September 1, 2002

I returned home a while ago after seeing Rob off at Fort Devens. I am not really in any mood to write. My main purpose is to let you know what I know so that I won't feel any need to answer the phone for a few days. (please don't leave messages either) I am sorry if that seems harsh in any way. It is not meant to be. I am feeling completely heartbroken right now, and would rather just be by myself for a while. I do appreciate your kind thoughts and support though. :)

Rob was to report to the Medical Center at Fort Devens this afternoon. From what we had read, he would be there until he was "processed" and had orientation. I am not sure if he would get a hospital type room, or a cell. (the medical facility also houses the maximum security prison.) Rob was only allowed to take his license and some cash with him. They hold the license until his release date. The money will go into an account which can be used to purchase things like a toothbrush and whatever else he may need. There was absolutely no one there willing to answer any questions. The guard gave me a number to call on Tuesday. He said Rob would not be processed until at least Tuesday because tomorrow is a holiday. He will not be able to call or have any visitors. Hopefully he will be at the prison "camp" on Tuesday and begin to figure out his new routine.

At the camp, there are no guard towers, fences, or bars anywhere that we could see. We arrived during visiting hours, so there were a lot of people around. The prisoners were dressed mostly in normal clothing, although a few were in uniforms. It does not look terribly frightening.

I wish I knew more. As soon as I do, I will send out another message.

Many of you have expressed to me that you would like to help in any way possible. All I can suggest is to please write Rob as much as possible. His birthday is Sept. 11. Send him a funny card! I know most of you rely on email a lot. I can relay email messages, but I cannot print them and bring them to Rob. Visitors can't give him anything. Everything has to be mailed to him. So please make the effort to print and mail them yourself, and keep it going! Rob may not write back, but that does not mean he doesn't appreciate hearing from you! :) Another thing you can do is let me know if you learn of any possible angle out there to get him out. I believe a terrible injustice has been done here. Rapists and murderers walk from sentences everyday. The laws I have read about so far say that Rob's sentence is "too short" to be eligible for any kind of early release. --And that because the judge did not indicate anything about parole on his sentencing report, he is not eligible. I am sure there must be something that can be done. Unlike Rob, I am not one to sit at the computer for hours and research things. But I will be. I just don't even know where to begin! So, if you want to help, let me know if you have any ideas or learn of anything that may help.

Thanks,
Shannon