Still My Friend

July 2026 – 7:50 A.M.

Today I reconnected with an old friend.

A few years back, I tried reaching out to her but had no luck. As you might imagine, prison doesn’t make it easy to maintain relationships. In many cases, it ends them.

It’s not just the physical distance or the years apart. Too often, a psychological distance develops as well. The convicted become socially stigmatized. People forget that it’s human to make mistakes and bad decisions. Too often, they’re quick to judge someone else’s mistakes while forgetting their own.

I challenge you, the reader, to think back to one decision you’ve made that, had things gone differently, could have placed you where I am today.

People also forget that we don’t just make mistakes—we need them. Our mistakes provide the experiences we need to learn and grow. They’re the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, that wasn’t the right path.”

My Jamie hasn’t forgotten that, and I appreciate her for it.

This was our first conversation since I was arrested. One of the first things she said was, “I’ve been trying to get in touch with you since you left.” Then she told me how much she’d missed me and asked what she needed to do to come visit.

I explained where I was and how far away it was.

She told me the distance didn’t matter.

Instantly, I felt relief.

Every time I’ve reconnected with someone from my past, there’s been a moment where I pause. I almost hold my breath, waiting for a negative response. The government said a lot of awful things about me—about what I did and what my intentions were. The worst of what they said simply wasn’t true.

My family and friends know me far better than the government ever could. They know my character. They’ve talked with me. They’ve watched my actions over the years. They’re in the best position to judge who I am.

Up to this point, not a single person from my past has responded negatively. Every one of them has welcomed me back and continued to love me.

Still, every time I reconnect, there’s a moment of insecurity and doubt.

When the most powerful government in the world says something about you, people tend to listen. It shapes opinions.

But it didn’t change hers.

Jamie and I have a special bond. She’s a single mother of four and one of the strongest women I know. Somehow she keeps pushing forward despite life doing everything it can to stop her.

She’s the CEO of a small business—an unlikely success story.

She inspires me.

I’m proud to call her my friend.