"Please sir, put me anywhere except the Lock Up." Those words were spoken to me by a federal inmate who I was bringing back to Newfoundland for a court appearance. The inmate was a resident of Nova Scotia's Springhill Institution, courtesy of my former colleges at the RCMP's St. John's Drug Section. The Lock Up is the temporary holding facility for those awaiting court appearances in St. John's. The clientèle there are mostly those who were arrested during the previous night for any number of alleged wrongdoings. Alcohol is often a factor that lends itself to getting on the wrong side of the law, so the Lock Up also has a "drunk tank", where the inebriated can sleep it off - albeit, best done with one eye open! The Lock Up is like something from Middle Ages, minus only the rack and guillotine.
Having never visited Springhill Federal Pen, the few hours I spent with this guy were enough to paint me a nice picture. I believe his exact words were "I love it there." A world class gym, better than basic cable in his private room...I mean cell, and the best food my new acquaintance ever had.. I also learned that he had a rough upbringing and a very unsettled home life as a kid, so his bar may have been set a little lower than for what most of us would consider a decent life. Still, as a deterrent to a committing crime, it was clear to me that jail time was anything but, for this citizen. Our federal penal system managed to provide all of the comforts of house and home. So well, in fact, that it represented a better life than anything he had experienced previously. I got the feeling that he wasn't looking forward to the day that those steel doors closed behind him and he had to fend for himself in the world of free men. On that day a few years into the future, I pictured him standing in front of the doors of Springhill Pen, staring at the vastness and uncertainty of the world before him, then turning and running back to the cold steel door and hitting it with flailing arms while screaming "Let me in.".
Let's come back to the present. Eight years or so have passed since I first met Springhill Pen's #1 fan. I'm no longer a police officer but buddy still finds himself mixed up with some pretty serious criminal charges. Murder is as heinous as it gets. A few months ago, a physical altercation resulted in a man's death and my former travelling companion is alleged to have killed this person. Given the seriousness of the crime, he has been in custody in St. John's ever since. His newest home would be our provincial jail, located on the shores of beautiful Quidi Vidi Lake. What can I say about the aged and decrepit place other than it's a hole! Everything that Springhill Institution is, the "Pen" isn't. Couple that with the fact that he would be making frequent stopovers at the Lock Up as his murder case makes it's way through our system of justice at the usual pace of a tortoise, then I see buddy as being very dissatisfied with his accommodations. That was confirmed when it was recently revealed that he was planning a prison break. His efforts were detailed and advanced enough that he now faces additional charges of attempting to escape lawful custody.
So what do we take from all of this. It's probably fair to say that this is a very troubled individual. Long before I took him from the comfortable confines of Springhill Institution, he likely had caused his more than his allotted share of mayhem in our little corner of the world. Somewhere along the road travelled, he has seemed to come to the perverse realization that getting caught for a crime that carries a penalty of "2 years less a day" just isn't worth committing. Those crimes mean serving your jail time at one of our Newfoundland jails, most likely at the Pen. So unless you go big, you'll have to stay at home.
A conviction for murder could see him go away for life, which means 10 to 15 years in our justice system. If that befalls him, off he'll go to one of our federal pens. He's probably hoping for Springhill. The good news for him is there are even nicer places. Some of our country''s "best" criminals reside in town house style luxury that have all of the status and security that come from being in a true gated community.
If I were the Judge (now there's a laugh), as buddy was standing before me and I was finding him guilty of murder, I'd wipe the smile from his face very quickly. I wouldn't give him 10 years, 20 years or even 50 years. There'd be no Club Fed for him. I'd smash the gavel down and pronounce sentence - "Two years less a day, to be served at Her Majesty's Penitentiary, St. John's with weekends at the Lock Up." I can picture him now, standing at the cold steel door and hitting it with flailing arms while screaming "Let me out.". Now that would be justice served and a warning to those thinking of travelling that sane road.
In case you are wondering, eight years ago I dropped my friend off at the Lock Up. I was naive enough to try to find a better jail cell for him, but had no luck in doing so. It turned out that's where he belonged.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Friday, June 07, 2013
Not So Private Poop
It has been five and a half months since I last wrote on my blog. I may have to change it's title to something more appropriate that reflects the whimsical way in which I ply this hobby. How about "Jim's Stories - Don't Hold Your Breath Waiting"; or maybe "Tales So Private that I Didn't Write Them". Maybe I'll just stick to the title I already have. After all, it's what my readers have grown to know and appreciate. By the way, thanks so much for the surprising number of inquiries as to where my stories had gone and when I'd get back to pounding the computer keys. I'm humbled. Imagine how I'd feel if four people had asked!
