Ladies, I’m sure it’s not easy connecting yourself with someone in prison. You may worry about what your friends or family might say. You know, something like, “WHAT? You’re writing to an INMATE? What the hell are you thinking?” Then, once you get past that initial judgement, you might be concerned that it’s just too difficult to befriend someone who you can’t see in person, someone who is forced to live by so many strict rules, someone who has been in prison for 30 years, and so on.
BUT…you are here, on PenPals.Buzz, reading profiles of inmates, so that tells me that at least a small part of you is willing to give this a try. For that, I applaud you!
My advice is this: don’t let circumstances nor situations keep you from finding happiness. I learned this lesson in the worst way possible. Fifteen years ago, my then wife wrote and asked me to call her soon. I was tired that evening, so I decided to call her the next day. She passed away before I called, and we never got the chance to exchange any last words with one another.
I was 52 then, and heartbroken. Now I’m 67, single, and still in prison. I look about the same as the picture, my beard is a little greyer, and I’ve definitely become much wiser. I’ve learned not to take anything for granted, and to genuinely appreciate the people in our lives. Prison is a lonely place; that goes without saying. I often find myself sitting on my bunkbed, thinking about the past, the present, and the future. I imagine that someone, maybe you, is also sitting in bed, lonely, wishing she had someone to talk to, to share stories with, to build a friendship with. If that person is you, I really hope you’ll write or email me and say hi. I’m a wonderful person, honest, and a great listener — so if you want to vent, vent away! I’m here to listen.
Perhaps I should tell you a bit about myself. I’ve been in here so long that sometimes it’s hard to remember that I once had a life outside of these walls. I’m a diesel mechanic (something I still do successfully today). I used to cook my own meals, especially freshly caught fish. I rode my bike on a daily basis, jogged, walked through the forest, and to this day I still sit, meditate, and practice yoga. In prison, I enjoy reading, writing, and solving sudokus on my tablet.
I’m a proud father of five adult children, and I do my best to stay connected with them. It’s easier now than ever, as I have a personal tablet / phone, which allows us to keep in touch in real time. Hopefully something I’ve written has interested you, and you’ll be interested in writing or emailing me. You can find me at GettingOut.com. Search for me by name on GettingOut.com; my facility is listed at NCDAC Harnett CI and my name is David Alston. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
DCA
Please note: This service gives you the opportunity to send your first message to a new pen pal, free of charge. If you send more than one message to the same inmate, or a message to someone you already know, they will not be forwarded.
When you send a message using this form, our staff will print and mail it via US Mail or forward it via the prison’s email system, every two weeks. Be patient, and don’t expect an immediate reply. Inmates can’t email you back directly, so include your full name, email address, and complete mailing address or phone number for a reply. Messages without valid contact info won’t be forwarded, nor will messages with threatening or abusive language.
Want to message directly and more quickly? Check the inmate’s profile to see which email service he or she uses (i.e. GettingOut, JPay, Securus). These services cost between 5 to 50 cents per message and offer you the ability to message them directly and instantly.
