“That’s all that was wrong with me,” Jon said. “I needed a good night’s sleep.”
Two years on remand in Joe Arpaio’s cockroach infested jails, three and a half years in State prison, never knowing if his half time release would be confirmed, three weeks held at immigration not knowing when he’d be deported, three days in transit without sleep and two days without food are not going to be dispelled with a good nights sleep.
But that’s Jon. He is always positive. Visiting him in prison you felt that he was cheering you up, not the other way round.
The cold spell has meant that he’s not ventured into the garage extension, and is sleeping in the cosy warmth of the upstairs bedroom. He’s still jetlagged and once awake the lure of the computer, which is in the bedroom, becomes irresistible and he’s writing all night. But since taking the meds the doctor gave him he’s not been waking up as much, which means he’s staying awake all day. Wrenching him from the computer at any time is difficult.
Yesterday, we insisted that he come for a walk. He tried to resist, but we nagged him into joining us. It was a bright, crisp day. We walked an elderly neighbour’s dog for an hour around the countryside near our house. Jon admitted he enjoyed the exercise, but complained later that his face had been freezing and half an hour would have been enough.
A visit to the optician, confirmed that he is slightly short sighted, and needs glasses for distance vision, which is still blurred. It’s probably due to the ten-twelve hours per day he spent reading and writing in his cell.
Each day his mental and physical health are improving. His energy is returning but I’m still concerned that he’s trying to do too much too soon. But I’m fighting a losing battle.
Your interest and support is wonderful, but please be patient. It will take him a while to catch up on the hundreds of emails in his inbox.
Copyright © 2007 Barbara Attwood
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3 comments:
I know it's been said many times before in comments on this blog, but it is worth repeating again: Jon is VERY lucky to have you as parents. Your warmth and caring come through in your blog entries, and - after having listened to your radio interview - I can now "hear" you saying what you're writing in your blog!
It's definitely going to be a time of readjustment for everyone, but there's no reason you can't have fun along the way! Those walks sound like just the thing to help with readjustment. Jon must have soon realized, "We're not in Arizona any more!"
glad to hear joN'S feeling better. tELL him to take it easy and get himself fit. long walks sound good lots of fresh air and exercise and he'll soon get your strength back
It is wonderful to see you keeping a blog to fill us in on Jon's post-prison transition, from a parent's perspective. Good luck and there is no doubt in my mind you will do fine. Thank you. -Jose in San Diego
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