someone you love in prison, watching as they die a little more each time you visit. I remember Cathy telling us about her brother, how hard it was for him when their mom passed. Cathy promised her mother she would always be there for Joey and she has been faithful to this day! Larod had Michelle, a truly special friend, who attended the meetings on his behalf. When I first met Marshan his attorneys shared with me how special Marshan was and how wrong it was for him to be in prison— a young man with so much he could offer the world.
I’ m not sure if any of us every really believed we would see our guys released. We all hoped that one day it would happen, but to see the miracle of their release, to have these guys come to the meeting and actually talk to us, gave us the courage to never give up hope. Larod stood during the meeting and told all of us that he was there to give us hope, just as our group had given him and others hope during their long years in prison.
On June 25, 2012, the United States Supreme Court ruled it was unconstitutional to sentence anyone under 18 to mandatory life in prison. On that day, we began to have hope, to think that maybe a few of our loved ones would be returned to us. The last 4 years have been a long difficult journey for many of us; re-entering the court system, revisiting the worst time in your life, for many of us seeing the victims’ families and the pain that is still with them. Not all of the stories have been as happy as Joey, Larod, and Marshan. Some have been told again that they will die in prison, that they are not more than their worst decision in life. Still others have been given extremely long sentences. For many of us, we are still waiting for our loved ones to be resentenced; it is a limbo that eats away at you, the fear and worry is always there.
We had cake for Joey, Larod, and Marshan because we knew we needed and wanted to support and celebrate them. We all needed to celebrate! It’ s was a small gesture, but the guys loved it— smiles abounded and for a little while all of us forgot our own worries and basked in the happiness and delight of these three men. I just shake my head, smile, wipe away a tear, and realize that I have witnessed a miracle.
Julie Anderson’ s son Eric was sentenced to life in prison when he was 15 years old, he is now 37 years old and is awaiting his resentencing. Julie directs pbmr’ s advocacy efforts through the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Dayton Sisters of the Precious Blood. W
A New Ministry, continued from page 8 the idea was worth pursuing and that my faith in God’ s calling would remain strong.
I then made a proposal for the creation of a resource service that would connect those in need with social service organizations in the community. Companions and incorporated members could work together to establish the resource center, promoting Precious Blood spirituality in a faith-based project designed to build relationship within the community through service and charity. This project would link the elderly, disabled, low-income families, children, and others in need to supportive services. All members of the Precious Blood community could participate in providing the contents of the resource center. Resources could be gathered and placed in a database establishing an online service as well as an outreach service.
The vision has grown bigger than a mustard seed and the mountain has been nudged. An advisory committee was formed which includes Fr. Garry Richmeier, Fr. Keith Branson, Margaret Haik, Gabino Zavala, and Kathy Keary. After several meetings and hard work, plans for Precious Blood Resource Services were created. These services will consist of needs assessment, referral, and accompanying. We will refer those in need to resources and help them though the process so they can effectively receive those services. An organizational structure has been established and locations for a central office have been explored in mid-town Kansas City. Inquiry has been made into funding opportunities. Training sessions will be implemented for those in the community who are interested in being part of the process. We have reached out to other social service organizations that have shown interest in collaborating with us. All Companions, volunteers, and incorporated members have their own unique gifts and talents to offer to those in need and can help this project to succeed. The committee will be reaching out to the community to share our progress and ask for input and ideas.
The unity of all works to achieve the spiritual goals God has intended for us and enables us to reach out to the marginalized and spread the Precious Blood spirituality.
“ For in one body we have many members and the members do not all have the same function, so we, through many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another”( Romans 12:4-5). W
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