Mom is doing better. She got out the hospital on Tuesday. A first cousin on her father's side (Betty Jean) and some of her prayer partners have been taking turns staying at the house and attending to her.

My Grandma's husband died. He and I had a complex relationship. Throughout my mom's childhood and my childhood, he was an alcoholic. He wasn't mean to me, but he ignored me as I was growing up, I saw him stand idly by as my mom's side of the family grew more divided. Nonetheless, he was married to my Grandma for over fifty years. His death is going to affect my Grandma and I fear how my mom's younger siblings might react to losing their father. For some reason the black sheep in the family were especially protective of him.

Started reading Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating. It is on centering prayer. Father Keating describes it as the first step towards establishing a fulfilling mystical connection with God. The book sounds like it's showing the way to something I've been searching for all my life...

I stepped outside after 8:15pm to enjoy the last half hour of yard. I walked by myself and admired the night sky, felt the breeze against my face. Thought about what I would say at a psych hearing for the parole board. Thought about the public service work I want to to in Southern California, if I am released. I'd like to work with local sheriff's departments and community centers to share my testimony with at-risk youth.