Dear Father,

            Each waking day I take a gulp of air in search of essence. Hoping that that simple breath fills my solemn soul with a dose of new found inspiration.

            Dad- Failing you and Mom is a burden that I’ll carry through my after-life. You and mom are incredible parents. You’ve unconditionally sacrificed everything for my sake: shamefully only to witness again and again ME failing to find my balance/purpose.

            I’m compelled to accept that at some point in my life I simply pulled the proverbial short straw. Yet, I find a small sense of peace in understanding that our judicial system is not perfect; despite being a victim of a system that was paradoxically structured to protect the standard of “equality for all.” Trust that I live consumed by the affliction my draconian sentence has also had on you guys. SORRY!

            Dad- with each attorney you’ve hired, with each failed petition we’ve filed, with each endless day that passes I grow despondently resigned: Only to be left with the prayer “That tomorrow’s gulp of air helps me overcome the painful anxiety of being criminally incarcerated.”

                                                                                            With Love Your Son,

                                                                                                                                Daniel A. Rodriguez