I am writing this on behalf of my brother Michael Lynn Cash. - D.O.B Feb 9, 1976 - #09304-078. This is the last photo of us taken together before he was sentenced to what feels like life in prison. We snapped this picture shortly after he surprised me with a visit to my workplace on my 21st birthday, and now as a 30-year-old, I look back on the past decade with zero new memories made that involve him. Throughout the past 9 years I've watched his daughter change from a child to a young woman, his first grandchild be born, and personally have children of my own who have yet to get to know their "Uncle Michael". This empty hole in our family remaining, all while our mother begins slowing down as she enters her senior years.

Growing up, I knew my brother to be gentle and kind. He was always respectful to our mom, helpful to his elders, and the one in the room making everyone laugh. I often look back of pictures of him pulling me around on a sled in the snow and throwing me up high as a toddler. I still remember seeing his smiling face, full of life, as I came back down. Heartbreakingly, at a young age, was introduced to drugs and quickly developed an addiction that would eventually lead to the unfair sentence he is serving now.

Michael is a non-violent drug offender who is sitting on an illegally enhanced sentence of 35 years with no parole for 7.16 grams of drugs (what would be considered a weekend supply) and a gun in which was found alongside all of his belongings. His record proves that he has never once hurt anyone, yet his sentence reflects differently. Serving this many years could look like dying in prison, as he would be in his mid 70's when released. At this age, his parents will have passed away after mourning half of their son's life spent behind bars. This just isn't right.

Thankfully this is the present and Michael still has a chance. While incarcerated, Michael has come to fully understand the severe consequences of his bad choices and has a deep recognition of the pain he has brought upon not only himself but to his loved ones. He desires continued accountability for his past struggles and looks ahead desiring to be a part of a local church body. He has a great support system awaiting him, and an immediate place to call home upon being released. Michael is no different than you or me. We all have fallen prey to one thing or another, his shortcomings just happened to cost him everything but his faith in which he stands firmly upon.

Please join with me in signing this petition to #BRINGMICHAELHOME. It's time.