From the Other Side of the Wire
On the morning of my release I went to see my closest and dearest friend. We both hugged each other and cried. How would I cope without her sincere thoughts and guidance?
I was released from Western Australia Bandyap Women's Prison in
2004. What a day - filled with fear, trepidation, excitement and
tears. I had met so many girls and so many different
personalities. All had stories to tell and all vowed never to
return to Bandyap. Alas, a few did return.
I was always curious to find out what was bringing people back. Surely being locked up at 6.40 every evening and a room with shower and TV were not enough to want to return? I promised myself never to return to Bandyap.
As I packed my tears flowed. Would I survive or would I come back also? I whispered to God who has always been able to listen when I needed help. His advice to me was simple - "Be strong, take the reward of freedom, good friends and a bounty of time. I will be with you every step of the way."
On the morning of my release I went to see my closest and dearest friend. We both hugged each other and cried. How would I cope without her sincere thoughts and guidance? "Go," she said, "Don't come back. I'm happy for you."
I was picked up by another loyal friend. Tears flowed as I got through the gates that had kept me from the "other world" out of Bandyap - free!
On the second day I visited my parole officer, went shopping for clothes (a dress, shoes, pajamas); all costing money - something I hadn't seen for three years. I found myself counting out every cent and dollar I had. I struck a laugh with my friend because most of the clothes I bought ended up being blue (the Bandyap uniform) - hadn't I had enough of blue after all these years? I ran out of money and had to go to Centrelink and take an advance on my next payment.
Life wasn't easy. I had to find a doctor who bulk-billed, a bank for my payments to go into, Medicare for my card, etc. Thankfully the Lord gave me a loyal friend who could show me where all those places were. I needed to make a doctor's appointment to check out my medical history and have my prescriptions re-issued for ongoing medication. Sleep hadn't been regular, so I resorted to longer meditation for myself, often wishing I was back in Bandyap without these sorts of problems. I promised myself I would go to the beach and meditate all my negative ideas away.
I heard God's voice daring me to be positive - the rewards are there. Anyone who knows me knows I cannot refuse a dare. I took up the dare that God has given me and would you believe it the rewards of love and good friends and freedom are great!
It has been six months since I walked out to the real world of having a space of my own, identity and being able to please myself about what I wear, when I eat, when I go to bed, etc. The real adventure is just taking shape. Maybe this could be a rehearsal for a better life. All I do know is I enjoying what pleasures and treasures God bestows on me.
- F
I was always curious to find out what was bringing people back. Surely being locked up at 6.40 every evening and a room with shower and TV were not enough to want to return? I promised myself never to return to Bandyap.
As I packed my tears flowed. Would I survive or would I come back also? I whispered to God who has always been able to listen when I needed help. His advice to me was simple - "Be strong, take the reward of freedom, good friends and a bounty of time. I will be with you every step of the way."
On the morning of my release I went to see my closest and dearest friend. We both hugged each other and cried. How would I cope without her sincere thoughts and guidance? "Go," she said, "Don't come back. I'm happy for you."
I was picked up by another loyal friend. Tears flowed as I got through the gates that had kept me from the "other world" out of Bandyap - free!
On the second day I visited my parole officer, went shopping for clothes (a dress, shoes, pajamas); all costing money - something I hadn't seen for three years. I found myself counting out every cent and dollar I had. I struck a laugh with my friend because most of the clothes I bought ended up being blue (the Bandyap uniform) - hadn't I had enough of blue after all these years? I ran out of money and had to go to Centrelink and take an advance on my next payment.
Life wasn't easy. I had to find a doctor who bulk-billed, a bank for my payments to go into, Medicare for my card, etc. Thankfully the Lord gave me a loyal friend who could show me where all those places were. I needed to make a doctor's appointment to check out my medical history and have my prescriptions re-issued for ongoing medication. Sleep hadn't been regular, so I resorted to longer meditation for myself, often wishing I was back in Bandyap without these sorts of problems. I promised myself I would go to the beach and meditate all my negative ideas away.
I heard God's voice daring me to be positive - the rewards are there. Anyone who knows me knows I cannot refuse a dare. I took up the dare that God has given me and would you believe it the rewards of love and good friends and freedom are great!
It has been six months since I walked out to the real world of having a space of my own, identity and being able to please myself about what I wear, when I eat, when I go to bed, etc. The real adventure is just taking shape. Maybe this could be a rehearsal for a better life. All I do know is I enjoying what pleasures and treasures God bestows on me.
- F
Last modified
2005-09-05 10:38 PM