Sammy Came Home...

Sometime in August, it became clear that Sammy would be coming home. There was a hearing where Sammy, through his attorney, described the events that brought him into this situation. Sammy spoke to the victim's family and apologized. Mom and I were concerned that the victim's family might make trouble, but, I believe that Sammy's heartfelt apology combined with the knowledge that the offender responsible for the victim's unfortunate turn has been loose on the streets of Philadelphia for years while Sammy paid the price, moved the victim's family to tears...

We also learned that Sammy has been involved in a number of community activism initiatives from supporting military veterans, to Sammy's work with LACEO, and a host of other endeavors to support the community. And, all of these activities were undertaken before Sammy had any idea that he might come home one day. Sammy left an impression on our family, the victim's family, the judge and even the guard who escorted Sammy into the court room.

In anticipation of Sammy's arrival, Mom and I, with a lot of help from Amanda, cleared out the middle room and rearranged Mom's room to accommodate her sewing machine and cutting table and all of Mom's sewing supplies. With the middle room empty, Amanda painted the walls and the door. Mom and I, with Christina's generous support, got a bed for Sammy. Amanda provided a dresser and a small cabinet. Recently, an inspector came around to have a look at Sammy's quarters and a general inspection of the house. And, a couple weeks ago, Sammy came home.

After Sammy arrived, he rearranged his room to his liking and Daisy has made herself at home in Sammy's room. Sammy's first morning was a little sad, but, funny at the same time. Sammy slept well, but, when he woke up at 3:00am, Sammy forgot that he was at home and waited for someone to get up to give him permission to leave his cell to go downstairs and make coffee. Later in the morning, Sammy realized that he wasn't in a cell anymore and let us in on the joke. Sammy has been getting up early to make his coffee ever since.

Since Sammy came home, this open letter to Sammy is no longer necessary. This will be the last entry. Should you wish to keep up with the further adventures of the Rodriguez family, you can follow Sammy on Facebook.