Barry visiting his Son Chris in prision
In Chris’s Own Words
(Written for this newsletter by Chris Marcone from prison in Live Oak Florida)
To me, prison was always a place for murderers, rapists, child molesters and big-time drug dealers. It certainly wasn’t a place for me or anyone I associated with.
Never in a million years did I think that I would end up here. It just wasn’t even a possibility.
And now, in looking back, I guess I always held some false beliefs about myself and life in general. I thought, “Sure, maybe I party a little too much or too often, but who doesn’t when they’re young.” Or, “I’m not hurting anyone.” I think I even conned myself into believing that “Heck, I’ve never been in trouble with the law, so if I do a little something wrong, they’ll go easy on me.” There not going to send a first time offender to prison.
But I am here. In prison. I’ve now spent the last two years of my life locked up. I still have nine years to go before my earliest release date, In march 2008 I was sentenced to Thirteen years in The Florida Department Of Corrections, for a car crash I caused in April 2007, witch led to a death of a 13 year old girl.
My days are know spent how and when I’m told when to eat, sleep, take a shower and even when I can go to the bathroom—things I just took for granted before the car crash. Even communicating with my family is difficult as there are only certain times I’m allowed to use the phone or have visitors. And during those times when I can talk with my family, I’m constantly watched, and my conversations are all listened to. There is no privacy.
The other thing is that both my family and friends have lives outside these prison walls. In fact, some have just gone on with their lives and forgotten me. And while that makes me feel sad, the worst part is there’s nothing I can do about it. As lonely as I am, I can’t force them to call me. I just have to accept that, even though it hurts.
You’re probably thinking, “Well, aren’t there other inmates to talk with?” The simple answer to that is “yes.” But the other people I’m locked up with never talk to me unless they want something from me. So, that doesn’t really make for much of a friendship. I’m pretty much on my own, just sitting around waiting for me release date that seems like it will never get here.
In a matter of seconds my Life, and countless others’ lives, changed for the worse in a matter of seconds. I made only one bad decision—just one—and I were sent to prison and a family was left without their beloved daughter. I made one bad decision that can’t be changed, that could have been prevented.
By drinking responsibly and not getting behind the wheel drunk, or letting anyone else who been drinking, get behind the wheel you are saving lives. It could be you or one of your love ones who’s live you Save Please learn by my MISTAKE. Drive Sober and Save a life.
Christopher S. Marcone
Inmate # U32713
