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Gang Life: In The Words of Gang Members

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This is a letter that was sent to my youngest son Samuel, from his brother Carlos, that is now doing time in Salinas Valley State Prison. Carlos is 21 years old and has lived most of his young life behind bars. He was raised in the system and from one wrong mistake to another he has led himself to an everyday life in the Penitenuary. Carlos and Samuel are about 8 years apart and now that Samuel has reached teen hood he has started on a simular path as Carlos. During Carlos' incarceration the communication done most were through letters. One letter in particular touch me, knowing that from first hand in the Penitenuary if anyone knows, its Carlos. I would like to share this letter to you from Carlos Grijalva to his younger brother, Samuel Arroyo.

Sammy, Hey little Brother,

Well first I would like to say sorry for not writing so long. But you know being in prison you don't got much to talk about, based on you live in a cell most of your days without no where to go. But recently I found you made some wrong decisions. I was upset based on you should know whats right from wrong and them little choices you make become worser. I use to think I was to slick to get caught. But sometimes you don't and sometimes you do. But all it takes is one time and in and out you go. You got a chance to make something out of your life and be someone or you can be dumb and throw your life down the drain and be a number, A Nobody. You think what mom does like ground you is punishment, No, it's just a taste because you aint gonna get no tv, no games. The game played here is with your life, you may do one dumb thing and lose your life. Trust me dying in prison is not funny. I Know you getting older and got more decisions to make, so make the right ones. Aint no life in here. Drugs never did nother for me or anyone I know, there not one person in prison who aint in here for something that had to do with drugs. Sammy I can only give you my advice. You take it, you'll have a good life, you don't, you'll be here with me and the rest of the convicts who work to take you down and make you life harder. You know I love you and miss you, so learn from you mistakes, forget you so called friends. Sammy needs to worry and take care of Sammy. So think about what I said OK. Im gonna close for now until you write me.

I Love and Miss You
Love Your Brother
Carlos Grijalva

Life has so many roads, we can take on so many different ones until we find the right path we were intended to be on. Carlos' life is a lesson I tell anyone, think before you do. Make the right choices and if for some reason you fall into the wrong path, come into reality and make a change. Carlos's life is an everyday reality and Sammy's could be prevented. Carlos' words are sincere and honest and deep. I hope to all that may encounter such ways of life, to love yourself enough to make a difference. In the long run you will thank yourself.

Remember if something goes wrong in your life and you seem kind of discouraged, life can only get better, the choice is up to you.

This Too Shall Pass. A Promise made to YOU!!!!

By: Jeanette Arroyo
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Wednesday, July 10, 2002