MY FRIEND MICHAEL, by Karen

This Mother’s day I received three cards, which is not surprising as I have three children. However, one of the cards actually came all the way from my friend Michael Lambrix who is on Florida’s death row, rather than from my own son.

Such thoughtfulness is typical of Michael. He has been on death row for a crime he didn’t commit for 30 years but he still has the humanity and kindness to send special occasion cards to his friends.

Michael is the sort of friend everyone needs. He listens to my problems, asks about  my family and friends, commiserates when I’m feeling unwell with a cold, expresses joy at my successes and knows exactly what to say when I’m going through the loss of a beloved family member. Despite his wretched circumstances, he rarely complains and continually shows gratitude for my friendship.

I’ve known Michael since early 2000 when I found him on a prison penpals site. We exchanged a few letters and soon became firm friends. A year later I flew to Florida to spend a few days visiting him in prison. His intelligence, humour, poise and dignified mien made a deep impression on me, and I marvelled how a man who spent years in solitary confinement was able to conduct normal conversation for hours on end with a woman from the other side of the world.

In 2007,  I was able to visit him again and enjoy his company for one day.

Over the years I have become close to  the man in the orange prison clothes: his struggles, his dreams, his beliefs and some of his deepest feelings as he sent me notes which were eventually turned into  a book about his life titled ‘To Live and Die on Death Row.’

 I marvel at Michael’s courage as he has made a stand against prison violence at great risk to his own life  on several occasions, and how he continually helps those around him. Year after year he has had his appeals denied and yet, as his appeals are coming to an end, he remains cheerful and optimistic.

Family and friends are very important to Michael. He maintains a close relationship with his parents who visit regularly, but his children have drifted away, depriving Michael of his role as  a doting grandfather. His lifeline are his close friends, a small group of people such as myself from all around the globe who write to him and visit whenever we are able.

I’ve learned so much about the triumph of the human spirit from my friendship with Michael Lambrix. His thirst for knowledge is amazing and has driven him to complete his schooling and a degree in Theology, as well as a vast knowledge of  the Florida legal system. In our letters we discuss everything from religion to archaeology and I find his knowledge impressive for one who has no access to the internet and is only able to read prison library books.

In recent weeks Michael has been assigned a Clemency lawyer, which indicates that the governor is likely to sign a death warrant within a few months. I sit here appalled that a dear friend who has grown so much spiritually and intellectually and who has already spent over 30 years in solitary confinement for a crime he didn’t commit, is likely to be executed.

All I can say is that a great light will be extinguished if this act is carried out and a great void will be left in my heart.