One night I was watching a nature program about horses. it was quite interesting to see a group of horses stay together like a family. During the program, there was this one lone black horse. he kept his distance from the family, probably because he was afraid of the head of the family. After a few weeks, the lonely black horse was approached by a member of the family. He decided to get a little closer to the group. The head of the family checked the new corner out carefully. I could see that the black horse was happy by the way he jumped around and played with members of his new family.

 

Seing that nature program made me think about my friends, my new family. In 1993, I was sentenced to the death penalty for a murder I did not commit. But when I was sentenced to the death penalty, none of my family members or so-called friends were there. The Judge, prosecutors, public defenders and bailiffs and about ten others were there. I was the only black person in the Court room. I had absolutely zero support. And that's  how I came to death row: Black and Alone!

In my heart, God was presence. At that time, I didn't know what else to do but pray. The first few years, I spent most of my time educating myself by studying criminal law. I began to realize that I couldn't go through this journey alone, so I began to reach out to the world for friendship. All the friends I once knew had disappeared. My blood relatives had completely abandoned me, and literally left me for dead.

 

But then I started corresponding with people from America and Europe. I was amazed how you can can get to know someone through a letter. It was very interesting and enjoyable. God knows I appreciated the conversations and their compassion. My pen pals became my real,true friends as we continued to correspond. Yes, we are different. They are a lot different from the friends I used to have when I was free. Most of my so-called friends were Knuckleheads. But these new friends, they are intelligent. Most are well-educated. And all of them are good-hearted.

I learned so much from them. I learned about the history ofother countries, and even learned a few words of different languages. My friends grew on me - meaning they moved into my heart. I begin to care sincerely about them, their families, their friends. 

 

I know some people believe that love can't develop through correspondence; but that's not true at all. My friends are real people who I grew to love; and they grew to love and care about me. Some travelled from different countries to come visit me. Many embraced me as a family member.  Some have had children and their children call me Uncle Anthony. My friends adopted me as a family member. They united and begin to support me in my fight for justice. They keep me from feeling alone. Their loving care keeps me strong and hopeful. They motivate and inspire me to do all I can to succeed in this fight for justice. 

 

My new family and I share good and bad times.They trust me and I trust them. Yes, like every family we disagree, argue, get mad at each other, but we never abandon each other...  because we are family grounded by love. I think of them and pray for them daily. And I thank God for them... because I have come to understand that friendship is a blessing!

 

And like that black horse, I too, jump around with joy in my heart - because I have a family that loves Anthony!