On Tuesday, I visited Ray Meeks at Madison Correctional Institution after quite a long absence. It seems that after having visited Ray since 1981 I had to re-file for volunteer status as a pastoral visitor. This meant getting a background check including going to Florida State Prison at Raiford to get fingerprinted. Then I had to take an online volunteer qualification training, which I did pass! I had not seen Ray since last June.

Ray is doing beautifully. He has become part of a thorough art program where he has moved to advanced drawing and watercolor. He says he goes to class at 8:00 am every day and spends most of the rest of the day drawing and painting in his dorm. He showed me some of his work, and it is indeed fantastic. He sends some of his work to his sister and niece. He will send some more to us and I will post it. It is so good to see him so happy and fulfilled.

I was able to meet his roommate who also had been on death row at Union Correctional Institution. They’re quite grateful to room together after having known each other for years.

Ray’s health is good. He just got a new walker. He said he wore out the other one. Even with his back problems, he is able to do strengthening exercises. His heart is doing well following his bypass. He always appreciates the notes he gets from members of the church.

Ray turns 70 this June. Wow!

Larry