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Freer Than I Have Ever Been - July 18, 2022
July 18, 2022
A Tale of Two Sisters
Freer Than I Have Ever Been
One of the things Lacie often tells me is, “I am freer than I have ever been.”
This declaration causes me to stop and think. How is it possible that she can “be free” when she has been accused of crimes she never committed, sentenced to three separate “12 Years to Life” sentences, and due to state laws, must confess guilt to the crime she never committed in order to be eligible for parole? How is that possible?
In many ways, Lacie is “freer” than many of us living “on the outside”. I have taken note of her expression of freedom and determined that I too will live a life untangled by my own self-imposed restrictions and limitations. In these last few years, Lacie has been teaching me to live my fullest life, even in the shadow of breast cancer. A shadow that is diminishing more and more each day.
Last month, on June 1st, Ken and I were able to participate in a new chapter of Lacie’s life. She became a graduate of Trinidad State College, receiving her first Associate's Degree - Associate of Applied Science and graduating with the highest honors - Summa Cum Laude (4.0). She will hopefully have her second degree completed by the end of this year.
Now, that is certainly applaudable, however, it gets better! Since Lacie’s incarceration, she has not seen her two sons together. When she entered the secured gates of Denver Women’s Correctional Facility on April 1, 2009, her sons were 5 and 9 years old. Her oldest son, Damyn, was taken out of state and has not seen his mom since then.
On June 1st, the day Lacie received her first degree, she also was greeted by her two sons - together - for the first time in over 13 years. It was remarkable and is a miracle in how it all came about. Pictures were taken, however, due to significant staffing shortages in the prison, they have not been printed yet. As soon as we get a copy, I will include them in an email! For now, I have attached a picture of a comparison from 2007 and a collage I created with current photos.
In addition to all of this exciting news, Lacie’s “Vision of Hope” - where glasses are provided for girls “on the inside” continues to flourish! As of right now, the program she began with help “on the outside” is almost up to 40 women that have been provided the gift of sight!
It was something God put on Lacie’s heart in March 2021 while she was recovering from her lung surgery. She was in the infirmary, isolated, and hurting. It was during this time that she began to pray and ask the Lord, “What do I do with my tithe money?”
The Lord began to unveil the plan of getting glasses for girls in prison. It was a process she had just completed months earlier when rules changed allowing eyeglasses to be sent into the facility from outside providers. It was significant for many reasons. One of the reasons was the eyeglasses offered for purchase through the DOC were not good quality, did not fit well (only one size), and broke easily.
It has been over a year since “Vision of Hope” began and it is being perfected. Girls have been able to contribute to either help purchase their own or to help another girl get glasses. A DBA has been created and a website is in the works. Details to follow.
It is truly a dream come true for Lacie to “begin having a business” and it is changing lives “on the inside”. It is a process I have learned is obviously not easy to achieve while incarcerated, without help, and without a vision! God certainly provided the vision and it is becoming more clear each day.
Here are a couple of testimonials I received sharing the “Vision of Hope” experiences:
I am very grateful and thankful to have been blessed with the glasses I received. To some, it may be something simple, but for me, I was able to see so much better. Not only has having my glasses made me feel better about my appearance, but I also perform better at my job. This ministry is truly amazing. So many can benefit from this opportunity. Knowing I can pay it forward means so much. I appreciate this gift so much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Many blessings to all involved!
Sincerely,
Netty
I am SO SUPER grateful to this ministry because it has helped me to see better & to feel better about myself. My self-esteem has risen as well as my self-confidence. I am able to make a statement without saying a word. This ministry is a TRUE blessing & a God send. Just wearing these glasses has allowed me to heal & see myself in a positive light. Growing up I was made fun of since I had to wear glasses. I had stopped wearing them because of how I felt about myself by listening to what others had said. I am SO thankful for everyone in this ministry, All that all of you have done and continue to do is amazing!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Chrystie
All of this could not have been possible if we had not had your prayers, encouragement, and support! This email/letter of celebration and all the accomplishments have been made possible because you stood by us and believed! Thank you!!
There is more to come!!!
2022 is a year of many “firsts” and we continue to stand with Lacie. She in many ways continues to stand with you too. She is eager to meet everyone and begin a life “outside” of the locked gates and doors. That date has yet to be determined, however, we are hopeful it is coming.
Please stand with us in agreement as God MOVES some hearts of people in higher office. God has promised Lacie that, “He will do the unthinkable. He will do the unthinkable to set Lacie in a place of freedom. To set Lacie in a place of freedom.”
Freer than she has ever been!
Romans 5:5 - and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)
Thank you for reading, keeping Lacie in your prayers, and for thanking Him for the “Vision of Hope” that has begun spreading through Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.
Big Sis’ Stephanie
A Little Bit of the Backstory
Three years ago, on July 17, 2019, for the first time, I was taken through the doors and gates of the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. They are the gates and doors that separate me from my sister Lacie Nelson.
On that morning, I unknowingly would begin a new chapter in my life. I had not seen Lacie in almost 17 years (July of 2002) and this would be the first day to move forward. I had only found out details of her case, trials, and the false accusations that put her here on nine months earlier in October 2018.
Ironically, she had been sentenced to the three “12 Years to Life” terms on April fool’s Day in 2009. All of this happened, without my knowledge or understanding. To say it was a life-changing moment is, to put it mildly - most certainly for Lacie and for me too.
In the three years since our reunion, I have come to learn a tremendous amount about life and how to pursue it from my little sister, Lacie. Her resolve to do well, move forward and make herself a better person while “on the inside” has motivated me in many ways.
I began documenting some of those details in emails I call “Tale of Two Sisters” and every month or so I attempt to keep everyone updated and aware of what is going on in Lacie’s life and mine. It has been a journey I would have never expected. It has been a journey that has revived my faith, patience, and understanding of things I don’t always agree with or may not want to accept.
In the process, Lacie and I have developed a relationship that has brought us closer than we would have ever expected. We have stood by one another with life-changing/altering illnesses that in many ways have defied the odds from one moment to the next. As you may recall from previous updates, our medical experiences began on April 15, 2020 - mine became a battle with breast cancer, and Lacie’s became a battle with an overlooked lung infection that developed into masses and were removed in March 2021. It required that two lobes of her right lung be removed. All of these challenges were being faced with the threat of a pandemic with an illness that could/would cause injury to our breathing and lungs.
It has been intense and it has been worth every effort required to get to where we are today, the beginning of a new chapter.
You can write to Lacie personally via USPS - snail mail:
Lacie Nelson
PO BOX 392005
Denver, Co 80239
You can send contributions (these are NOT tax-deductible) to Vision of Hope via USPS - snail mail:
Vision of Hope
PO Box 541171
Houston, TX 77254-1171
