should I see while I'm here?" My next question, “Could you please give me directions to
the local jail?” typically produces an interesting reaction or two. Right on cue, I produce a
copy of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul and reveal, "I’m the co-author."
the title and subject matter—some were even eager to confide a personal account about an
incarcerated friend or relative.
books and present programs to inmates. Most of the time I'm successful in gaining admittance
to offer a measure of encouragement wherever I can.
In addition to enjoying ourselves, we arranged to present a program to female inmates at the
Maui Community Correctional Center . The total involvement and overwhelming energy of the
thirty-or-so women in attendance was a spiritual experience for us all.
the East Coast, I was frequently beckoned to the southern states to present corporate
seminars and keynote presentations.
might welcome a potential visitor. After discovering that a prison was located within three miles
of my hotel, my hopes dissolved when countless attempts to make contact with the facility
proved futile.
keynote speech to a group of prison volunteers. When I told him about my unsuccessful
attempts to gain admittance to a prison in North Carolina , he generously offered to make
arrangements for me. "If that’s what you want to do, Tom," he replied, "then I will make that
happen. Don't worry. I'll arrange everything.” And he did. The date was set and we agreed to
meet at my hotel before the program. Coincidentally, it happened to be the same prison that
failed to respond to my multiple requests.
next evening, after conducting a full-day seminar, I drove to the prison. The chaplain was
leaning against his car in the shade, waiting for me. I was hopeful this event would be
inspirational for the inmates, perhaps giving them an ounce of hope, a glimpse of the outside
world or a few blessed moments of relief from the dreary routine.
us or to help. In fact, I soon discovered, a feeble attempt was made to inform the inmates of my
program.
evidenced by the chaotic arrangement of tables and food particles that attracted flies like
magnets. I thought, What am I doing here in a North Carolina prison, on one of the hottest
days on record, being upstaged by gigantic, rattling fans? On top of everything else, only
twelve inmates showed up—six split as soon as they realized free books weren't forthcoming.
I could be relaxing at my hotel. I've been speaking all day, my feet hurt and tomorrow I'll be
up early again. After the seminar, feeling disheartened and about to give up all thoughts of
ever visiting another prison again, I boarded my plane in Raleigh . I couldn't wait to tell Laura
about my demoralizing experience.
postmark caught my eye—it was a letter from a prisoner in North Carolina . At first I thought it
had something to do with my recent visit. I opened the letter, from an inmate named Adam. He
told me how he ended up in prison and about some of the events leading up to his fate—
something inmates seldom share with me. Adam's letter was different.
had already been accepted into a doctorate program and was working two jobs to pay for
tuition, rent and food. When one of his jobs evaporated because his employer went bankrupt,
Adam made a horrendous error in judgment.
screwed up my life, and now I’m facing a sentence of up to 20 years,” Adam explained. “When
I went to prison, suicide was a very real option. Soon after I was locked up, my mom sent me a
book—Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul. I read it all in one day. It was then that I realized
that I could make it.“ Let me tell you a few of the stories that were exceptionally helpful to me."
mindset. "I thought my life was over. I'd thrown away eleven years of college and probably a
chance at a doctorate. By the time I got to the story, ‘Not a Mistake,’ I realized that while I had
made a huge mistake—I am not a mistake. As the story mentions, 'Good people are sometimes
capable of doing bad things and allow stupidity to overcome rational thought.' I pray twice
daily. I ask the Lord to touch my district attorney and judge with compassion and forgiveness,
in hopes they will pass it on—not just to me, but to all that come before them. Because of your
book, I thank God for every glorious day, whether behind bars or not—because it could be
worse.”
newspaper across the breakfast table. Choking back the tears, I asked, "Would you please
read this and tell me what you think?"
eyes. “How does this letter make you feel, honey?”
more than 10 years. He is co-author of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul, Chicken Soup for
the Volunteer’s Soul and Serving Time, Serving Others.
He can be reached at e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com;