I should update you on a few of the important things that have happened during these months of my hibernation.
My last story was about my dog, Jasper, and how we suspected he had gone off to die. We last saw Jasper on December 23rd. Well, about a month ago, Jasper's skeletal remains were found in the woods very close to our house. It was comforting to know he was nearby during his last hours and minutes and that he could probably see and hear those who loved him most. I buried him not far from where he was found. His grave is adorned with many of the very same rocks that we used to play fetch with him. Of all of the pets we've owned, Jasper is the only one buried on our property (unless you count the many goldfish that are somewhere in our septic field). We have Ruby now. She actually came to us from the pound last September. She's a wonderful dog and has fit into our family quite nicely. We have discovered that Avery is very often distracted by Ruby's cuteness. Sure Ruby is great, but I will always have a soft spot for Jasper, the big guy.
In February I started working, actually working where I get a pay check. It's June and I'm still there! As many of you know, my track record for sustained employment hasn't been very sterling since leaving the RCMP in October, 2010. I had 10 days at Costco and 4 weeks at a provincial government job before I decided that neither of these jobs was for me. Coaching hockey, basketball, chess and most recently, baseball, are great but always result in a net loss to the bank account. Cod fishing is unbelievable and I can't do that often enough. Catching 5 fish a day for 3 or 4 weeks isn't about to make anyone rich. It's probably illegal to sell them anyway, as it's a "recreational" fishery. I also think I enjoy giving the fresh fillets, tongues and cheeks away as much as catching them. I can't wait to surprise Mrs. Roche with a feed or two of fish in a couple of weeks. Oh yeah.......I began to tell you about my job. I'm working with the engineering company where my two brothers have worked for years. I guess maybe I had an in to this job but I'm well suited to what they have me doing too. My boss is actually my long time friend, builder of my house, the one who have me my first wedgie and introduced me to bingo at The Star and A. Frank Willis. There's a lot more to add about Bud, but that's a story for another day. So far, so good at Acuren. I like when my hands are busy, as it keeps my mind from wandering off to places where it shouldn't go. As a cop, on several occasions I had to pick narcotics out of human faeces. So far, nothing I've experienced at Acuren has been nearly as crappy. I guess I'll stick around there for a while longer.
My family is my priority in life. My kids are my passion. Kendall will be a teenager next month. I know she is ready, I'm just not sure I am! She continues to be in love with her competitive swimming. As I'm waking her three times a week at 4:45 a.m., I often give her the choice of staying in bed or getting up for practice. She never misses. Last weekend, at a provincial meet, she won 5 individual gold medals and 2 silvers, as well as 2 more golds in the team relay. In addition to being proud of her, I'm learning first hand what true dedication and hard work can accomplish. Avery will be 11 next month. She is so smart, funny and well rounded. She's my Gilligan and fishing buddy. This year I'm hoping she'll learn to gut the cod fry up a feed of tongues for Grammie. Avery can best the entire Nixon clan in any computer gaming challenge and she's great at getting the #1 answer for any question on Family Feud. I'm off now to coach Avery's team in our second game of baseball. During yesterday's game, Avery was doubled off of first base when she ran on a pop fly. She asked me why she was out and I explained the rule. She listened intently and understood, never to make that mistake again, I'm sure. She did say that it was my fault as I hadn't told her that rule. I may not have taught her all of the rules of baseball, but it seems I've done a fairly good job of teaching her to speak up for herself. Did I already tell you that she's only 11! I'm surrounded at home by women - from kids to Grammie and Lynda somewhere in between. Perhaps having picked dope from poo won't seem so bad after all a few years from now.
Stay tuned for more intrigue and adventure. I'm just not sure when that will be.
Jim - The Not So Private I
I should update you on a few of the important things that have happened during these months of my hibernation.
