WriteAPrisoner.com has thousands of inmates hungry for human interaction. But Dolly paused at MFT’s ad.

What was it about his plea that spoke to her and made her feel safe with him?

What made her heart swipe right?

When I was scrolling through the ads, I was “swiping left” on anybody whose sole interests were sports and lifting weights. MFT’s ad stood out because it was witty and intelligent—in all the right places. I like smart people. And I love funny people. If he wrote me back, I knew we’d never lack in conversational topics (and we never have).

I had a sensation of not feeling up to his level of intellect and humor. Come to find out, other people who responded to his ad often said the same thing.

He played an emotional chord in me by using words like razzle-dazzle and scrumpdillyicious. How many male prisoners use those words?

He painted a picture of being stranded on the Island of Misfit Toys. I grew up watching that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas special every year, so I felt a connection with him going back to childhood. The toys on that island always seemed so sad.

(How could he guess at the far-reaching effects of his choice to use that analogy? Not only did the sparkly catch my attention, but now you, dear readers, are reaping the benefits of the magic he never let go.)

Speaking of pages from the book of my past, he signed off with TTFN. That was a page torn from my junior high school years when my best friend and I wrote each other notes on school notebook paper and folded them into meticulous, self-sealing, tiny rectangles.

Did he know TTFN was a favorite saying of Disney’s Tigger? I had a feeling he did know. Hoo hoo hoo hoo!

To understand his long-standing Disney devotion, you have to picture this. The year is 1989, and my Misfit Toy—sadly, he was a Misfit even back then[1]—is 19. He and his two lifelong best friends will be leaving in the morning for San Pedro. They are joining the California Conservation Corps. As a farewell extravaganza, his friend’s mom takes them to a nice dinner at The Alehouse and then drops them off at the theater for a movie. His two friends want to see Tango & Cash and Lethal Weapon 2 respectively. They argue back and forth.

“Hey, don’t I get a choice too?” MFT is never one to take the backseat.

Of course he gets a choice, but now they have three movies and three guys. However will they decide? They’ll do what any red-blooded young men will do—they’ll make a bet. The exact details of this bet are lost in the mists of time, but it undoubtedly had something to do with male might, big brains, or dumb luck. My Misfit Toy wins.

The theater is packed and rowdy. Mothers try to keep their children amused until the movie starts. There is no other segment of society represented until three young men (one very happy and two very unhappy) troop into the theater and sit down to watch The Little Mermaid.

But back to his ad.

He wrote about being a stay-at-home dad and how that had been the happiest time of his life. Dolly lives life looking through an idealistic lens (much to MFT’s pragmatic chagrin), and in her mind, a man who had devoted himself to raising his children didn’t fit the stereotype of someone capable of intentional murder. She assumed there had to be more to the story—perhaps a tragic accident or a situation spiraling out of control.

Whatever the reason, she felt safe with him.

Ahoy there!

Fellow pen-palers, I invite you to give me the once-over, perhaps from there you may want little ol’ me as a pen-friend.

Tidbits about myself, I’m a Yankee-Doodle, yes, undoubtedly a native son of the free world. Sadly, I find myself to be a homesick castaway forever marooned behind these jagged shores of the “Island of Misfit Toys.” While stranded, I find some relief, likewise purpose, connecting with friends via snail mail, phone calls, visits, and now astonishingly, as well noteworthy, JPay e-mail! (wink-wink, hint-hint, nudge-nudge)

With my best foot forward, I cast this digital bottle in such hopes I will be found by someone whom, like myself, is open to new friendship and the adventure that comes from it.

In spite of my long imprisonment, I’m still a gentleman, so no need to fret over stereotypes. I’ve remained true to myself and core values. I’m open and honest, my humanity, compassion, empathy, as well as, generosity are well intact. I still dance to the beat of my own drum (watch me get down, watch me get down!) As for some of my passions in life, I’m a people person, I appreciate the diversity and uniqueness in people from all walks of life. I find quirky, artsy things simply scrumpdillyicious, also I have an eclectic taste in many areas. I’m also a big believer in celebrating unbirthdays. Moreover, with confidence I can say, no treasure map is needed to find the real me.

The last 9 years in the free world, I was primarily a stay at home dad for my daughter and two sons. That was the time I was the happiest (sigh). While in prison, I’ve been able to really work on bettering myself. I’ve overcome many of my reading and writing disabilities (utilizing word processing for e-mailing is a godsend), among other things, I participate in self-help groups and I’m an AVP Facilitator.

Instead of continuing to attempt to razzle-dazzle you about myself, I’m thinking of how much better it would be if you discovered those unique parts of me for yourself by our interacting and exchanging ideas. Needless to say, the ball is in your court.

Either way the wind blows, may your mailbox always be the gateway to adventure and full of the blessings that pen-paling brings.

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)

Sincerely, Sean 🙂

P.S. Both young men remain friends with MFT to this day, particularly the friend from elementary school who still keeps up with him despite the prison communication system.

[1] Because of his childhood trauma and learning disabilities.