I wanted to take the time to personally write and say thank you for signing the petition and supporting my cause in any way that you have. I think it is important for people to know the heart and mind of the person they are or have advocated for or showed support to in any way.
Even though my fight for my freedom has lingered on longer than I have expected, mentally I am sound. I had to exercise patience and I had to overcome frustration. Balancing the two have not been easy, as I sit and wait for a decision. The only thing I can do is pray and do everything I can to prepare myself so I can be ready when I get out of prison. I am also preparing myself to continue fighting for my freedom if it comes down to it.
Loneliness and despair are two things that prison is designed to instill into a person. Staying busy and continuing to advance my education has kept me focused. I have been able to accomplish some amazing things as I sit in prison and pray for justice to be done in my case. My heart and mind is filled with an ambition and determination that I've matured to understand. Now I know how to channel these qualities in a positive way, instead of wasting them. I sit in this prison planning and preparing for my life in the community, not knowing when I will actually be in the position to live it to the fullest. The only thing I know for sure is that I will be ready when the gates and doors open.
It's people like you who do things like sign petitions or make contributions that give people in my situation hope. Please be mindful that there is work that needs to be done. It's not only money that makes a difference. While in prison, having people who you know are praying for you, rooting for you, and fighting for you changes the way that you think, perceive, and respond to things and people in prison and the community. How do I know? Well, it changed me. Having trustworthy and reliable people standing with you in this situation is priceless.
There is still work that needs to be done. If you have a desire to get involved and want to know how you can help, feel free to reach out to me personally by downloading the JPay app and writing to me directly. (Robert T. Hinds #410196 Michigan inmate.) Community volunteers, attorneys, educators, legislators, community activists, organizations, ministers, journalists, bloggers, or anyone else that would like to get involved, I would like to hear from you.
This fight is bigger than me. I am looking forward to working collectively with people who have the same heart and mind as me. It is my opinion that working competitively will only keep us divided and working collectively unites us. This is what I promote. If there are any ways that I can support any positive initiatives, please send me the information and agenda. Thank you for your support. Please continue to share my petition and story, and encourage others to share it and sign it. If you have a social media audience or a platform I am open to you telling my story.
Kind regards,
Robert Hinds