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Laying the Foundation - September 19, 2021

Stephanie Mays • September 19, 2021

Lacie (on left) with the Concrete Crew August 2021

We can all agree, God has done some amazing things in all of our lives in the last year. Now, that is not to say it has been a year without grief, loss, despair, and sometimes, a twinge of hopelessness at times. In all the tragedies, we find moments of His hand of grace and mercy protecting us, and our hope is restored for another day.


Today, I am pleased to be able to tell you about the amazing things God has continued to do in Lacie’s life through her efforts and ability to trust, believe, and not give up. In the last couple of months, Lacie has taken on a new zest for living and is pursuing opportunities.


She has not given up. Actually, it is quite the opposite, she has taken on the task of helping others, improving herself, and laying a good foundation. We have no doubt that God is using her right where she is. I can hear it in her voice when she calls.


In one of our recent conversations, I came to an understanding that Lacie is being used by God in such mighty ways. I told her, “If you keep allowing God to use you there, we will never be able to get you exonerated!” I was half-joking and half-serious.


This is when my thoughts and cries for justice for Lacie began to transition. I know Lacie is being used by God. She has told me “I am content, I have a good life, and I am freer than most on the outside” and I can hear that in her voice. I can hear that coming out of her soul. It does not mean she has stopped fighting or standing for the “truth” to come out about her case. In fact, she has continued to live in the place where she is despite the challenges, despite the wrongful conviction. She has done it. For the last twelve + years, she has endured, trusted, and not given up.


The other thing she told me is she is laying a foundation for other girls that are hurting. She is helping them “live” in a place where many have chosen to give up and many do - one girl (I do not know her name) recently attempted “to jump” to remove herself from the pain of being in prison - from living at all - she was not successful, however, she is faced with having to reconcile her pain in a painful place while still being alive. It is in this place that Lacie has learned to thrive. She is making strides in this environment and THAT is the miracle we are witnessing. She is also helping others do the same, and is this includes me!


Seriously, how do you go from having pneumonia not being diagnosed and treated, to having a severe lung infection, to coughing up blood regularly, to having a 5.5-hour surgery to remove 2/3 of your lung, to recovering in an infirmary - isolated, to being able to run, exercise, and be better than you have ever been?


How do you do that, except with God’s hand covering, protecting, and renewing you?


This past year has been a tremendous year of experiencing God’s ability to reclaim our health, renew our strength, and restore our lives, together. I am in awe of how the prayers have been answered. I hope it encourages you all as well.


This past week, Lacie sent me pictures of her latest adventure. All during the pandemic last year, they were kept inside and were not able to go outside and experience the fresh mountain air of Denver. Things have improved this year and they are actually able to go out “in the yard” and walk, run, exercise, or just sit. Recently, it was offered to them to have an exercise structure installed. The challenge was a foundation needed to be put in place.


Lacie and a few other girls were told that this was the delay in having their exercise equipment installed. So, the girls - women - stepped up to the plate and took on the task to dig out the hole, set the forms, and pour the concrete! These girls did it all!!! Now, they had some instruction and some direction during the process, however, the point is, they showed up and offered to do it because a foundation was needed for them to enjoy their exercise experience outside.


Their reward? They were offered fresh fruits and vegetables! They were hungry for something they can’t get every day, if at all. They did it! It took days of hard work to accomplish this and THEY DID IT!! They worked hard. They did it together. They learned how to do something they had never done before and together they succeeded.



On August 22nd, soon after the concrete foundation had been completed, I received a phone call from Lacie. Their reward had arrived - they received their fresh fruits and vegetables! They had eaten BLT’s that day with fresh tomatoes! They all were experiencing a little bit of heaven on earth!


All in all, what I hear each time Lacie calls is that she has not given up.

Lacie is living a good life.

She is being healed and strengthened.

She is well.

She is laying the foundation for many things.

She is making a difference and she is thriving.


Thank you for writing to her.

Thank you for praying for her.

Thank you for making a difference in her life!!!


It is making a difference in mine as well.

I have needed a reason to not give up.

Your support for Lacie has been supportive for me as well!


Here’s to a good foundation!

It is time to build on it … together!



Each day we are faced with learning to use new tools, do things differently, and have the confidence in ourselves and others to complete the job at hand. Are we doing this? I know there are days that I struggle to complete the simplest tasks. Whether it is dealing with a job, a health challenge, an unexpected death in the family, or a multitude of other life-changing circumstances, we all must “use tools” that we may have never used before. Just like Lacie and these girls chose to do.


Let’s do this. Together.


