Adam has a unique story all his own. The middle child in our family, he’s only 4 years younger than me and has experienced much of the same trials and tribulations I did growing up. After surviving high school, Adam tried a series of activities ranging from a semester at University of Minnesota Duluth to boot camp at Hell’s Kitchen with the National Guard. As many of us can relate, in his early twenties, he made some bad decisions and was promptly introduced to the law. The end of which ended in a hold-up at the St. Martin bank. Read the relevant articles here:

After three days on the lam, Adam was arrested and sent to the Stearns County Jail before going to Waseca Federal Prison for the remainder of his sentence.

[1]
See some of the Badger’s artwork. [2]

• Officials look for man in St. Martin robbery [3]
• Officials find car possibly linked to St. Martin [4]
• Man arrested in bank robbery [5]
• Man charged in St. Martin robbery [6]
• Robberies put focus on security cameras [7]

Since being in prison, Adam’s outlook on life has changed. Knowing you can’t do anything to change your situation besides self growth (either positive or negative) has set in. As indicated in the letters below, Adam spends much of his time drawing and corresponding with all of the family. The times I’ve gone to visit him personally help re-enforce the family bond that keeps us strong. I’m proud of him for becoming the man he is and am continually amazed at his increasing talent as an artist.

Adam’s release is scheduled for Christmas of 2008. Transition to “the outside” will be difficult and he’s glad to know of all the support he has and will have during that trying time. I’ve decided to post his letters to me in order to illustrate what life is like where Adam is spending his days and because I think it’s quite a story to tell. Not many people can relate to Adam’s situation and I think his letters do well to show his change in maturity and readiness to join us again.