Wednesday, October 20– Pollsmoor Prison

“Thank you my sister”.  So many of his words I did not understand, but these replay in my mind.  19 year old Peter was dressed differently than the others in care worn white shirt, tie, slacks, having risen in the ranks to a position that requires him to work  ”up front” as well as in the kitchen.  He’d been in Pollsmoor Prison for over three years awaiting trial; nothing to do and not enough to eat with no idea of when he might be sentenced or released.  His mixture of English and Afrikaans poured out as I stood to talk with him.  I could only respond with words meant to encourage and comfort him because, how could I not , even though his future like so many other is probably hopeless.  I told him he is smart and that I believe he will find his way.  That I would remember him, hold him my heart, and hope he would find a good life.  I told him, I wanted to hug if him if it was okay with him.  It was.  As I embraced him briefly, he said, “thank you my sister”.   -  Bonnie Hester