A Touch of Grace

I’ve been visiting a women's prison for almost nine years now. I started out by visiting women on death row. After the abolition of the death penalty in 2006, I got to know women serving other types of sentences, as well.



Nanay R, a good friend of mine, celebrated her birthday last Thursday. Because I had some time off in the afternoon, I decided to pay her a visit, especially since I hadn’t been to the prison for three weeks due to my busy schedule. I brought lunch, a birthday cake, and toiletries—not only for the birthday celebrant, but also for Ate B, another close friend who treats me like her daughter.



I couldn’t stay long, but we had enough time to eat and catch up. We shared stories, secrets, and sweet moments as usual. I sat between Nanay R and Ate B, and they took turns massaging my hands as we talked—even after we ran out of things to say. Soon, visiting hours were over, and I had to go back to work. I glanced at Nanay R. She hugged me without saying a word; that was one of the best hugs I had ever received in my life. Ate B texted me this morning and told me that I’d made both of them happy that day. Bless her heart.



My friends in prison have seen me grow through the years. I’m honored to be part of their journey, as well. After everything we’ve been through, I still believe we find love in the most unexpected places. Truly, we find God in the most unexpected places.



Diane Veloso, Manila