Published: 6/05/2025 | FJSA Staff
FJSA Blog / Amanda’s Letters
December 25, 2024
Merry Christmas from Lowell Work Camp!!!
One year (366 days) ago, I had my dad post my first message on Facebook to inform our circle of my life’s path. While the location is still the same, so many other things are different.
I have had three different jobs. I became a chapel orderly for a few months. From there, I became a teacher! I currently teach COMPASS, which is a reentry success course. I teach ladies (some who have been in prison for 20+ years) all about the world today, including bank accounts, social media, getting jobs, credit and credit cards, probation, paying fees, etc. It is incredibly gratifying. I also teach beginner volleyball, basketball, and weight-lifting classes. I lift weights 4-5 times a week and play volleyball and basketball on the weekends, all in between work.
I moved dorms, and this year, I am welcoming Christmas in bed E1106-1. I live in a small, air-conditioned dorm (85% of the state prisons in Florida do not have air conditioning) that consists of 8 bedrooms with 3-4 girls in each room. It is the biggest blessing. It’s quiet and calm. It has been amazing living here.
I have been communicating with an amazing man who is sweet, kind, gentle, and patient. He has come into my life and made my world such a brighter place. I feel overwhelmingly blessed.
I have less than four years remaining in prison. After today, there are only three more Christmases to go. I will be home before Thanksgiving 2028. While that may seem far away, I hope it will pass quickly and graciously.
I have become so calm. Other women love to hang out with me because my attitude is positive (at least 95% of the time). If I have learned anything in the past year, it is that the greatest freedom in life is to choose one’s attitude.
Viktor Frankl said that in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning.” There is peace in the most challenging battles and joy on the darkest days.
If you search hard enough, you will always find things to be grateful for. I’m grateful for my family, Luke’s family (especially Ms. Jackie), my friends (especially Josh—Go Vols), health, safety, food, shelter, another chance to do the right thing, and another Christmas.
Please keep praying for me and my family as we continue this journey.
Merry Christmas. Hug your loved ones. Remind someone that they are loved. And be kind to yourself.
Amanda
