if you're reading this

November 5, 2010

If you are reading this letter it is because I wanted you to know that my encounters with you have had an impact on my life.

I spent nearly 10 years working on the Research on Pathways to Desistance project at Temple. During that time, my path crossed with several hundred people, all of whom were involved with the study on some level.

My work landed me in state and federal prisons, county jails and of course all over the city of Philadelphia. I have done interviews in houses with no heat, houses with mice and roaches (I even brought a few home with me in my lap top bag). I’ve sat on floors when there was no furniture and on steps when the house wasn’t a safe place to be.

I can’t say that I know what it is like to live in these places. At the end of the day, I was able to retreat to my home in South Jersey. But I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to share your stories with me. You didn’t have to and I know that.

As you all should know by now, the research project at Temple has ended. On my last day of work, one of the young men that I had done interviews with for eight years was shot and killed at a playground. He wasn’t the first (and he won’t be the last) person that I interviewed for the research project that was killed.

Every day when I read the news about another homicide in Philadelphia, I brace myself when I get to the part where they name the victim. Tonight was no different, only this time; I felt an overwhelming sadness as I read the name. It was another young man whom I'd interviewed for eight years. He was shot in the chest several times and died a few hours later. He left behind a son who adored him and a father who only wanted the best for him.

If you are still reading this, please know that even though we might have only spoken a handful of times over the past nine or ten years, you have made a difference in my life. I wish that a better path lies ahead of you. I wish for you to be safe, be smart. I wish that I never have to read your name in a news article like the one I did this evening.

Best Wishes,

Donna