My name is Jeremiah James Gilbert. My Department of Corrections number is #709551. I was assigned that identifier when I was sixteen years old for crimes I committed when I was fifteen. Those tragic choices compiled into a sentence of Life Without Parole. Due to changes in sentencing policies for juveniles I now have an opportunity at release. I am a few months into my 32nd year… so 709551 is 31 and 1/2! I, me, this physical, mental and spiritual being am now 47… geez… I’m getting old! The majority of people that know me call me Bear. Mostly due to my diminutive stature, a mere 6’4″ and a svelte 375. Give or take a twinkie or two! Mama calls me Jer. You, well, I haven’t heard from you yet so… be nice and refer to me as you desire.
I am currently confined within the walls and razor wire of Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Just outside a town in Washington State called Aberdeen. Not a bad facility, and I have seen everyone the state has to offer. Besides the camps, I’ve never been lower than long term minimum custody. And the visitation is the best which is important to my wife and me.
As for what topics I will blog about… well mostly the day to day of prison life and understanding the difference between living and existing through something. Finding a purpose and thusly finding one’s freedom. I am the lead dog handler for the Freedom Tails Dog Program here so I will post on dog programs, the effects of them on the prisoners, the staff and even the dogs. I will most likely ramble a bit about the juvenile life sentencing policies and issues therein. As well as the daily sometimes gritty day to day life and love issues of growing up inside the inside. I will likely share various poetry I’ve penned over the years, as well as a myriad of quotes I’ve found profound.
Until then, be safe and choose kindness.
Respectfully, Bear
“Nothing splendid was ever achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstances.” -Bruce Barton
My Entries
Molly’s Blog
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LIVE INTENTIONALLY + LIVE WORTHY + WITH PURPOSE
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Brother Gone
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Unforgiven
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