by Thomas Sheen, Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA
Dear Thomas,
I am sorry, I really made a mess of your life. In all fairness, you played a part in it as well, that’s why I’m writing to you. I want to give you some perspective. In your young life, your father, sister and older brothers will be absent and you’re going to experience some physical and emotional abuse from your mom and stepdad.
This will cause you to feel forgotten and rejected by your family. In school, you’re going to experience bullying in response to your kindness and you’ll be made fun of because of the clothes you wear and your lack of food. The way you perceive what these things mean will ultimately lead you to violence, drugs, alcohol, and criminal activities and eventually leading to you murdering two innocent lives and going to prison.
You will internalize these events and believe the worst about yourself and others. You will become controlling, emotionally insecure, and your image and identity will be based on your relationship with others.
Thomas, things are not what they seem, you will discover that what you thought to be true then, will have been a lie. You will eventually come to yourself and be redeemed, but much destruction and devastation will have taken place. Let’s avoid this step with insight and empathy. Mom and dad’s un-involvement in your life comes from a painful place in their young life. They don’t know how to express themselves, but your mom will learn.
Trust me, mom, dad, brothers, and sisters, I’m proud of you and love you so very much, I encourage you to act on your feelings of closeness to God. Live your life dedicated to him. Trust me, you won’t miss what the world would offer you instead. Read your bible and learn of God. He loves you and has made you for a purpose.
Use empathy when dealing with others. Their hurtful words or actions are just coming from a hurting pace. I have nothing to do with you. However, you can make a positive difference in their lives if you always look for the good in others and in every situation.
Thomas, I want you to believe in yourself. You are a natural leader and very smart. Study and learn as much as you can. Education is empowering. Always stand up for what is right and never do anything that would be harmful to another.
God is the Judge, not us. These things I’ve told you, if put into practice and lived out in your life, it will guarantee success, and save many people from a lot of pain. Two human lives depend on you taking heed to my words.
I call on heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you, life and death, blessings and cursing. Therefore, choose the life that both you and your loved ones may live.