The Magnificent Three
I have a small idea what it's like to be a small child
Between the age of 7 and 8
Without a true father figure to guide you along
During life's trials and tribulation...
But of course I've no clue what they've been through
Which in this case was on a much larger scale with the incarceration of their father
And his 50 year sentence
The bond I shared with my children was and is very special to me.
Albeit some 13 years past, I shall never forget those awesome memories
Special moments and the joy
Of being a father to my three wonderful children...
There are always a few special things
That define a relationship between a parent and child
For me, there were many and I will always cherish those
Special things that brought us closer together...
My eldest, my now 21 year old son,
Was quite the daring and bold little fella
He took to fishing with a real zest just like his father
And he could tackle life's obstacles
Like learning to ride a bike all by himself
His sense of caring at that young age was undeniable, unbelievable!
The smart, clean, energetic, fun-loving,
good-spirited, big-hearted and awesome son
was a blast and honour to be around.
My now twenty year old daughter,
was quite the little bossy one, hence the nickname Missy!
She enjoyed taking control of matters
and voiced her opinion whenever possible.
She was daddy's little girl in every which way.
We shared silly things like a secret handshake,
matching bandanas, the braiding of her hair (not always perfect).
I would also grow my pinky nails out, and allow her to paint them to
the exact colour of hers! She is a magnificent little girl, so full of love and cheer.
My now thirteen year old daughter was a gem of a baby!
Her blue eyes like her dad's expressed so much.
She took to my voice like no other, and her smiles and giggles
brought joy to many a heart! I was only to witness her growth through photos,
but I'm proud and amazed at her qualities.
Although incarcerated, I am still the proud father of three amazing and beautiful children.
What they have accomplished in life thus far speaks volumes to their character,
strength and their will to succeed in life,
even through all their hardships, obstacles
and a father ..... a father lost to them.
Sammy Lupo, Illinois
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In a Death Row prisoner‘s own words:
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
Human Writes Patrons
"The very essence of the death penalty is to tell people that they are somehow sub-human, not fit to live. Yet even those people I have represented who did what they were accused of - a surprisingly limited number - have always been much better people than their worst fifteen minutes, as are we all. Those who recognise this by reaching out to the men and women on death row are true heroes, though I suspect they gain as much as they give to the relationship."
Clive Stafford Smith OBE, Founder of Reprieve and Patron, Human Writes
"As a journalist who has lived and worked in the United States, the horror of death row is one of the issues that never leaves you. The thread of humanity that Human Writes manages to sustain with men and women on death row is a profound contribution to keep alive the hope of life. Capital punishment is now on the retreat in America, but the numbers awaiting their fate are still very considerable. I am very honoured to have become a Patron of Human Writes and will hope to do my best to put my shoulder to the wheel".
Jon Snow Broadcaster and journalist, Patron, Human Writes
"I know what it is like to live in a cell for decades and feel that the whole world hates you. I never expected to be able to live again as a contributing member of a community. Prison life was precarious and unpredictable but I met people who worked there who wanted to help me and people like me - and I'm lucky that I live in a society graceful enough to offer me a second chance. At least I had hope. Hope for many of the people supported by Human Writes has all but been extinguished. Letters to people on Death Row let them know that however low they may have fallen, they are still human beings. They still have value and are worth caring about and letters might just help to keep hope alive. That is why I am honoured to have been invited to be a patron."
Erwin James 1957 - 2024, author and Guardian columnist, Patron, Human Writes
Prisoner Art and Writing
"The volunteers of Human Writes seek to hold out the hand of friendship to men and women facing the death penalty. I am pleased to encourage them in their writing"
Most Reverend and Rt Hon George L Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury
"No matter its circumstances, dying is one of the most important things we ever do. I applaud all who offer compassion and hope to those facing death, especially in the terrible circumstances of Death Row. May God bless your work."
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster