Читать книгу Prison Puzzle Pieces - Dave Basham - Страница 16

While Boomer was at Oak Park Heights, I heard that he got hit with stomach cancer. I had never heard of this before, but many inmates told me they knew others that came down with stomach cancer while being in the prison. The water in this place was suspect, especially with the hundred year old plumbing. The administration said the water had been tested and that it checked out as being OK, however they put filters on the water lines going into the ice machines and water fountains. Water coolers with bottled water were also placed in strategic areas around the prison for staff to use. After I became aware of this, I either used water from the water coolers or brought water in from home. I figured it was better to be safe than sorry.

While Boomer was at Oak Park, I found out what was going on with him from an officer that I knew over there. At times, I had to go to Oak Park to teach a class. I asked if I could go see Boomer, but the lieutenant there would not allow me to do so.

Eventually, the word around Stillwater was that Boomer's life was nearing an end. I also received a couple of emails from Oak Park officers that knew about Boomer and me that verified his condition. It just so happened that I had to go to Oak Park around that time for a class. I asked a friend of mine to check and see if I could see Boomer before he died. He got the OK from the sergeant of that unit, but he said it had to be very quick. He escorted me to a medical cell. When I looked through the little window in the door, I saw a tall man that was just skin and bones sitting on the side of his bed. I kept looking for Boomer. I thought that I was at the wrong cell. He recognized me and cracked a big smile. That's when I recognized him. We were only allowed to see each other a minute or so. He wasn't giving in to the cancer, even though he knew he was losing the battle. The officer that brought me to see Boomer said we had to go. Boomer used all of his energy to stand up. Being close to an inmate is not acceptable. He reached out to give me a hug. Now, I've never been much of a hugger; generally a handshake at most. Over the years we had developed this bond that would not be considered acceptable with him being an inmate and me being an officer. We both knew the boundaries though and never crossed them. Now, I figured to heck with what's acceptable, this is right. We did the inmate hug where you put your arms around someone and bump your fists on each others backs. We both knew this was the last time we would see each other.

Less than two weeks later, on June 21, 2005, an officer friend of mine at Oak Park Heights, emailed me that Boomer passed away that morning at 9:30am. I've always found it difficult to admit, even to myself, that an inmate was a friend of mine. But I have to admit, this man was my friend.