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Many UUs don’t realize that the CLF ministers to over 350 incarcerated members through its Prison Ministry Letter Writing Program. Rev. Patty Franz matches incarcerated members of the CLF with freeworld UUs for the exchange of friendly letters. Members of my own family don’t understand why I do this. “If a person has done something terrible then they deserve to suffer, so why bother?” Why indeed?

I moved to California from Florida four months following the death of my beloved husband. He had been my world for over 20 years, and when he was gone I truly felt my future was all used up. I knew no one here, had no family close by as my four children are scattered around the U.S.

Then two years ago I was matched with Alex, who is in prison in Texas. Alex is extremely verbal, very bright, and almost a poster child for how to raise a career criminal. It is possible to look up a prisoner’s conviction record, but I never felt it was relevant to do so. I wanted to be free to relate to a person, not an “offender.”

The first letter exchange is a little like a “blind date” and when I recently re-read his first letter to me he stated he hoped he wouldn’t be too much of a burden and interfere with my other “good works.”

Beverly, I hope you’re not swamped with numerous pen pal friends and that this letter isn’t one of many that you do for the Fellowship Church out of compassion and good deeds. So maybe after awhile I’ll become a headache to you. Chaplain Pat referred me to you, so you must be okay.” I hastened to reassure him that I was not earning some kind of merit badge for good deeds, but was simply interested in exploring ideas and philosophies with another adult. I gave him some basic background bio and he did the same, and then we were off and running.

I never in my life would have believed just how much having a pen pal would change me. When I receive his letter and devour the words, I think deeply on how best to respond. I find myself doing some reading so I have a better understanding of the topic, but sometimes I just use my gut, and intuit what he’s really asking or questioning. The most important thing is to let Alex know that he is special to me, and that we are equals in sharing this adventure of spiritual and intellectual growth. The letter exchange provides him the opportunity to escape the mental numbness and negativity that prisons seem to nurture, and being a letter writer gives me the opportunity to practice my faith regularly in a way I know makes a difference.

The letters from Alex are some of the most interesting reading I do. I enjoy hearing about the people in his earlier life and the experiences that shaped him. He gives detailed descriptions of prison life routines and the varied cast of characters, including the guards and other inmates. Alex recently wrote to Chaplain Pat and said “I didn’t know what was expected from a friendship between me and your referral.

I pretty much accepted out of courtesy and spiritual obedience to your kindness. For so long I’ve been an unsociable and self-imposed hermit. Beverly actually shattered all of the rude, crude and misconstrued arguments and ideas I felt at the time. My life has honestly been the richer for it. She showed me how to look beyond the exterior to the interior and to the untried voice of conscience. She makes you more than you are, if that’s possible.”

Flattering words indeed, but I am also “more than I was.” So this is not some grand work, just my attempt to feel of some value in the world and to bring some beauty and joy into another’s life.

By Beverly, CLF Penpal.