Randy has been incarcerated for six years. Larry and I speak with him on the phone several times a week. In 2020, during COVID, I asked him to write an article about life in his 6-by-8-foot cell.

Today, six years later, I asked Randy the same question: How do you stay so positive, especially after being denied parole seven times?

Randy responds, “I have learned through my disappointments that I must be patient and believe that God has a plan for my future and for my life now in prison. One of the biblical verses which directs my life here is, ‘Seek God’s will in all you do, and he will show you the path to take. (Proverbs 3:6)’ My path right now is to help others, and it gives me some peace to know that I can help others, even in this dark cold place!”

Recently, I asked Randy to share examples of how he helps other prisoners. He said, “I help them with their lessons. Four men have also thanked me for sharing what I’ve learned about abuse and coping with mental illness. I sew for them too—I mend tears, hem pants, and add pockets. I also enjoy making chocolate fudge to share.” (Challenge: Could you make tasty fudge—like Randy does—in a microwave using hot chocolate mix, chocolate cream cookies, and peanut butter?)

Writing letters has been a meaningful respite for Randy. For nine years, he corresponded with a woman in another prison, sending about five letters a week and receiving four in return. That source of comfort and daily purpose ended abruptly when she was released. Under the terms of her parole, she is not allowed to write to or communicate with Randy, a convicted felon.

Randy is still trying to stay positive, but he says he feels lonely without someone to write to. He ended his last letter with this request: “Karen, would you please share my name and address with readers of Wisdom of the Wounded and ask whether anyone would like to correspond with me?”

                                Randy Simpson 387204
                                City Correction Facility
                                10274 Boyer Road
                                Carson City, MI 48811

Randy sent me the following picture and verse.  May it be a positive blessing in your life. 

Whenever I read Randy’s letters, I am reminded: unlike Randy, I am free to choose how I will spend my day.  I can go outside whenever I wish.  I can drive my car wherever I wish.  I can communicate with whomever I wish.  I am free to choose.  Randy’s choices, while limited, teach me to stay positive in difficult situations and to be grateful each day for my power to choose.

God bless.