Monthly Archive for August, 2016

From the Los Angeles Catholic Worker

August 5, 2016

Dear Community,

“Dietrich, I’m gonna visit you some night.” Gabriel sits at the Latino table most evenings watching the Spanish-language TV. With a menacing look and numerous tattoos, he has the image of one who is familiar with both streets and jails. So, when he said he was going to come visit me some night, I was a little frightened.

The Latino table is near the C.O.s desk, and he was always there when I received mail each night. It is rare for an inmate to receive mail every night and even rarer to receive books. “I wanna get a book from you,” said Gabriel. I did not really know whether to be frightened or flattered. White nerdy types like myself who read are often an object of derision in an environment where some people don’t read.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s been a little while since I have sent something out, so it’s time for a little update. On this past Friday I celebrated, here in prison, my 66th Birthday. It was a good day in that, although I was not able to be with my family and loved ones, I was surrounded by your love and full of gratitude for all of you who have been so supportive during this time. I was also very thankful to be back on my unit after spending two weeks in the Special Housing Unit (the “SHU”). That experience was hard for me, but, again, I felt held in God’s loving hands and your hearts as well.