My last story was about my dog, Jasper, and how we suspected he had gone off to die. We last saw Jasper on December 23rd. Well, about a month ago, Jasper's skeletal remains were found in the woods very close to our house. It was comforting to know he was nearby during his last hours and minutes and that he could probably see and hear those who loved him most. I buried him not far from where he was found. His grave is adorned with many of the very same rocks that we used to play fetch with him. Of all of the pets we've owned, Jasper is the only one buried on our property (unless you count the many goldfish that are somewhere in our septic field). We have Ruby now. She actually came to us from the pound last September. She's a wonderful dog and has fit into our family quite nicely. We have discovered that Avery is very often distracted by Ruby's cuteness. Sure Ruby is great, but I will always have a soft spot for Jasper, the big guy.
In February I started working, actually working where I get a pay check. It's June and I'm still there! As many of you know, my track record for sustained employment hasn't been very sterling since leaving the RCMP in October, 2010. I had 10 days at Costco and 4 weeks at a provincial government job before I decided that neither of these jobs was for me. Coaching hockey, basketball, chess and most recently, baseball, are great but always result in a net loss to the bank account. Cod fishing is unbelievable and I can't do that often enough. Catching 5 fish a day for 3 or 4 weeks isn't about to make anyone rich. It's probably illegal to sell them anyway, as it's a "recreational" fishery. I also think I enjoy giving the fresh fillets, tongues and cheeks away as much as catching them. I can't wait to surprise Mrs. Roche with a feed or two of fish in a couple of weeks. Oh yeah.......I began to tell you about my job. I'm working with the engineering company where my two brothers have worked for years. I guess maybe I had an in to this job but I'm well suited to what they have me doing too. My boss is actually my long time friend, builder of my house, the one who have me my first wedgie and introduced me to bingo at The Star and A. Frank Willis. There's a lot more to add about Bud, but that's a story for another day. So far, so good at Acuren. I like when my hands are busy, as it keeps my mind from wandering off to places where it shouldn't go. As a cop, on several occasions I had to pick narcotics out of human faeces. So far, nothing I've experienced at Acuren has been nearly as crappy. I guess I'll stick around there for a while longer.
My family is my priority in life. My kids are my passion. Kendall will be a teenager next month. I know she is ready, I'm just not sure I am! She continues to be in love with her competitive swimming. As I'm waking her three times a week at 4:45 a.m., I often give her the choice of staying in bed or getting up for practice. She never misses. Last weekend, at a provincial meet, she won 5 individual gold medals and 2 silvers, as well as 2 more golds in the team relay. In addition to being proud of her, I'm learning first hand what true dedication and hard work can accomplish. Avery will be 11 next month. She is so smart, funny and well rounded. She's my Gilligan and fishing buddy. This year I'm hoping she'll learn to gut the cod fry up a feed of tongues for Grammie. Avery can best the entire Nixon clan in any computer gaming challenge and she's great at getting the #1 answer for any question on Family Feud. I'm off now to coach Avery's team in our second game of baseball. During yesterday's game, Avery was doubled off of first base when she ran on a pop fly. She asked me why she was out and I explained the rule. She listened intently and understood, never to make that mistake again, I'm sure. She did say that it was my fault as I hadn't told her that rule. I may not have taught her all of the rules of baseball, but it seems I've done a fairly good job of teaching her to speak up for herself. Did I already tell you that she's only 11! I'm surrounded at home by women - from kids to Grammie and Lynda somewhere in between. Perhaps having picked dope from poo won't seem so bad after all a few years from now.
Stay tuned for more intrigue and adventure. I'm just not sure when that will be.
Jim - The Not So Private I
Saturday, December 29, 2012
A Big Broken Heart
My dog, Jasper, is gone. I miss him. At only five years old, he should have been in the prime of his life. That all changed two years ago when we discovered that he had congestive heart failure. I don't believe dogs know that they are sick, certainly not in the same way that we humans do. What is clear, is that Jasper understood that he was slowing down. Over the last few months, he began to lag further and further behind on his walks. A few week ago, he sent me a silent message when, for the first time, he chose to remain on the deck and watch me and his recently adopted canine sister, Ruby, trek off into the woods. I kept looking behind to see if his black bear like figure would come lumbering through the trees and I stopped way more than normal to throw a stick for Ruby, but we remained alone.
Jasper's heart failed him. It's somewhat ironic that everyone who came to know him found a place for him in their hearts. Gentle and patient, he was one in a million. When he arrived in our lives from the pound it was his first birthday. Neighbourhood kids, who were previously leery of dogs, found a friend in Jasper and a new understanding that dogs can be trustworthy. This despite the fact that Jasper was twice the size of these kids.
