Prison Journalism: The meaning of friends

Prison Journalism: The meaning of friendsJonno Knowles was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison and participated in restorative justice while inside the prison.

by Jonno Knowles

29-02-2024 09:52

in Prison Journalism

Prison Journalism: The Meaning of Friends

Image via Pexels

What does the word friend mean to you? Amused. Abused. Confused. Alone. Had many of them, or more so? When does an acquaintance become a friend? Loyalty, entertainment, vulnerability, and character are probably the best manner in which to measure interpersonal borderlines. My experience is one of having traveled to so many places and met many people that surely, they aren't going to all be claimed as friends.

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Lasting Friendship It was during my sentence, the period of 2015 2018. I met one of my favorite people and possibly the best friend I have ever had. We were able to meet by fate. Then nurtured our buddyship into a Relationship. Now it's a Friendship to last a life to come. We have had it all stand the test of time. Not so much the time. More the test. Epic battles that taxed the mind. Wars that reshaped the body. Words that may have hurt the heart. Yet together we are once more.

Needs One Everybody needs a Friend. Never can we live life alone. In this day and age, life is way too complicated for a season of loneliness. I am. I consider myself to be a good Friend. Strong during my weaknesses and brutally honest through my bullshit.

I have met the best of the bests as the times pass, we relax and reminisce. It is evident that our silence is just as much of a comfort as the laughs and giggles. By all means of default my best is T. W we have been through the lot and if I was to break wind during a movie, I would not be noticed. I hate wind. (I don't wind BTW)

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I cannot imagine not having had the chance to meet the folks that I'm privileged to call friend. Like family, they're chosen. Like family, I love 'em. Like family, love them too much. Like family, they're always right. Last week, Saturday I was in the privileged seat to see and hear just how much my friend cares about me. So much emotion and gratitude went around the room. No talking to nor about anything. Just friendly confirmation.

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE

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RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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