would not be of benefit to either woman. It would not help ease tension at the prison either. My wish is not to exploit anyone and i feel that it would be putting Shawna in a position to be exploited by those just wanting to get "the scoop" and/or make a buck from the drama.
I hope the readers of this blog will therefore understand my lack of desire to participate in perpetuating a hostile continuing situation between the two ladies. I feel it is my duty to steer Shawna clear of this whole drama and try to promote peace instead. Shawna has to live in that environment. She has health issues already and I do not feel this added pressure is healthy for her. I do not view Shawna or any of the women i write to with dollar signs in my eyes. That is repulsive to me. Shawna is like family and i want what is best for her.
As usual, i am very behind this time of year. It's planting time in my region. Region 5 for anyone that gardens. I am extremely busy this year, even more than most as i try to get my garden put out and work on a living fence surrounding my property. I am limited physically in how much i can do and also trying to keep up with a large influx of letters from multiple inmates. So, my blogs and pages may suffer some as i try to keep correspondence with the inmates updated and garden but i am definitely still here. I will post the new 30 yard update within the next few days. Thanks for understanding. Be blessed.
