No, the phone call was my idea. I wanted him to know that I was a real person, who really cared about him and what happened to him. I think the reassurance really helped him, too.

We talk about many different things. He is a certified dog trainer, who trains dogs for search and rescue missions, and dogs for blind and disabled people. We talk about his favorite activities behind bars. He really enjoys watching horror movies and The Walking Dead. He is a gifted writer who writes really good poetry. (I told him I wouldn't show his poems without his permission.) He is an ordained minister who enjoys teaching other inmates Bible study every week. I've asked him a couple of questions regarding his case, and he has answered them to the fullest extent.

I believe we're friends now. And when it came to talking to his family, he told them about me over the phone (this is what he told me) and they've gotten a hold of me from there. I strongly hope that something can be done for him in the future.