150 letters of love and care to unknown Ukrainians

As the previous post mentioned, as our Alpha yard team planned their “Walk & Roll” Ukraine support event held of November 29th, it was essential that the yard’s support extend beyond financial, to include emotional and psychological support through letters for the people of Ukraine (of which you can read a few in the gallery below).

In our first conversations, it became apparent that several of them had a level of relatability with the plight of the people of Ukraine that we non-prison-folks can forget.  A good number of prison residents grew up and lived in drug- and gang-infested areas – which can resemble war zones.  They’ve seen their brothers shot and killed and heard their moms raped; they’ve had guns pointed at them and dodged bullets; guns have been placed in their hands as early at 6 years old.

So, they are able to understand and empathize with the people of Ukraine in a way that, arguably, most other Americans – other than military – cannot.  Yes, these are times when their daily burden of pain received and pain caused becomes a powerful source of inspiration for others.

There’s something magical in writing a letter to an unknown person, placing love and prayers into the act and the words.  (Try it and see for yourself…)

And there’s also something magical in the incredible network of connection between these prison writers and their ultimate Ukrainian readers.  Think about it:  the writer-to-reader journey of these letters is: the prison residents — our team for review of content — Donovan’s Public Information Officer — me, Mariette, coordinating the event and letter operation — the folks at the House of Ukraine (in Balboa Park) who agreed to manage the Ukrainian logistics — their volunteers to translate each of the 150 letters — the House of Ukraine staff for sorting and packaging the letters, accompanied by a cover letter describing the project — people flying to Ukraine — distribution to the people of Ukraine.

The fulfillment of this journey requires each person along the way to hold in sacredness and respect the love poured into the letters and the hearts this love is hoping to fill.

We are all connected.  Even across the world.  Even to folks we do not know and will never meet.

…And yet, our love and care reach them.  That’s magical.