update on rod in fci tucson.

Rod was transferred to FCI Tucson almost three weeks ago, and since

that time his life has been continually improving. Rod is living

with another Yaqui man, who is younger but no less committed to the

culture. Rod is sharing his knowledge of the ceremonies, his

participation in the coyote society, and there is a cultural

understanding between them that is very constructive to sharing

such a small confinement. Rod is eating very well, except for when

I visit (but that is because the vending machines are full of pure

processed worthless food). It is easy for him

to eat vegetarian, and since the cooks know this, they give him

extra servings of soy protein. He is trying to get a job, to pass

the time, and he may make a whole 25 cents per hour. He joined a

class on parenting, which will let us have visits that are in a

family space, when he completes the course. He is starting a

writers group on Tuesdays, although his writing will be extremely

limited. He has expressed a great idea of writing children’s

books, and the mystical adventures that he relays to me really

impress upon me how truly visionary Rod is. I believe that

children would get beautiful messages from Rod’s perspectives on

struggle, the secrets of mother earth, and believing in the power

of love.

After two weeks of waiting to be approved for visits, I finally was

able to spend THE ENTIRE DAY on Saturday and Sunday with Rod. We

were able to hug, kiss, and hold each other the entire visit. The

guards are very courteous, non-intrusive, and understanding of the

behaviors of folks under the stresses of prison. The visiting room

is full of children, loving up there fathers and mothers who are

kept from them, and a lot of celebration of the love that cannot be

kept behind bars. It is heartbreaking to watch this interaction,

as much as it is assuring of the strength of family and love. My

daughter spent all day with Rod, playing Star Wars… she was Leia

and he was Luke, then he was Darth Vader and she was changing to

the Dark Side, I couldn’t help but feel blissful at this play,

witnessing how a child can completely negate the context and focus

on the essence of the situation, which is our families love and

silliness with one another. Even when she was tired, and beginning

to test boundaries, Rod and I couldn’t resist to laugh and to

embrace the moment for how precious it truly was.

This week is Rod’s son's birthday week and it has been a main area

we have been working through. It is really painful for him to be

experiencing the separation from his son, as it is that painful for

his son. We can only focus on the positive steps we are taking to

get our family out of this situation, and engage in the truth that

things are forced to change because of his imprisonment. We hope

it is the last birthday where we will not be present at his son’s

birthday party.

Last week we were told that Rod’s release date would be March 25,

2007. That sounded great to us, and he would even get out on the

23rd since the 25th fell on a Sunday. That put him down to 5

months. BUT, even better news came yesterday when he went to his

team meeting, where he was offered a month of a half-way house.

The half-way houses in Tucson are horrendous we have been told, but

that means he can work and can apply for social passes. Rod’s new

release date is March 3, 2007. We are already to the half way

point! Wow, that went fast! Rod will be out in time for the

Pascua ceremonies out at the village, and we can begin to focus on

our family, his remaining legal cases and trying to take a trip to

visit our families. Rods motions hearings are set for November 2,

and so far I am extremely optimistic about this. I don’t think

that the case will get dismissed, although legally it should. But,

the arguments are very strong in favor of Rod. Please send out

your most positive energy during this time, whether it is in the

form of prayers, ceremony, or thoughts.

Thank you for continuing to write to Rod, he is enjoying the

correspondence, but keep in mind that he is being screened for

everything, more clearly stated, they read everything that you

write, or send. Such material like BiteBack Magazine is not being

allowed in, and any correspondence from other prisoners is not

allowed. I just wanted to reiterate that as I think it will help

him if he is not receiving a

closer scrutiny (is that possible? probably not).

Thank you all for supporting Rod, and our family. We are receiving

the gifts that come from the greater power of love…

P.S. Rod's Mailing Address is:

Rodney Coronado #03895-000

FCI Tucson

8901 South Wilmot Rd

Tucson, AZ 85706.