Seven Years Ago Today I Walked Into Federal Prison

Today is an interesting anniversary.

It was 7 years ago today I self surrendered to Otisville Federal Prison.

I invite you to join me on my journey into the unknown with this excerpt from my new book, “Blank Canvas, How I Reinvented My Life After Prison.”

TWELVE

“One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.”

— JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI

We knew the day would come: August 13, 2014, was tattooed on my brain. It doesn’t make it any easier. The waiting and planning are over. I’m going to prison.

I hold Matisse in my arms. I don’t want to let go. I don’t want to let go of anything. She licks the tears off my face, no idea what is happening, only that she is where she loves being, at the center of the universe.

I look across our living room. Kyla is watching us with the sadness of a thousand deaths. She may be witnessing the last time I ever hold Matisse. The vet discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor in her tiny body. We don’t know how much longer we’ll have her. I find Athena and hold her, kissing her head. Typical cat, she runs away at the first opportunity.