Due primarily to a fight in the building and drugs being found outside adjacent to the building, the RDAP program was set back 4 weeks. My release date of September 30th was pushed back to November 5th due to the 4 week set back and a 15 day delay into the Newark halfway house. Since my arrival into RDAP in January there have been consistent issues with contraband and some drugs found, but there has never been a fight. Cameras were installed in August and they caught a small fight that apparently took place over an inmate turning the channel on one of the 10 TVs. Apparently the large inmate body slammed the other inmate (who was half his size) to the ground. He was not seriously hurt and they quickly apologized to each other after their friends intervened. The next day the staff noticed the fight on the camera footage and sent both inmates to the special housing unit (SHU.) I was friendly with both inmates and was surprised to hear about this event after they went to the SHU. The large inmate will likely be expelled from the program and transferred from the camp to a low security prison and serve another 16-24 months instead of being released in December. The inmate who got slammed will likely be released from the SHU in 2-4 weeks and continue to wait for the program. After the drugs (suboxone) was found, they drug tested 35 of the 150 inmates in the building, including me. One inmate failed and was eventually sent to the SHU after the urine sample was sent to a lab. I would prefer they simply test everyone to limit drugs, but the program is geared towards the community policing ourselves to ensure everyone’s behavior is under control. So my release will be 5 weeks later than expected. Overall, I’m still in a good situation with all the BOP incentives for time off, but I am obviously bummed with the delay.
Unfortunately, another negative update is that my dad got into a fight with my step mom and was arrested for assault. Apparently he smacked her in the head during an argument. The next day my ex sister-in-law Svitlana was nice enough to take him in for now. There are currently temporary restraining orders in place on both sides and divorce papers filed. His Alzheimer’s continues to gradually worsen, but he is surrounded by very caring people as he gets through this situation in decent spirits. My sister Anne Marie, brother Edward, Svitlana, Patti and many others continue to help him through these legal and health issues.
On more positive notes, Connor is starting a new job with Charles Schwab in Denver on September 15. It’s a great opportunity to advance his IT career and we are excited for him. Patti and the girls threw Kelsy a baby shower at our house. Kelsy, Mo, Charlotte and Patti recently visited me while they were in town. Kelsy is starting a new remote marketing job with the primary client being Chipotle. She is managing very well despite being almost 7 months pregnant with our granddaughter. Kelsy turns 28 on September 10th and Charlotte turns 16 on September 12th. Charlotte will be taking behind the wheel driving lessons soon and it feels strange that I’ll be continuing to teach our youngest child how to drive upon my return home! How did time go by so quickly?
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