\n<\/p>\n
The most challenging part of writing every day to inmates he has never met is not the time commitment. It has to do with feeling the weight of what they sometimes share.<\/p>\n
Some of them write about feeling suicidal. Others speak of their sadness and helplessness, especially when loved ones outside prison are seriously ill and there is nothing they can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can only advise them to be patient and wait (it out),\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Among those he writes to are death row inmates who have asked for help on \u201chow to handle fear, how to handle death\u201d.<\/p>\n
One letter, in particular, stands out as being \u201cthe most touching\u201d. The inmate wrote of his fear of facing the gallows and also addressed his email to his mother, who had abandoned him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Ma,\u201d it read. \u201cI was a drug addict. Now I\u2019m a prisoner, and my crime is so serious that they sentenced me to death. And I\u2019m sorry for whatever my actions did to you.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you did or choose to do, I forgive you. I love you, Ma, and goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n