DannyBoyinExile

If someone were to shout out “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater, the result would be so catastrophic that there have actually been laws passed, prohibiting it. I can assure you that the response is no less chaotic when a TDCJ guard yells into the dayroom, “10 for commissary!”
A virtual stampede will occur, with the less fortunate being shoved – if not trampled – out of the way. The herd mentality completely takes over. I’ve seen 80 year-old men leave their canes behind, because they were in such a rush to get to the door! Alas, by leaving said cane behind, they forfeited any special age consideration, and will be just as quickly shoved aside.
Most inmates in TDCJ only get an opportunity to purchase items from the commissary once per spend period – which means once every two weeks. If they’re lucky. I just went to commissary, and it had been 17 days since my last trip! I was like a kid on the night before Christmas, visualizing all the things I hoped to have. But kids in the free-world have it easy, compared to us. They never had to worry about Santa’s “out of stock” list, of items that are not available!
There is a limited number of any item, and the fact that they may run out of even the most basic items, such as soap or shampoo, or even the necessities, such as… ahem… cookies or coffee, only adds to the urgency.
Every day there is a Black Friday here, on some wing or other. Common sense would indicate that with patience, each of us will get a chance to make it. But tell that to the guy who hasn’t had money in months, and finally has $20 to spend! In the words of Mr. T: I pity the fool who stands between him and the door!
You might think that after 30 years in prison, even I would’ve learned a little patience. We’ll, don’t think that. =-) What I have learned is to become a master at finding a way to get off of my wing and into the commissary line!
Commissary day is one of the most anticipated – and hectic – events in prison, and I’m not immune. If I’ve learned anything, it’s not to get overly stressed out about it, and patiently find a way to make it happen. God helps those who help themselves. So says DannyBoy.