I still don’t fully understand why anniversaries mean so much to me, but they do. Certain times of year really change my mood. Some make me happy, others make me pretty miserable. Some even make me self conscious or grumpy.
At this time of year I tend to think a lot about the friends I have lost touch with, especially one who passed away. He killed himself shortly after I was transferred to a different prison. There is one song which reminds me of him more than any other. Brighter Side by OPM. I liked it for years before I met him, but now I think of him every time I hear it. Especially at this time of year. For me, the lyrics will always be his and I will never stop thinking of him as a friend. You can read the full lyrics here.
Sometimes I forget that you’re not here.
Can’t believe it’s been a year
since you flew away
and I never got to say goodbye.
They say you don’t know a good thing till it’s gone
Hi Adam. I commented on your blog a few weeks ago. I havnt replied yet may I add. Your question was did I know of any prisons that did use the security payment system and the answer is yes. I can’t remember them all at the moment but I did note that they were all the ones that were privately run. At the time I understand why because it is much more cost effective and much quicker for all concerned.
I must say that your comments on anniversaries are true to all of us. But I think that instead of allowing ourselves to feel miserable we should feel gratitude and joy from being lucky to have known the very special people in our lives. My husband of32 years has been wrongly convicted of a crime that simply just did not happen. I won’t go into detail but it just proves a point that these horrific things happen to us all. But at least we still have each other. Lots of my friends actually would swap places with me. That’s because they have lost their husbands. They are dead. I at least can speak to mine every day and visit him every week. So I am one of the lucky ones. I get through by just living one day at a time. I don’t allow myself to think of tomorrow.
The words to your song are wonderful. And a good tribute to your good friend. You still have your memories so cherish them. Don’t feel sad. Feel lucky to have known him.
Linda, Thanks for the info on money transfers, it is stories like yours that really motivate me to maintain this site. I am sorry your story isn’t a happier one, but I am also so pleased that you felt able to share it here. I hope that you can both find strength from one another to get through the tough times until you’re together again.
I didn’t really understand the relevance of this comment at first, but the other night I was standing at my window, listening to my friend’s song and thinking about him, and suddenly I just got it. A bit slow I know but it really made me smile. Thank you.
Adam Mac 
Hi Adam. I commented on your blog a few weeks ago. I havnt replied yet may I add. Your question was did I know of any prisons that did use the security payment system and the answer is yes. I can’t remember them all at the moment but I did note that they were all the ones that were privately run. At the time I understand why because it is much more cost effective and much quicker for all concerned.
I must say that your comments on anniversaries are true to all of us. But I think that instead of allowing ourselves to feel miserable we should feel gratitude and joy from being lucky to have known the very special people in our lives. My husband of32 years has been wrongly convicted of a crime that simply just did not happen. I won’t go into detail but it just proves a point that these horrific things happen to us all. But at least we still have each other. Lots of my friends actually would swap places with me. That’s because they have lost their husbands. They are dead. I at least can speak to mine every day and visit him every week. So I am one of the lucky ones. I get through by just living one day at a time. I don’t allow myself to think of tomorrow.
The words to your song are wonderful. And a good tribute to your good friend. You still have your memories so cherish them. Don’t feel sad. Feel lucky to have known him.
I wish you well and hope you have a good day.
Linda Clark
Linda, Thanks for the info on money transfers, it is stories like yours that really motivate me to maintain this site. I am sorry your story isn’t a happier one, but I am also so pleased that you felt able to share it here. I hope that you can both find strength from one another to get through the tough times until you’re together again.
Look out for the annual Perseid meteor shower on Wednesday. If it’s too cloudy or whatever, I guess you can imagine them there.
I didn’t really understand the relevance of this comment at first, but the other night I was standing at my window, listening to my friend’s song and thinking about him, and suddenly I just got it. A bit slow I know but it really made me smile. Thank you.
I thought shooting stars symbolised dead souls, I guess they symbolise other stuff too.