October 14, 2005 as written by SC in prison in Oregon.
5:00 am I get up. I’m in pain cause I skipped my nighttime dose of medication for a chronic back condition. Trying to cut down cuz one of the side effects is a risk of a heart attack. I say my morning prayer and prepare for the challenges of today (doing time). The bell rings, the door opens.
5:40 am I jam to med line. While I’m in line, I’m reminded to pass messages from some infirmary patients to their inmate families in general population. I bounce to the first pat down of the day, then I head into the chow hall (breakfast) for a fast bite and to pass the words. Grab some bread for my feathered friends (birds), who always greet me on my walk down the Blvd, to the security shack.
6:15 am Industries work line. I give my coat, take off all metal and go through metal detector, run my ID card number to get cleared. I check in with a green shirt (staff) to get marked off for work list. I get dressed down into my scrubs. Off to my work area to get busy…
8:45 am I hear my name called over the PA system. I report and they tell me to go up to the infirmary, where I’m informed that my friend and brother, C– just passed away…I’m not wanting to believe, ‘cuz I just seen him last night (four-hour visit) where I mentioned to him about writing a letter (about a hospice patient’s day) to the Western Prison Project for A Day in the Life. He said he wanted to. But I had to go. He asked me to stay, but I was tired, so I left. I gave him a hug, said I loved him, and I'll see him tomorrow. Besides, my relief (a Hospice Volunteer) was there.
Anyways, they allowed me to view him through the window. They said he passed at 8:30 am. All the emotions came up. I put ‘em in check cuz I need to be strong. I look at my brother’s shell (body) one last time. I say, “Toksha sunkaku (see you brother)!” I go looking for his roommate (hospice patient J–) who they moved out of the room after C– passed. I check in with him. He shares a l’il, then I have to go. Back down stairs to get another pat down, then off down the Blvd to shack, ID number in… Get back into my scrubs and back to the work area. I think of C–’s family. And wonder how they’re taking it…The sad feelings come up again, but I have to tell myself he’s in a better place and his suffering is over…He’s free now… I will always remember him in a good way…
10:00 am Count time. Then back to work.
11:00 am Pill line. I get dressed (blues), go through pat down again, security shack, then back up to the infirmary (for med line), get my pill and go through pat down, security shack, ID check, metal detector and back to work…
12:30 pm Lunch is called. Pat down, security shack, metal detector, ID check out, then lunch. Everybody in chow hall asks who passed this time?...Word spreads fast of another death…I tray up and go to the cell to be alone. Then I remember I must confirm our spiritual leader for our weekly Inipi Ceremony (Sweat Lodge). I go to the chapel and remind the chaplain to call. I go back to the cell. Clean, sweep, mop, and make changes cuz there’s a new corrections officer on duty who wants changes every day.
4:00 pm Count time. Bell rings, I put my ID up and wait to be counted. Mails handed out, ain’t got nothing…
4:45 pm Count clears. Door opens, off to med line. Pat down and off to chow hall (dinner). I see my other hospice patient (N–) and I remember we have our weekly meeting (me and him) at 6 pm.
We eat, talk and wait for time to pass. We bounce outta chow hall and up to the infirmary…we have a long talk. Another hospice volunteer informs me that someone held on to C-’s medicine bag and prayer feather, they didn’t want it to get destroyed or lost, which happens sometimes…I thank them and get the feather and bag. I go get my patient and before we leave we get our meds for the last time of the day. Go through pat down and back to cell. I think of ways to get these spiritual items to his family. I reflect and pray…It’s lock down. Bell rings.
I get into bed and think of all my blessings (children, family, friends, life). I close my eyes and say wopila tunkasila (thanks creator!)!... Mi takuye oyas.