My Son is “Prisoner of the Week”

And I feel like the same

There are several wild peacocks strutting around the grounds of Napa State Hospital. Their iridescent blue necks are a sight to behold. All photos by author.

I went to visit my son in Napa State Hospital recently. I was terribly concerned about him being transferred there from jail, probably because of personal history. My cousin committed suicide in a state hospital. And my uncle the alcoholic, who broke my father’s heart, was incarcerated in one for awhile. But as it turns out, my fears were unfounded. I visit my son once a week and he seems much, much better in the hospital environment than he was in jail. In fact, he told me Tuesday he was awarded “Prisoner of the Week.” We laughed together over that.

“What does that mean?” I asked. “Do you get a medal or a prize of some kind?”

“I get to be first in line when we go to the canteen.”

I love this son so much. Of course, I love all three of my children. But this particular one has faced so much hardship, and been such a hardship himself, he’s been a huge focus of my attention for many, many years.

Bucolic view on the way to Napa — I love happy cows

This particular stretch of trouble began when he was arrested for being drunk in public. That was 9 months ago. He got in trouble during the arrest, so charges were added for vandalism…