Day 3: Coffee Creek

(396 Days to go)

I started the morning worrying.  I had put money on my son's phone account for county jail, figuring he would need to talk to us before he was transferred. But he hadn't called since last night.

As the hours ticked by, my chest tightened.

I hopped on the bus to Portland for a long day of teaching piano, and rehearsal for an upcoming choral concert. I tried to focus on my work. I knew he was o.k. He wouldn't always get phone privileges, I tried to assure myself. Myself wasn't taking it. I was worried.

I told myself not to worry. But pray. I did.  A lot.

On my break, I looked up my son's on the Multnomah County Sheriff website. I was so relieved when his picture popped up. He looked healthy and strong. A bit of sadness in his eyes.  But determined. The information on the website said he had been transferred to Coffee Creek.

I immediately messaged our group: His fiancé, her mother and my daughter. I told them I found him. He was already at Coffee Creek!  Just then his fiancé said, "He's calling!"

I breathed again.

But my emotional roller coaster was again going up a hill. Since Andrew had turned himself in, he did not have a charge sheet.  A piece of paper, most inmates getting when they go from county jail, to Coffee Creek for assessment before prison. It showed your identity and your charges.

Apparently the inmates in state prison compared charge sheets. If your charges included in sex crimes, you were not treated well by the other prisoners.

He had asked a guard about his charge sheet. No luck. He filled out a "Kyte" form, which is a form used in jail for inmate requests. He has not received an answer.

He has also not received his meds. He is taking two antidepressants. He was assured that the medical staff at Coffee Creek would inquire about meds, call his doctor and dispense them to him every morning.

What we are learning is that time moves much slower in prison.  I am hopeful that he will get his meds and his charges sheet.

If only my heart would slow down!

I am having to remind myself to breathe.

To be continued....