Hey Rob Fans,

Before I get into the ins and outs of Rob's life at Devens, I just want to say; the tragic fire at The Station in RI has really hit Rob and me close to home. We had been to that club a couple of times while we were living on the Cape, and we were concerned of the safety of some of our friends who would still frequent those kinds of shows. We are very sorry for all of the families and friends of those lost in that terrible accident. Your loss is heavy on our minds and our hearts.

There have been some minor events in Rob's life lately that I thought I would share with you all. His weight loss is at the top of that list. Rob's weight loss is now in excess of 50 pounds! It is really amazing to go visit him now and actually start to see Rob looking much more like the Rob I met over three years ago! Although he does not feel "ready" to have his picture taken yet, I plan to snap a few shots of him during his furlough. ;)

Did I say furlough? Yup! The paperwork is beginning to filter in for that. I don't know the specific date, but it should happen by the end of April. My goal is to keep it top secret anyway, as I have no intention of sharing Rob with anyone during those 12 hours!!! :) It is going to be an emotional roller coaster of a day, but I am hoping it will turn out to have been a positive experience for us both.

So you are probably wondering about the paper folding, right? Well, as you know, life at "the camp" is extremely boring, especially during these long winter days. So I have been photocopying pages from Rob's origami book, as well as some from the library, and sending them to him. (I hope I don't go to prison for it!! :P) Rob has been making little paper animals and such to help pass the time and other inmates seem very interested. It has caught the attention of the C.O. in charge of "educational" programs. He and Rob are discussing the possibility of Rob teaching a class on origami. The only problem may be acquiring decent paper to work with. No one can send him any, and the prison is not likely to provide anything special. Perhaps they will have to use pages from magazines or something. Regardless of what paper they use, it will surely help break up some of the monotony for Rob and his "students" for any hour or two a week!

Rob has also become somewhat consumed with the halfway house issue. I sent out a few emails to key people and did get a reply from Matthew J. Bronick, Chief, Office of Congressional Affairs. He requested that I call him, which I did. I asked him whether or not there would be an appeal by the Bureau of Prisons (where he is from) on the new policy. He started his answer to me.... "What I can tell you....." and basically went on to say that the BOP does not get involved in sentencing issues, blah, blah, blah. Thanks Matt, but I think I would be more interested in what you can't tell me! Fortunately, all information regarding this stuff will eventually be made public. I do know that many individuals are appealing the policy, and winning! I just don't know if Rob has enough to go with to make it work for him. Sometimes I think he should just try to get comfy and stick it out until his sentence is over. --But I guess he needs something to keep his mind busy. :P

I really feel like I am forgetting something, but that's just the way it is nowadays! :) Oh well, I'm all typed out for now anyway.
Thanks,
Shannon
www.freerobrothberg.com