October 15, 2014
Traveling to Jessup Federal Prison Camp, The Last Train To Jessup
I have to report to Federal Prison Camp tomorrow by 12:00. I did not want my family or friends to experience that traumatic moment when you say good bye and walk into the doors of a Federal Prison Camp. I want them to be there when I get out, not when I go in!
The train trip to Prison Camp was a friend's suggestion who noticed Jesup is a stop on the Amtrak route heading north from Florida. Once I arrive in Jesup this evening, I will stay at the Days Inn and spend my last night reading and talking on the phone with Family and Friends. I suspect sleep will be difficult. This will be my last Blog until I set up communications inside Federal Prison Camp. I am sure the first few days are going to be difficult and full of anxiety.
I want to leave everyone with a positive message as I begin my sentence so I have hijacked Father John's standard Irish blessing that He gives at St John's Church each Sunday. It gives me great comfort every time I hear it!
"MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU
MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE
AND THE RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS
AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND"
Till we meet again.
Ken Flaska
Dear Kenny:
You have been on my mind ever since I first heard of your “predicament.” Given the loss of your son just a few years ago and now this, I’m heartened by your resiliency and determination to be good/stronger/wiser/ for the rest of your life than you were during your “troubles,” as Queen Elizabeth would say. I hope my somewhat cavalier language does not suggest I am trivializing your recent past. I’m not; I’m just more concern for your future than I am your past. When you get settled, if there is such a thing under these circumstances, drop me a line if inclined. H.