12 Comments
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Backroad Portfolio's avatar

I appreciated reading this — had not heard of Troy and so enjoyed reading about the joy a stray cat brought to so many there. I'm all for therapy animals in prison. Everyone wins.

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Bridget Young's avatar

In this case, they are training the animals for individuals with disabilities in the outside. It's a beautiful program with so much utility. 🖤

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Nancy's avatar

One of the men that I interact with at the Cotton Correctional facility has been incarcerated for 40+ years for a crime committed when he was 17 years old. Armed robbery with unintentional murder. Enough already! His whole life, basically, behind bars. He isn’t a threat. He was involved in a bad situation as a teenager. I pray for his release.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I am praying for his release as well. We have to do better.

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Maryann Gorman's avatar

YOU are an amazing writer, Bridget. This is the most wonderful piece I’ve ever seen written about Troy and I’ve written a few myself. I’ve been with him for 25 years and you’ve captured so much of what’s important about him beyond the devastating murder he committed over 40 years ago.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I am HONORED to have your presence and heart here. I am 100% behind you guys, praying and pulling for a way. Troy should be home, full stop. Please let us know what we can do to help, as things come up. 🖤

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MaryBeth Lathrop's avatar

I get very frustrated when faced with comments such as 'don't kill anyone and you won't go to prison'. That may well be true but not necessarily. So many people are in the prison system in the US who are innocent. Kind and giving students and attorneys prove it all the time. But even viewing the statement assuming we are referring only to those guilty of the crime leaves so many salient facts out of the discussion. I can't address all of those here so I will simply pose a question. Would you want to be known and judged in the world by only your worst act?

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you. Anytime anyone comes out with a question like that, I know they have not engaged the deeper part of their human capacity. So many are ignorant of the way the system works and of wrongful conviction. 😔

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Julie Neches's avatar

Thank you for sharing beauty and connection from within the prison walls. And for the good work you do for your son and others who are incarcerated!

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Bridget Young's avatar

I'm so thankful you're here.

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Julie Neches's avatar

I feel the same about you and your much-needed presence!

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Bridget Young's avatar

🖤🖤🖤

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