June 1st

 "THIS CALL IS NOT PRIVATE. IT WILL BE RECORDED AND MAY BE MONITORED. IF YOU BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A PRIVATE CALL, PLEASE HANG UP AND FOLLOW FACILITY INSTRUCTIONS TO REGISTER THIS NUMBER AS A PRIVATE NUMBER. 

YOU MAY HEAR SILENCE DURING THE ACCEPTANCE OF YOUR CALL. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HOLD."

As I sit in this cell, I am torn. Gripped with feelings of hate and resentment as this phone tells me no one's home the day my son was born. 

"YOUR CALL WAS ANSWERED BUT POSITIVE ACCEPTANCE WAS NOT RECEIVED FROM THE CALLED PARTY; POSSIBLY INDICATING AN ANSWERING MACHINE."

TWO DAYS I HAVE TRIED TO REACH OUT! Two days I tried to let him know what his father's love is about. I am an imperfect man, in an imperfect place. Forced to a knee, all I can do is pray. 

LORD! I don't know the narrative or the impact it will have. I do know it's another year without his dad. 

"THANK YOU FOR USING SECURUS."

I'll put my feelings down pad and pen, and make sure you know that I love you kid. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!