As a rule we prisoners do not celebrate birthdays.  But earlier today I was asked by the choir's director to please come to the area where the choir conducts its practice.  So at 6:20 this evening I secured permission and made my way to the opposite end of the prison to attend their session.  They meet every Friday in an unoccupied classroom in the school area.

     As I was walking to the school area, however, I was thinking that they probably had some kind of problem that

needed to be addressed. 

     Not so.  When I entered the room I was met by eight members of the group who promptly began to sing happy birthday.  I was red-faced.  I turned fifty-two a few days ago.

     We then ate a small but simple meal they had prepared in advance, and we drank bottled water.

     I had no idea the choir was going to do this.

    They were showing me their brotherly love and gratitude, and I am grateful.

     Tonight's little party was a wonderful respite from the storms that are going on in my life at present.  This to me was yet another token of God's goodness to His children.  I am blessed!

                                David Berkowitz

                                June 3, 2005

(c) 2005 David Berkowitz