My equipment man did not show today, although he said he could be here in the morning.

What he doesn't realize is that I DON'T have to sell anything.

Mess with me I'll park it all back on the yard.

Heh, heh.

8:00 AM. church yesterday, then a road trip to Lamesa to see my friend who has been incarcerated.

First of all. Brian Randolph, the new worship minister at Southern Hills, is excellent! Lots of energy accompanied by lots of talent and passion. Phil has been good as well. I think his time in Peru and Alaska have re-invigorated him. A big early service crowd, quite electric!

If you happen to be in Abilene, it is a worth-while experience. 8 or 11.

My visit to Lamesa, to the Smith Unit to be precise. Visiting inmate #1379417. My last visit. Ever. My friend has made parole. Between now and September 2, my friend will be transferred to Huntsville where he will be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

When he was apprehended there was a fire arm in the vehicle and while his crimes were considered non-violent, he received a federal sentence of 96 months which was reduced to 51 months the same day.

After the check point and relieving myself of cell phone, paper money, pocket knife, pens, belt and other forbidden items, I walked through the Sally Port after being signed in.

Needless to say, when they buzz you through, it makes an impression. Two doors, and they are never open at the same time. A walk up the winding walk to the visitor center and you go through "air port" security, empty your pockets, put your shoes in a tote and put it on the conveyor belt and walk through the scanner. After that you are patted down, and the bottoms of your feet are inspected. Then you are cleared to the waiting room.

In the waiting room there are a number of vending machines, filled with items priced ridiculously high.

In all my visits with Leonard, while I have always carried a Ziploc baggie with quarters inside, he has always declined any refreshment. No sandwich, no hot dog, no Dr. Pepper. Nothing.

While I was waiting I had an idea. I purchased a Dr.Pepper, a Diet Coke, Cheetos, and a package of vanilla creme cookies.

Per regulations I placed all of them (except the diet Coke) on a plate and handed it to a guard who would pass it through a secure window to my friend.

My friend asked me what was I doing. I told him, "We are celebrating today!"

And the visit began. It was probably a more emotional visit than we have ever had, because we both know this is the last one until who knows when. My friend has no idea where the Feds will send him.

When he leaves the Smith Unit, he will leave with only the clothes on his back. He is giving his radio (a gift from Carol and I) to a friend (in his words he is passing the blessing on) and he will mail all of his possessions to me. When he is settled he will write me and I will send him what he needs. He calls this "CONAIR".

After between two and three hours, a guard told us we had ten minutes to finish our visit.

What do you say?

Finally I told my friend, "Keep the faith. Let's look at this as an adventure, one day at a time."

We hung up the phones and we walked away. Me to freedom. Him to his cubicle awaiting transfer.

I can only imagine.

Wow.

FATHER, I lift up my friend for YOUR blessings. I ask that good things come to him and that he is able to re-enter society and make a contribution. Greater are YOU!