For the second Christmas in a row, my children and I will open presents, have some lunch, and then we will get into the car.
Like many things in my life, it will begin with a Taylor Swift song.
I’ll likely put on the The Eras Tour Playlist and back out of the driveway. The kids will have snacks and electronics to keep them busy. Then we’ll make the one-hour drive to Jackson, Michigan.
We will then willingly walk into a prison and spend 4 hours there, all so they can spend Christmas with their Dad.
Like many things in my life, it will begin with a Taylor Swift song.
I’ll likely put on the The Eras Tour Playlist and back out of the driveway. The kids will have snacks and electronics to keep them busy. Then we’ll make the one-hour drive to Jackson, Michigan.
We will then willingly walk into a prison and spend 4 hours there, all so they can spend Christmas with their Dad.
What Walking Into a Prison Looks Like
Walk through metal detectors
Be pat down
Take off shoes and socks to show bare feet, then put everything back on
Every piece of jewelry, every pair of glasses accounted for
Hands marked with a black light stamp
Buzzed through
Hugs
Board games
A photo — $3, Michigan DOC
The holidays are different for us.
What is both sad and comforting, is we are not the only family across America doing this. Thank you to all of the advocates working hard to bring loved ones together. May we continue to advocate and make changes to the broken system.
Happy Holidays, my friends.
May your loved ones come home so very soon.
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For Every Family Making This Drive
How to cite: Williams, R. [Rita]. (2024, December 22). Spending Christmas at a Michigan Prison. Clutch Justice. https://clutchjustice.com/2024/12/22/spending-christmas-at-a-michigan-prison/
