So good to see you at Katherine's retirement party. I would very much like to hear more of your story and those of others. We are in a time when we need "to help each other from the inside out." If i have a relevant "heirloom" to add, I will join in.
Calvin my dear, you never cease to amaze me! You inspire me and thrill me constantly. If I ever should think that you might have reached your pinnacle of success, you exponentially show that you have surpassed it all again! I look forward to reading and sharing your stories; many I have cried along with you, while they were occurring and many I will laugh and cry when hearing for the first time. Thank you for taking me along on such a spectacular ride during my lifetime; so glad to be on your train. You have also convinced ME that it is important for different perspectives to be shared by different people, as it takes different viewpoints to reach different listeners. Even if that person's perspective might be considered warped or lacking in interest perhaps not only by that person! But it still has value and occurred during an interesting era of legal work, and from a unconventional fighter. Maybe I will learn to share someday soon; find my voice: for me and not just on behalf of others! Or silenced because of politics or rules, or nausea at rehashing it.
You always have my heart and are voted by me as the best dressed!
This is phenomenal Calvin! So encouraged to see that you are sharing your story and wisdom on these pages…Thanks for inviting me along for the ride. Sending big love - and hope the snow didn’t get those banana trees ☺️❤️
There's a good lesson in a New Orleans freeze. You think all the plants have been knocked out, but then they come right back up, ready for the next round!
Calvin, thank you for sharing this warm and heartfelt look into why you do this work. In a time such as now it's a constant battle between hope and despair, and reading this grounds me in my determination to keep fighting for the release of my loved one. Thank you.
Sharing a reflection from a friend via email about his grandfather, Dale:
My mom’s dad, Dale, was a dairy farmer in Vermont. I only saw him once a summer, and he was a quiet person, so I never came to know him deeply. I remember what now strikes me as a grounded presence, and a sense that he knew himself and was content with who he was. I remember he said that growing up, they were used to being poor, so they didn’t really notice when the Great Depression happened. I remember a story about him selling some hay—the guy drove off without paying, and my grandfather remarked, “Well, I guess he must have needed that hay more than we did.” After he passed, I ended up with a couple flannel shirts he wore when milking the cows, and the dairy farmer scent lingered for years even after many washings. I wear those shirts sometimes when I want to channel some of those heirloom qualities of my grandfather.
What an honor to be on this readers' list from a man who I respect and love so much. I'm not surprised at this undertaking, it's reflective of your heart and soul. Keep on keeping on.
Teacher! As aways I'm proud of You for bring to light the issues of the jailhouse layers as well as other important issues. Having been a student of Yours I know how important and steadfast You are when it comes giving back. Keep up the good work! Brotherly Love!
Calvin, I am overjoyed you are here on Substack and will be eagerly following along! Getting to see Rose’s smile alongside this story of her and Tiny Man was so touching. Thank you so much for sharing your lockerbox and experiences with us - it’s an honor.
Calvin,
So good to see you at Katherine's retirement party. I would very much like to hear more of your story and those of others. We are in a time when we need "to help each other from the inside out." If i have a relevant "heirloom" to add, I will join in.
Sandy
Hi, Sandy. I'd love to hear if you have one to share. Thanks for all your support!
Love that you’re doing this, Calvin! It’s a great read!
Thank you very much, Melanie.
Look at God! So proud of you. Your story brought tears to my eyes. I miss her greatly. She would be your biggest fan. Loved your story.
I miss her too. Thanks for your support, now and back then. You encouraged me to keep going when I needed it.
Thank God, that he used me.
This is so good, Calvin. I especially love your lockerbox and the precious things from within.
Thank you, Rose.
I’m Proud of You Man!
You too, Tee Pee!
Calvin, This is a great idea and you are the perfect person to do it. Thanks for including me.
Thanks for all your support, Blair.
Calvin I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration to so many including me. Keep doing you Brother.
It's an honor to have your support, Judge Johnson. Thanks for your kind words.
Calvin my dear, you never cease to amaze me! You inspire me and thrill me constantly. If I ever should think that you might have reached your pinnacle of success, you exponentially show that you have surpassed it all again! I look forward to reading and sharing your stories; many I have cried along with you, while they were occurring and many I will laugh and cry when hearing for the first time. Thank you for taking me along on such a spectacular ride during my lifetime; so glad to be on your train. You have also convinced ME that it is important for different perspectives to be shared by different people, as it takes different viewpoints to reach different listeners. Even if that person's perspective might be considered warped or lacking in interest perhaps not only by that person! But it still has value and occurred during an interesting era of legal work, and from a unconventional fighter. Maybe I will learn to share someday soon; find my voice: for me and not just on behalf of others! Or silenced because of politics or rules, or nausea at rehashing it.
You always have my heart and are voted by me as the best dressed!
Loved always by us,
Laurie A White, (Judge, Retired)
& Thom Wilson
You brought hope to us at a time when no help was coming. Thank you for all you've done for me and for many.
This is phenomenal Calvin! So encouraged to see that you are sharing your story and wisdom on these pages…Thanks for inviting me along for the ride. Sending big love - and hope the snow didn’t get those banana trees ☺️❤️
Thanks Gabriella, I appreciate it.
There's a good lesson in a New Orleans freeze. You think all the plants have been knocked out, but then they come right back up, ready for the next round!
This was such an amazing and intriguing read, Uncle Calvin!! Congratulations 🎉 and please, keep the stories coming!!!
Thank you, Portia!
Calvin, thank you for sharing this warm and heartfelt look into why you do this work. In a time such as now it's a constant battle between hope and despair, and reading this grounds me in my determination to keep fighting for the release of my loved one. Thank you.
Thank you, Amelia. You are bringing hope and inspiration to me and to many through your work. Keep fighting, we're all in this together. Calvin.
Sharing a reflection from a friend via email about his grandfather, Dale:
My mom’s dad, Dale, was a dairy farmer in Vermont. I only saw him once a summer, and he was a quiet person, so I never came to know him deeply. I remember what now strikes me as a grounded presence, and a sense that he knew himself and was content with who he was. I remember he said that growing up, they were used to being poor, so they didn’t really notice when the Great Depression happened. I remember a story about him selling some hay—the guy drove off without paying, and my grandfather remarked, “Well, I guess he must have needed that hay more than we did.” After he passed, I ended up with a couple flannel shirts he wore when milking the cows, and the dairy farmer scent lingered for years even after many washings. I wear those shirts sometimes when I want to channel some of those heirloom qualities of my grandfather.
What an honor to be on this readers' list from a man who I respect and love so much. I'm not surprised at this undertaking, it's reflective of your heart and soul. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you, Bob. I can't wait to come by for some good gumbo soon!
Teacher! As aways I'm proud of You for bring to light the issues of the jailhouse layers as well as other important issues. Having been a student of Yours I know how important and steadfast You are when it comes giving back. Keep up the good work! Brotherly Love!
I'm so proud of you too, man. We were all in this together.
Calvin- I’m very proud of all you’ve done and who you have become.
Keith Nordyke
Thank you, Keith - you have always been there for us.
Calvin
Calvin, I am overjoyed you are here on Substack and will be eagerly following along! Getting to see Rose’s smile alongside this story of her and Tiny Man was so touching. Thank you so much for sharing your lockerbox and experiences with us - it’s an honor.
Thank you for joining me here, Lauren!