Big Sis',

Stephani

Letters and pictures can be sent to Lacie via regular mail:


Lacie Nelson

#145499

PO Box 392005

Denver, CO 80239


Or via Jpay and if you download the app, you can send pictures from your phone easily!

https://www.jpay.com/

Do You Believe in Miracles? - December 18, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • December 19, 2023
The Season of Miracles A New Birth Everywhere we look during this time of year, we are reminded. . . THIS . . . is the Season of the Greatest Miracle! Jesus. What miracles are you encountering? What miracles are you anticipating? Do you believe in miracles? Today, as I write this, I am in the middle of experiencing many MIRACLES!!! Earlier this year, Ken and I took the steps to begin adopting a daughter, Jana. You may have heard me talk about her in recent years. She is the reason, I believe, that Lacie never gave up when she was dealing with numerous medical challenges over the last five years. Jana is actually Lacie's roommate at Denver Women's Correctional Facility. On May 31, 2023, she legally became our daughter through an adult adoption process!! The entire story of how it all came about is a miracle in itself! In the future, I will write more about how my sister made me a mother in upcoming blogs! Today, I want to talk about this SEASON OF MIRACLES!!! After the adoption was finalized, we were able to receive the permission necessary to visit Jana in person. A MIRACLE!!! Ken and I made arrangements to see her over the weekend of Lacie’s birthday in September. . It was a true “birth”day celebration!!!!

Who Is At Your Table? - September 22, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • September 22, 2023
Who Is At Your Table? Preparing For A Celebration

Promises Kept - April 9, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • April 9, 2023
Listen to Stephanie's request for laws to be changed at the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on February 8, 2023: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fb8b05_ea4712be5cd04be6b61c35abecdbff19/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Watch Lacie's Clemency Video here: https://vimeo.com/788844831 Sign and share Lacie's petition for Executive Clemency here: www.justiceforlacie.com

New Year New Hope - January 18, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • January 19, 2023
Lacie and Stephanie during a visit on December 3, 2022 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility

Our Next Step of Faith - November 28, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • November 29, 2022
Lacie via video visit - November 19, 2022

A New Beginning - August 26, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • August 26, 2022
Sisters, Stephanie and Lacie reunite on July 17, 2019 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility.

Freer Than I Have Ever Been - July 18, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • 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 #145499 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

A 777 Word Testimony - March 30, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • March 30, 2022
WORDS…. I don’t know how many it will take to express the relief, gratitude, amazement, joy, awe, and wonder of ALL that the Lord has brought Ken and me through in the last two years during my unexpected breast cancer journey!

The Blessings Are Overflowing - March 23, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • March 23, 2022
Isaiah 55:8-9 "His ways are not our ways - His ways are higher." Picture from April 2018 - Alaska

