Welcome to RC Journey, a travelogue with a purpose. For those new to the term, an “RC” is a Returning Citizen – an individual navigating life after incarceration. I’m Brett, and as a returning citizen and Platform Systems Engineer for The Last Mile, I’ve created this space to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the United States, from the majestic peaks of the Cascades to the serene depths of ancient forests. This isn’t just about scenic views; it’s a parallel exploration of the challenging, often unseen, path of returning citizen reentry, finding the profound connection between the wild’s expansive freedom and the human spirit’s quest for renewal.
Through my own story and the inspiring voices of others who have successfully reentered society, I confront the stark realities of finding housing, employment, and connection, while offering hope and practical insights. Join me as I traverse these diverse landscapes – both literal and metaphorical – in search of freedom, renewal, and a place to belong.
Over 10,000 miles traveled while working remotely and exploring the country.
Reentry Realities explores the systemic barriers and immense resilience of returned citizens in securing housing, employment, and rebuilding relationships after incarceration.
Reflections delves into the profound inner world of returning citizen reentry, contemplating how nature’s beauty serves as a powerful mirror to the complex journey back to society.
The Shadowed Mirror archives raw reflections from the first year of my reentry after 24 years of incarceration, capturing the disorientation, small victories, and the emotional work of transforming an identity.
The Deep Well offers philosophical explorations of questions emerging from years of forced contemplation, examining fundamental questions about violence, transcendence, and human transformation.
Five years free after 24 years inside. This brutal reentry journey, marked by loss and professional growth, is culminating in the “Canvas to Cabin” chapter: my wife and I are building a permanent home in the Pacific Northwest.
I’m trying to remember the last dinner I shared with my family over twenty years ago. The heavy silence is broken only by the “Tick. Tick. Tick…” of the clock. In this memory, my parents are “ghosts who don’t realize what they are”, the drink on the table changes from milk to water and back again, and shadows swallow the scene “like an eclipse”. If I had known someone at that table would be dead within a week, perhaps I would have paid more attention.
After 24 years of incarceration, I expected freedom to be a period of joy. Instead, death met me at the door. Within two months of my release, I lost both my grandmother and my stepmother to COVID-19. This is the story of that cruel irony, of learning to carry grief and joy simultaneously, and of accepting death as a teacher that illuminates the sacred urgency of living fully.
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a returning citizen with a story to share, an organization looking to collaborate, or simply have a question or comment about returning citizen reentry, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your insights and experiences are invaluable to our growing community.
Want to dive deeper into the journey? By subscribing, you’ll join a community dedicated to exploring these unique returning citizen reentry stories of resilience and renewal, delivered directly to your inbox.
