I remembered the two transparent bags behind the closet
doors in our downstairs bedroom. Those bags I used to house all the things I
used when I used to work in the prison. Stethoscope. Different kinds of colored
pens for charting notes. Pen lights with lights I used to check the inmates’
pupil reactions whenever there was a riot or when the inmate just happened to
be under some influence of illegal substances.Stick notes I usually carried in
the left pocket of my white lab coat that came in handy when I needed to jot
down something that would be significant with my documentation. The simplified
lay out of the prison’s map that I used when I was a new employee. It guided me
during those times I would have been going in circles as all the housing units
looked alike.
I thought letting go would be hard. For each item reminded
me of my being a Correctional Nurse. I cut my ID in little, random pieces. I
tore those important papers with information that only belonged to the staff.
Like radio codes I nervously memorized and much later, became adept at
responding to calls when there was a medical emergency.
It’s trash pick up today in our area. I looked at the now
clutter-less closet . Despite the darkness behind the close doors, I feel good
knowing I can see clearly next time I open them.
The sun is blinding today. The day that is just beginning
and no one knows what it will bring. But there will always be comfort knowing
that once the light has entered one’s heart, there will always be peace,
knowing that baggage of sins are removed. Daily, must we submit our hearts to
that Light to allow It to search the baggage stored that bears down heavily in
every corners of our hearts.
Goodbye detention center! I’m done being a Correctional
Nurse at this time. But being a Christian is never-ending if we are always
willing to reflect that Light to this dark place.
