A Humbling Experience
August 31, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
Last night Zach, Jay, and I drove from the city of Chicago to the Sheridan Correctional Facility to attend an AA meeting. Phoenix Rowel, a Chicagoan interview last year, had convinced us that this would be a very special opportunity to hear a very special person address a very special crowd. So there we were, three out of their element college grads seated on a chapel pew with about a hundred inmates adorned in their prison blues.
Nervous upon entry, inspired by exit, we had an experience that could never be replicated or replaced. The guest speaker, who we humbly interview afterwards, is a former maximum security inmate who turned into a warden after his parole, and is also a former drunk who has turned into a figure head for AA.
The respect that he received from the crowd was astonishing. This seventy-four year old man, with a slight country twang and an immense amount of character, was literally having inmates in the group pour their hearts out to him during the question and answer session. Many confessed their fears. Others asked specific questions relating to the 12 step program. Then one guy stood up and wholeheartedly thanked him for coming, which started a domino effect of sincere thank you’s.
By the time a highly energetic Lord’s prayer concluded the meeting, the atmosphere was that of baseball stadium who had just seen the home town team win. Inmates filed from the room with smiles on their faces and fire in their eyes.
It was a good thing we were a part of last night.
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THERE ARE 4 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Steve Says:
August 31st, 2007
Wow. I can uderstand why there is not a video interview on this one. Sounds like a life changing event not only for you, but for the inmates. You guys are sure getting a variety of interviews. You’re building exceptional content for us readers. Thank you.
Mom Whiting Says:
September 1st, 2007
I know all three of you listened carefully. One of the greatest of life’s lessons is not doing what others have done.
Kelly G Says:
September 4th, 2007
The experience of being there must have been so intense on so many levels. I think it is wonderful that this 74 year old man is making such a strong impact !
Tim Shisler Says:
September 5th, 2007
“Nervous upon entry, inspired by exit”
Honestly the best line of prose you guys have written yet. Amazing….
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