A Sibling Reunion & Lacie's Birthday on September 15th - September 14, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • February 8, 2022
This year, there have been several "firsts" for Lacie and me. Some of the “firsts” were unexpected and unwelcome, others were serious and challenging. I think it is common for many around the globe right now, especially for those who are incarcerated. There have been many changes “on the inside” of prisons since the pandemic began. As well, there has been a significant reduction in staff and guards which has greatly impacted the daily routines of those who are incarcerated, including the women at DWCF - Denver Women's Correctional Facility. It has made a difficult situation even more challenging for all. Fortunately, visitation has been able to stay open most of the weekends with only a few changes. A few months ago, in July, I sent you an update, Tale of Two Sisters - “Freer Than I Have Ever Been” - a copy is included at the bottom of this post. It included details about Lacie’s graduation and the miraculous reunion that took place with both of her sons. Multiple miracles occurred in that first week of June 2022. Lacie’s biggest desire was to have both of her sons there to visit her , for the first time, since she entered the gates of Denver Women’s Correctional Facility on April 1, 2009 . It had been over thirteen years since she had seen her two boys together! (Pictures attached in this email.) Lacie earned her first Associate’s Degree . She has achieved NUMEROUS milestones in her education, however, this was the first that we were all able to witness her accomplishments and be able to attend. (We are still waiting on these pictures.) Having a graduation "on the inside" where family and guests were allowed to mingle with Lacie and the fellow residents of DWCF. It was a great experience. It was also another first! There were lots of firsts. It was a BIG DEAL!!! Little did we know that two months later, on August 12, 2022 , there would be another first. A sibling reunion and another BIG DEAL!!!! I will do my best to explain how this came about and once you hear for yourself, you will probably agree, that it is pretty amazing! On July 17, 2019, I saw Lacie for the first time in 17 years . (For more details, please read the blog "A New Beginning" dated August 26, 2022 - or see below at the end of this post). It was most certainly "A New Beginning” for Lacie and me and it was a long time coming. Four months later, in November 2019 , another unplanned “New Beginning” would occur. Our oldest brother and the firstborn of our father found us. He didn’t even know we existed. Here is how it happened! On November 5, 2019, I received an email that had been received and forwarded to me from a cousin that is active on Ancestry.com. The email would explain how this individual had been adopted and was searching for his father’s birth family. That email was from our brother. He had found us! Long story short, I had tried finding our oldest brother in the early 90s and after a few roadblocks , I had given up. I often wondered how I could/would eventually find him. Now, years later and months after seeing Lacie for the first time in a long time, God was doing another miracle in continuing to restore our family . It is a promise and dream I have been searching for since 1990. So, later that day, on November 5, 2019, I connected with our big brother Wayne and his wife, Margaret! On 11/19/19 , all of us met halfway from our homes at my friend’s house in El Campo, TX. On that day, Lacie called and was able to talk to Wayne and hear his voice for the first time . It was the best we could do in having all of us be "together" at the same time. (Pictures attached in this email.) Fast forward a couple of years and some delays that included multiple challenges including but not limited to: the pandemic visitation being closed down constant lockdowns in the prison for 23 hours a day the overlooked lung infection that Lacie endured numerous lab samples being done improperly - within the prison health system two lobes of Lacie's right lung being removed her recovery from lung surgery during a covid outbreak isolation in the prison’s infirmary - a BIG DEAL!!! me (Stephanie) being diagnosed with breast cancer - twice having three surgeries myself and preparing for a fourth The MOST AMAZING thing happened . . . . ! ! ! ! WE HAD A SIBLING REUNION!!! (Insert applause and cheering!!!) The three of us , along with Ken and Margaret , our spouses, were able to be together for the first time! Yes, that’s right!! We had a sibling reunion on August 12, 2022! The miracles just keep coming and we are beyond blessed to have each other in our lives. (Pictures attached below.) There was something very specia l that we experienced during our sibling reunion. The love and support for one another permeated the DWCF Visitation room . Laughter erupted from our table, even while being overseen by the guards at DWCF. During our sibling reunion, we discussed the real possibility of there being additional siblings! We know of at least two others - the second born (no contact since 1995) and the youngest who was located in March 2020. Please keep them in your prayers. No one else could have understood what it was like to be together for the first time. The value and strength we drew from one another were remarkable. Our common mannerisms and facial features were only some of the topics we discussed. Mostly, we sat with Lacie and admired her passion, zest for life, and the pursuit of her faith, even in the most challenging of circumstances that she has had to endure for the last 13 + years. To be honest, I shed a few tears. Some moments were just too much for words . That emotion and intensity increased when Wayne, our oldest brother , suggested we play a game called “I Wish” . The tears showed up in all of us as we took our turns expressing our greatest desires for Lacie to be exonerated of the horrible accusations that ambushed her and her family so many years ago. It was remarkable to hear each one of us express our deepest “I wish” desires for Lacie: Wayne - “I wish we could all get up, walk out of this room, through those gates, past the razor wire, and leave this place behind, forever, right now, and no one would stop us.” Lacie - “I am spiritually free. Now, I want to be physically free. I am ready to get out, leave this place, move to Texas, and have a steak dinner with A-1 Sauce.” Margaret - “I wish a judge would stop and take the time to hear and see the truth in this case.” Stephanie - “Let’s start making a list of the people you want to have at your steak dinner. I am preparing for you to be with us.” Ken - “I am ready for your mission here at DWCF to be completed and for your next mission to begin in Texas.” My mom, Carole, via text - Earlier that morning, my mom sent a scripture. I was able to get a Bible from the guards and we were able to read it together. Psalm 128:1-2 “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, you shall be blessed and it shall be well with you.” There were many pauses and moments of silence, as we wiped the tears from our eyes. Soon, very soon, we believe that each one of these wishes will become answers to our prayers. We are expecting it. We know it will be a BIG DEAL!!! As this first sibling reunion came to a close, we all held hands and prayed together for the first time . Ever. Then, as the clock approached 3:00 PM MST - we all said our goodbyes and hugged Lacie. It was difficult for the four of us to leave, to walk away and leave Lacie behind . “Lord, hear our prayers,” was a cry from the depths of our souls. “Lord, hear our prayers.” Wayne and Margaret spent the next day, Saturday, with Lacie. Ken and I were able to be with her for a few hours on Sunday before returning home. It was a weekend for the record books! A BIG DEAL!!! Something inside of me is convinced that God’s fingerprints were all over us during all these years when we were apart ! His hand brought us together . We will continue to hold on to His hand. To trust Him. To see how He brings us closer together. Closer in our walk with Him. I am convinced that if you have never trusted God to walk with you, YOU CAN!!! How can I pray for you or encourage you to trust Him? Please let me know. ALSO. . . . It is Lacie’s birthday on September 15th!!! The best gift would be to send her a card and support Vision of Hope DOC! This is a miracle-making opportunity that began when Lacie was recovering from surgery. See her story here: https://www.visionofhopedoc.com/about Almost 50 girls have received the gift of vision since late last year and more are requesting Lacie’s assistance every day. Quality prescription eyeglasses are not easy to come by “on the inside” and Vision of Hope DOC provides a solution . Please visit https://www.visionofhopedoc.com/ for more details. Learn how it began, and how you can be part of “Restoring sight to God’s daughters by bringing light and love into dark places." It is a little-known fact that our big brother Wayne came up with the saying "Seeing is Freeing" for Lacie’s Vision of Hope DOC website. We - her siblings - are proud of Lacie. Very proud. As always, thank you for reading. Feel free to share this email or any of the previous ones. I am beyond thankful that you took the time to read this entire update ! More than anything, I hope it was a blessing and we thank you for the prayers. God is doing some big things! We can see it! Middle Sis’ Stephanie Send Lacie a birthday (even belated) card and or letter to: Lacie Nelson #145499 PO Box 392005 Denver, CO 80239
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