Edwin Rubis Birthday Today, x38-years Behind Bars for a Plant.

Greetings Everyone:

Today I turn 58 years old. And yes, I could let that number weigh me down. After all, I've spent 28 of those 58 years behind bars (simply for selling weed, marijuana, cannabis, or by whatever other name you call it nowadays). And also, I could list countless grievances I've suffered and continue to suffer here in the Big House, but would it change anything? My first son Nick was five years old when I was first arrested in 1998 (a lifetime ago, if you ask me). Now he's about to turn 33 - and I've never seen him since my incarceration ... I've never hugged him. The same goes for Keanu and Austin, my other two sons. I feel like I'm dead to them; buried alive in a place of darkness and solitude. What is there to celebrate today? Another birthday like the last 28 - no cake, no hugs, no smiles, no "Happy B-day song". Still, I am reminded, "You're still alive." Faith and hope subtly whispering, "Tomorrow can be a new beginning, a second chance." And so, if I'm to mark this birthday inside prison walls, I'll do it on my own terms. The family and friends who are still with me on this occasion matter to me deeply ("You" know who you are). I choose gratitude. I'll stand in front of an imaginary candle amidst suffering, and make my B-day wish: "Creator in Heaven, I want to be free, surrounded by my sons, my family, and friends who've stood by me!"

Thank you for reading.

Your fallen warrior, Edwin Rubis

#freedwinrubis   tinyurl.com/FreeEdwinRubis