I have a brother who has been in prison for quite a few years. He has a chance to get out in about two years, but first he has to complete a treatment program. And before he can do that, he has to live, for an unspecified amount of time, in the worst possible part of the Utah prison system. The building he's in right now has been condemned for a long time; rather than bother replacing it, they just pay the fine every year for continuing to use it. There is no heat in the winter, and no relief in the summer. None of the windows can be opened although a number of them have the glass broken out. The prisoners have to remain in their cells for 23 hours a day. Now, I know that my brother broke the law, and he knew there were consequences if he got caught (which he obviously did). But this new turn of events puts a knot in my stomach. I don't want anyone to suffer like that, and this really drives it home for me. I'm an atheist, so I don't even have prayer for comfort.
For quite a few years, he has been in the prison in Gunnison, where conditions were pretty good for a prison. This move is the starkest contrast possible, and is very sudden, I have only been hearing about it a little yesterday and a little more today. When I try to imagine what it's like for him, I just can't imagine it. I don't know how I would survive. So while I'm somewhat selfish in that I shouldn't be complaining when I have things so good, I am still sad and depressed and stressed-out for my brother.
If you, dear reader/s, believe in (a) god/s/goddess/es, please say a prayer for him on my behalf. I don't know what to do except to make that request.