what was around me which was negative and I began to give up. Ashara I was thinking no one loved me and all type of crazy nonsense and that made me became such a stoic person…You know the crazy part of this whole ordeal is that I really got caught up in someone’s mess, but can’t give any details before the case is over…keep rooting and praying for me Punk. But enough about me cause I’m ok. Ashara I read your letter several times, but before I say what I want to say I’m going to share something I learned since I been here and that is us as people when we have difficulty on our journey of life we tend to focus on what we need at the moment that we forget what we already have…Hey maybe one day you can invite me out to Philly for dinner…
Aries,
It’s crazy to read your letter and see how much you have matured. We really are not kids anymore. I’m so proud of you…Today has been hard. I have been very emotional.
Ashara went on to tell Aries about a new job teaching social justice to sixth-grade students, explaining how the other day her students had opened up about what they contend with day to day. One boy watched someone get shot, a girl’s god-brother was shot and killed, still another lost his father to prison. She wrote that two students broke out crying. “I realize that I am up against a lot,” Ashara wrote. “Those kids don’t even know how amazing they are…So right now I am very tired and emotional. Your letter was a gift.” She then for the first time revealed to Aries that she battled depression: “My health is MUCH better now and the biggest change is me. I have grown so much wiser and mature now. So it’s interesting we both in our own ways have been on journeys that we would not have chose but have shaped us into much better people.” Ashara continued,
You said you want to know more about me. Well I’m still loud. I can’t lie if someone offered me a million dollars to. I’m so transparent, so honest. I guess it’s a blessing. My favorite person on earth is my mother…We talk every day at least twice a day. She talks about you pretty often and feels the same way I do…What’s up with the mobile spa? Why does that interest you? On another note, I’m not sending you a picture cuz you not about to be looking at it thinking that my future wife [drawing of a laughing emoji]. You my homie. Can we leave it at that? But seriously what happened to the girl you wanted to marry? I didn’t even know you were planning to get married.
Ashara,
I hope this letter finds you rested with your feet up after a strenuous day at work. As for me I’m still standing strong and optimistic awaiting my trial. Ashara it’s still weird to talk to you, especially after I called you. When I hung up I was like wow!! I just talked to Ashara, but the odd thing is it felt comfortable, maybe because you are a familiar person or you have such a genuine spirit…One thing I can say you are very inquisitive, so Ashara make no limitation to the questions you want to ask…first thing first congratulations on your new job. Ashara by me having a kid and having conversations with Amoni made me realize that they do have real life issue in their own lil world. The things we go through trickle down to them…Now far as the mobile spa, its something I been wanting to do. The idea actually comes from being around my mother, aunts and other women. I know you guys love being catered to. So my idea is this. My team comes to your home and we offer massages, facials, pedi, mani, etc….I see you gave some thought about being my wifey lol…Mrs. Ashara Sanders do have a nice ring to it. [Drawing] But honestly I’m only looking for something that is platonic. Even though I want to be in love again one day because it felt so good…As far as [Amoni’s mom] goes, she was a real team player, my best friend, overall the love of my life. Long story short she couldn’t handle me being here and being lonely so she left and moved on. I have a suggestion far as dealing with