"Everything Life Has to Offer"

I escorted an inmate from his program room to his dorm a few days ago. As we were working, he mumbled something too quietly for me to hear. It didn't have the rhythm of the insults or threats that some (very few, at least with me) inmates mutter when they want a confrontation but don't quite have the courage.

"What was that?" I asked.

"I want everything life has to offer," he repeated.

I smiled. "I can't even imagine that."

"I can," he said with a big grin, "I got a big imagination."

"So do I. But the world is a big place, with more to see and do than I could get to in a lifetime. And there are so many ways to see each thing. And every choice removes some choices."

His grin changed a little, still a smile but very thoughtful as his eyes unfocused slightly. "Thanks," he said.