I’ve spent 9,953 days in this hellish prison. The days have dragged on at a snail’s pace with excruciating slowness.
How do I feel about serving such time for a non-violent marijuana crime? The truth is, I don’t know anymore. I’ve already lost half my life, my identity, my wife and children, and my freedom.
And for what? Simply because I refused to cooperate with the government and snitch on others in the illegal cannabis trade. They say, “Dead men don’t cry”. I’ve been buried alive for so long that I won’t even try. If I did, no one would hear me.
For years, my life has felt empty and hollow. Today feels even more so because it happens to be my birthday. I’ll spend it locked within the oppressive walls of a 10-by-12-foot prison cell (hot and humid for lack of air conditioning), staring at the peeling paint on faded white walls with mold in the corners, listening to the loudness of the other 80 inmates confined here with me, and following orders from those holding me captive.
Today I will not receive any gifts, hugs, or greetings. I will not receive a drink, smoke, or a special meal.
Today – just like the past 28 birthdays I’ve spent in prison – will only be a reminder of the loneliness I must keep enduring, separated from family and friends, away from those I love, and from life itself … away from freedom.
Edwin Rubis is a cannabis prisoner serving 40 years for a non-violent marijuana crime. He has been in prison since 1998. His release date is 2031. His family misses him very much and want him to come home.
You can help Edwin obtain his freedom: tinyurl.com/FreeEdwinRubis
You can send Edwin a personal text message through corrlinks (256) 982-5828
