Letter to a Future Death Row Inmate

Typical death-row cell at Polunsky Unit, Texas.  More here. 

"I know for months and most likely years now, you have felt a numbness of disconnection.  Every time you see your reflection in the mirror as you brush your teeth or wash away the cold sweat from another night of restless sleep, you see a distorted stranger looking back at you.  It’s not the fun house mirror.  It’s the battle of your conscience not being able to answer that nagging question of “how did I get here?!”  I suggest you do your level best to answer this question, but not in one day and certainly not in the first days.  This puzzle will slowly fall into place, as truth always presents itself if given time.

 "So brother, as they first lock you into this cage with that slamming steel door, try to just breathe.  Don’t let the walls crush the last vestige of hope and sanity from your being.  Be in the moment…close your eyes…and just breathe deeply.  The air might be stale and musky, but the worst breath is better than no breath.

"Once you’ve steadied your breathing, open your eyes and look around you.  This is real.  This isn’t a sleeping nightmare.  Don’t imagine that every time you hear a guard enter the wing, he’s coming to tell you that you’re free and it’s all been a big mistake.  If you’re innocent, pray that God, DNA, and sound evidence bring you freedom, as it does happen.  Calm down and be patient.  Never, ever give up but don’t give in to illusion either."

Click here to read the full letter

Excerpt from "Letters to a Future Death Row Inmate, Part 25", by Samir (known by the FDOC as Roderick M. Orme). Mr. Orme's Letter to a Future Death Row Inmate is currently posted on the private journal of Texas Death Row inmate Thomas B Whitaker, "Minutes Before Six".

Roderick M. Orme #726848
Union Correctional Institution
7819 N.W. 228th Street
Raiford, FL 32026 - USA