Jasper lived at our house but he really belonged to the neighbourhood. It was not uncommon for him to make occasional visits to the homes of many of our rural neighbours. Lynda and I would often learn of such visits after the fact and often by accident. I think the neighbours were afraid that we'd tie Jasper on and they'd miss the chance to share him. We'd learn that Jasper routine went to visit for a half hour or so, have a treat or two and to curl up on their kitchen floors. Then, on his own, he'd ask to be let out and then head back home or on to say hello to another friend.
Jasper loved rocks, probably more than just about anything else. He learned that from a few years of palling around with my brother's golden retriever, Jack, who passed away earlier this year. Jasper took what he learned from Jack and went bigger. Bigger in a sense that Jasper's preferred rocks were boulders. Many of the ones he carried in his mouth on walks or lovingly licked were as big as his gigantic head. Only a dog of extreme intelligence would select a treat that was so plentiful and inexpensive.
As much as he loved rocks, Jasper hated moose. Just the mere mention of the word was enough to send him into a fit. I think his disdain for Bullwinkle and friends was more of a learned thing than it was instinctual. Jasper hadn't been with us very long when he encountered a young moose in the back yard. He ran up to investigate. His instincts told him to approach from behind, as surely such a big dog would have huge teeth. Mr. Moose was not impressed by Jasper's stealth nor worried enough to run back into the woods. What he did do was unleash a rear legged kick that literally grazed the side of Jasper's head. As I watched, speechless, Jasper bolted back the way he came, tail between his legs, and ran right into the secure confines of his dog house. Since that day, Jasper has had one on one discussions with many moose. He never again got close to those long hind legs. I guess he realized that they pack quite a bite.
Last Saturday, Jasper was with me in the yard as I was burning some brush. He was noticeably frail, but he still had enough energy to ask that I throw a smallish rock a few times for him to retrieve. When I finished up that afternoon, Jasper was nowhere to be seen, which is not unusual. I became worried when he didn't come home that night, as that never happened before. Lynda and I searched the surrounding woods, but to no avail. I awoke early Sunday morning and still no sign of him. It was a brutal weather day, with cold rain being driven by strong winds off the ocean. I looked out the window and could not hold back the tears. I asked out loud to no one, "Jasper, where are you?". A few minutes later I was putting on my rain clothes when mom called up from downstairs. Jasper was at her door. Lynda and I ran down to find one very wet and sickly dog. We hugged him, dried him, and hugged him some more. I even managed to give him his heart medication, although for the first time he fought me as I tried to do so. Lynda and I tried to get him to eat, but he wouldn't. We tried to get him to lie down on his bed, but he wouldn't. Jasper asked to go outside. He stood in front of the house for a few minutes, with Lynda keeping watch. Suddenly, he was gone. We haven't seen him since. I am so thankful for those few extra minutes he gave us on Sunday morning. For whatever reason, I no longer worried about him after that.
Jasper died as he lived - with grace and dignity. I had planned to take him to the vet on Monday, Christmas Eve, for a final needle. I'm not sure if I could have gone through with it. Jasper spared me from having to make that decision. From what I have read, it is not unusual for some dogs to go away to die. They see themselves as being a burden to the pack. As they no longer contribute to the pack, they realize that the best thing is to go away.
Lynda and I continue to search for Jasper. We know he is dead, but we just would like to know where he chose to go. I believe I will eventually find his last resting place. It's sure to be by the biggest rock he could find.
------------
Update: June, 2013:
My last story was about my dog, Jasper, and how we suspected he had gone off to die. We last saw Jasper on December 23rd. Well, about a month ago, Jasper's skeletal remains were found in the woods very close to our house. It was comforting to know he was nearby during his last hours and minutes and that he could probably see and hear those who loved him most. I buried him not far from where he was found. His grave is adorned with many of the very same rocks that we used to play fetch with him. Of all of the pets we've owned, Jasper is the only one buried on our property (unless you count the many goldfish that are somewhere in our septic field). We have Ruby now. She actually came to us from the pound last September. She's a wonderful dog and has fit into our family quite nicely. We have discovered that Avery is very often distracted by Ruby's cuteness. Sure Ruby is great, but I will always have a soft spot for Jasper, the big guy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)