Bryan's Presence In The Holding Room

When Bryan first began his work on death row, he was a nervous law student who simply felt in over his head with no idea of the amazing accomplishments that were soon to come. On his first day, he learned that the most important decision is simply to begin, as his presence in the holding room was just enough for Henry to feel human again (Whyte, Beginning) . Through his proximity to the issue he saw the impact of showing up, along with the fact that he truly is not alone in his fight for justice. With this in mind, these are realizations that I envision for myself now and in the future, through time spent volunteering in the Grand Rapids community soup kitchens as everyone has the right to eat, just like everyone has the right to representation.

He not only connects with his clients, but with their families and the community as well, as they provided him, countless times not even realizing it, with endless support. Through showing up time and time again to hear Walter’s hopes, dreams, and worries he gave him a space where he knew that his life mattered, that he was not invisible. Just an hour together provided Walter time away from the prison system, which was a place where they continually told him what happens to you does not belong to you, it’s not yours to choose (Citizen, 116). As a result of his time working with the prison system, Bryan had time to develop his humanity and compassion. Consequently, he saw the prisoners as more than just their convictions. So much so that as his relationship developed with Walter over time, he became like a brother to Bryan (Just Mercy, 13). The majority were not as fortunate as Walter, since prisoners all were driven to to feel as if they no longer belonged on this earth which is the worst injury of all (Citizen, 146). Walter’s case proved to Bryan that fear and anger are truly a threat to justice, they can infect a community, a state, or nation and make us blind, irrational, and dangerous to those around us (Just Mercy,

Sharing part of myself will take away the distance that had once allowed me to choose to not recognize the problem, to act as if I had no capabilities that could truly impact my community. It may not always be easy, as seen through Bryan's experiences that made of moments full of fear, anxiety, and overwhelmedness. When we become mindful of that fear that limits our vision, aware that it serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road, then we are able to sit in the