I guess in the last twenty five years, machines have taken over the world – like a bad science fiction move from the ‘80’s. My movie is called, ‘The Telephone System That Ate My Lunch’.
My best friend in the whole world went out of her way to register her phone, so I could actually talk to someone from home, someone that cares and loves me, someone I actually want to talk to.
So, after receiving this spectacular news on Friday, I waited until Saturday to try and call her.
I started at 12:05 p.m., and I’ve been trying ever since. It’s now 9:07 p.m.
The problem is, the phone system is automated. This is what you need to make a call:
- A valid TDCJ number (I have that)
- A number on your approved list (I have that)
- The third and final hurdle in my phone Olympics – the system has to recognize your voice
Now, I haven’t made a telephone call in twenty-five calendar years – not that I haven’t desired to. Some people, they make phone calls every day. They go to the commissary and buy 100 phone minutes, like they’re nobody’s business. I’m not mad at them. I’m glad they have that opportunity. Elated…
What about those who don’t have family? Or, those who have family, but are unable to meet the financial requirement of being able to afford such a luxury? What about me, who at the moment is fit to be tied because I am a voice print away from reaching my destination.
Home…
Just for five minutes. To hear someone’s voice who means more to me than air. I’ve dialed her number a thousand times today. I have it memorized. Heck, it’s memorialized for pete’s sake, yet the cold, lifeless, computerized operator keeps telling me, “I’m sorry, I cannot recognize your voice – goodbye.” Click.
I know, I’m being silly but believe me when I say this – it’s the little things that mean the most in here, and to me, this little thing means the most right now.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Beginning to feel a little less ‘Shipwrecked, Abandoned, and Misunderstood’. In spite of 25 years behind bars, John Green continues to wake up every day holding on to his humanity and on a mission to change the world for the better.
John Green #671771
C.T. Terrell Unit A346
1300 FM655
Rosharon, TX 77583
