29 Comments
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Chris Klotz's avatar

I did not respond to your poll because I am open to whatever writing options provide you the best outlet, and I will simply read any and all that you post. I appreciate your insight and the vulnerability you openly share.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Awww, thank you. It means so much to have such unconditional support. <3

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Laury Boone Browning's avatar

I'm happy to oblige on the vote, and I chose shorter essays after thinking about it for a moment. Shorter essays make it a bit more available to me to read yours and others' posts if I'm slammed for time. That said, I don't want to have any influence on how you write. If you write long essays I will try read all of them. I'm so glad you're writing a book. You're a beautiful and powerful writer, with important content.

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Gina's avatar

Thank you once again for sharing your blog, comparing the frustrations of a flight delay to that of what your son experiences on the daily. It's a reminder, for sure, to me to be thankful for what I endure that causes impatience and frustration, comparing it to what my son (and yours) has to deal with on a daily basis. Such a great reminder and loved this blog!

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Bridget Young's avatar

I'm with you, Gina. Every day. 🖤

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Cindy Guzman's avatar

I’m so happy to hear that you’re writing a book!! You’re an amazing writer!

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Bridget Young's avatar

Well, this made my day. Thank you.

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Backroad Portfolio's avatar

Your writing provides such valuable insight—I’m learning so much. Congrats on beginning your book!

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you for being here with me. I so appreciate you.

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Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Congrats on getting a coach! And yes yes yes to this book! And I’ll read everything you write.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Huge compliment, friend. Thank you!!

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RJ Sykes's avatar

Very insightful! And eye opening how wasteful the system really is.

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Bridget Young's avatar

So. Much. Waste.

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

I don't know if it was ever about rehabilitation, or if that was a bill of goods we were being handed, but especially since the privatization of the prison system, it's a business, plain and simple. And business means cost cutting equals larger profits. It means creating a demographic to keep consuming the same way we were taught to believe we needed to do something about our looks, our smells, our this or that never good enough. The point is retention of the consumer and the consumer, in this case is the inmate. Any inmate who is released and does not return is a loss. Recidivism is profitable. There is no winning in this situation. There are no winners, except the shareholders of the companies that are running the prison system. I'm so sorry you're seeing this up close. I think of a time when I was broke and my teeth were so bad I was brainstorming ways I could go to jail, just long enough to get my teeth done. Reading your son's dental story hit home. I was ignorant. Most of us are. Keep talking. Keep talking.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I think we all assume what jail or prison might be like, including the luxuries or downtime or receiving 'care'... until we're in it. No one cares there, and it is the closest thing I have ever seen to hell on earth. Thank you for your heart.

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Kate MacVean's avatar

Wow, this is all so infuriating to read about, yet you are susch an eloquent and effective spokesperson for this reality. I too did not answer the poll because I would be happy to read either option.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you, Kate.

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Leslie Senevey's avatar

As always, your articles take me outside my life and open my eyes to new considerations, even though I too have had an incarcerated family member. Kudos to you for the light you are shining.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I continue to appreciate your presence here so very much.

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Jennifer L.W. Fink's avatar

It is infuriating to me -- as a citizen, as a taxpayer, as a mother -- that your son LOST TEETH (& weight, & health) b/c he was denied timely medical care. (It's also infuriating to me that the same thing happens all too often to so many on the outside.) And it's infuriating that he is stuck in prison - at great cost to us, to him, and to you -- due to administrative crap. I'm glad you are writing about it and working on a book & I will share this post.

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Bridget Young's avatar

So infuriating, and I'm more grateful for your shares than you could know!

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Jill Consor Beck's avatar

Very insightful in terms of understanding the $$$ and interests involved. I mean, it's like our current medical system - delay, deny and maybe they'll give up. But if they don't, we all end up paying a lot more.

Obviously appreciated the rest of the post, but always appreciating learning something new in terms of the absurdity of how our tax dollars are spent.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Completely absurd and so unnecessary. Thank you for being here.

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Missy Poppenger's avatar

I love everything you write. Because you open my eyes and make me think. My heart aches everyday for your precious son. This morning as I was taking my walk I was thinking of him and praying for him. My dearest hope is that when he is released he is able to have the strength and courage to stay clean and get moving I. The right direction. I appreciate the time you put into this endeavor. And especially the clear background information. It’s obvious you’re taking the time to look at all the details. And to end. Gosh if you hadn’t of been delayed you most likely wouldn’t have received the call. This is what? Stream of consciousness writing. Ha. Don’t circle my mistakes. In closing I love you dearly Bridget. Remember that.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Your love and support through all of this has lifted me up so many times. You'll never know how grateful I am to have you in this life.

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MaryBeth Lathrop's avatar

Everything is about money when it comes to our criminal code. Legalize drugs and there won't be a need for so many prisons, police officers, correction officials, judges...

Nothing about our criminal justice system works. Nothing.

It's just one of so many things that Americans should know more about and care more about...

And just one of the things that tends to get me going. I'm glad you're here. I'm sorry for your situation. Hang in there and give your son a warm hello from me.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I’m not sure if you know or not but this type of response means the absolute world to me (and to my son). I will pass on your solidary and hold it close to my chest as I keep writing. Thank you for helping me know we are not alone.

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MaryBeth Lathrop's avatar

I'm happy it helps. I wish we could change it all and be more sensible and sensitive. You both hang in there. I keep all of you close to my heart and in my prayers.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thanks, Laury. I'm truly thankful for the feedback. I'm not sure which direction this thing will go yet but that is a helpful perspective! I can't read everything I want to either, so I totally get it. You're a blessing to me, no matter what.

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