In my first post, I introduced you to my journey from correctional officer to prisoner's wife. Today, I want to take you deeper into the moment that changed everything for me—the day I met my now husband and how that encounter shifted my entire world. But today is also a difficult day. It’s my husband’s 26th birthday, and while I want to celebrate his life, my heart is heavy with the recent events that have shaken us both.
I’ll never forget the day I first laid eyes on him. I was 46 years old, in a job that demanded strength and control. I was trained to see inmates as just that—inmates. We were taught that they were dangerous, manipulative, and unworthy of trust. And sadly, I believed it. It wasn’t until I stepped into the yard, face to face with the men I was supposed to oversee, that I began to see the cracks in the system and the humanity behind the labels.
Then, there he was—24 years old, yet already having lived a lifetime of struggle. Something about him drew me in. Maybe it was the way he looked at me, not with defiance or fear, but with a sense of curiosity, as if he saw beyond the uniform I wore.
At first, I tried to keep my distance. After all, I was a correctional officer. I had rules to follow, lines I couldn’t cross. But the more I spoke with him, the more I realized how much we had in common. He was more than his past, more than the mistakes that had brought him here. He was smart, thoughtful, and had a depth that intrigued me.
We connected on a level I hadn’t expected. It was crazy, awkward, and yes, even scary. How could I be developing feelings for someone on the other side of the bars? But there was no denying it—this was more than just a passing connection.
I knew my life was about to change in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend. I had to decide—would I continue down the path I’d always known, or would I follow my heart, no matter how unconventional it seemed? It wasn’t an easy decision. It meant leaving behind a career I had invested in, facing judgment from others, and stepping into a world of uncertainty. But in the end, love doesn’t follow the rules. And I knew that this was the path I had to take.
Today, as I reflect on our journey, I can’t help but feel the weight of what we’re going through right now. My husband, who turns 26 today, was beaten badly just a few days ago and taken to the hospital. I found out today that he ended up with stitches. He’s doing okay emotionally, but he’s struggling—especially with not being able to hear my voice. And I am too, baby. I am too.
On days like this, it’s hard to smile. It’s hard to find the strength to celebrate when all I want is to be there for him, to tell him that everything will be okay. But I know that our love is strong enough to get us through this, just like it has with everything else.
Looking back, I realize that meeting him was the moment everything shifted. My perspective on life, love, and the justice system would never be the same. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And even though today is hard, I’m reminded of the love we share and the strength that has carried us this far.
In my next post, I’ll share more about how I navigated the early days of our relationship and the challenges that came with it. If you’ve ever had a moment in your life that changed everything, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s continue this journey together, supporting each other through the highs and lows.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
—Psalm 34:18
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