Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #71

Dear Kelly,

Hi Sunshine! Much to get to, much to discuss. with the holidays coming to a close, hopefully my letters can get back to "normal" plus a bit quicker delivery times. Your most recent letter is in front of me... Thanks for writing despite all that has happened to you these past few weeks---wouldn't blame you if you burrowed into your apartment incommunicado for about a month!

I'm sure you've seen those life stress charts, that rate various crises by the mental and physical stress they put on us. Loss of a spouse/loss of a child/loss of a job, etc. it's not as high as those, but loss of a good friend ain't easy. I really feel for you with losing your "in-Tokyo" friend to this whole trip to Japan/apt. switch fiasco. I've lost a few friends over the years--some due to my legal difficulties--always tough.

You definitely deserve some major TLC and much much more---your usual reservations prevent me from describing how a lovely Rachel-type should be exquisitely and lovingly treated. But, you... I only hope the man who unlocks that appreciates all that you are, KK.

Now to your letter: I think your friend needs to think through his karmic theories much more thoroughly. I don't recall that the original ALS patient--Lou Gehrig--was know for his correspondence with the incarcerated. [Ed.: My friend has said that I am incurring bad karma by writing to murderers. He supposes that by doing so their bad energy comes to me through their letters. He cites a recent article in the Times about a famous crime writer who has been now diagnoses with ALS. My friend says he believes this guy got ALS by interacting with so many murderers. I think my friend's conclusions are nuts and baseless, but I presented them to Swango for his response.] and if your friend absolutely certain that no one he knows has ever killed someone? If they have, will their karma affect him? Or is it only if he knows? If a tree falls in a forest and no on is around to hear it...?

Anyway, I would like to read that article he cites - do send if you can.

[Ed.: I am omitting many paragraphs about recent movies. They are mostly just summaries.]

Why am I not surprised you have Ann Rule on metaphorical speed dial? Don't know the Barton Corbin story--but if you are interested in truly sociopathic dentists: search online for the case of Dr. Engleman in the St. Louis area in the 1970s & 1980s. Very bizarre and very hi-profile case in the days before cable 24/7. Tell me what you think after you have read a bit.

Your hobby [writing to sociopathic prisoners] is no "odder" than many and you know me well enough to know that I judge no one. I find you captivating. You are an amazing mind, Kelly, that never stops working. and I imagine you have learned things from your "hobby" that you could learn nowhere else...

[Ed.: I'm omitting more pop culture film and book talk.]

Your letter is so chockful of remarkable bits of information--a man could definitely spend years exploring your mind and body -- oopps-Sorry but it is definitely one to be explored in detail..

[Ed. I am again omitting more movie talk.]

***

Would very much like to hear about that workplace love years ago--clearly it was a powerful relationship & experience that left a lasting impression. Again, a way to know you better...much better.

I still need to tell you about my NOLA experience--also very intense--emotionally and sexually. The two are so intertwined, you cannot discuss one without the other. One should not exist without the other... And with love you add an almost immeasurable dimension to both. Do you agree, dear Kelly?

KK: See White Ribbon..a chance to explore the creation of sociopaths as children/ see this film, Kelly!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and hang in there, KK. Thinking of you--and hope to hear from you again soon. XOXO GG

Yours,

Michael

[Ed.: Just to reiterate to my readers: I have told Swango, over and over, I will not discuss anything sexual and I have asked him multiple times to refrain from doing so or referencing such.]