Tommy Silverstein a memorial

©Renee Silverstein
Thank you to my daughter-in-law for putting this tribute video together for me
in my grief, I am unable to think.

It has been 3 weeks since Tommy left us.
There have been articles posted everywhere but they very are upsetting, I will not be sharing any of them.
 I know Tommy not as their "killer" headlines proclaim. I know Tommy as an amazing, resilient, loving, thoughtful, sensitive, artistic, talented, tortured by cruelty of isolation, humorous and strong man.
 This video shares some of  the family pictures, letters, and art he sent me over the years. Just a wee bit, the media has stolen our privacy by using stolen images, misquotes and assumptions. There is nothing Tommy kept from me. Though Tommy and I did not ever talk of gangs or murder; we are artists that shared a special bond.
 I have, to my delight; heard stories from people who's lives were saved by Tommy. And it was because of him a vegetarian diet is offered to other prisoners.
 Tommy basically, lived in a bathroom, but got up everyday with a purpose and a goal. How many people do you know that can show such mental strength?
 We were planning our next visit for this year. And he thought he might be able to be moved closer to me. He also had another goal that other prisoners in his situation, should have more phone calls. ADX only allows 2, 15 minute calls a month, which of course the prisoner pays to use the phone. The point is that prisoners "never getting out" should be allowed more time to talk. This is the Tommy I knew; always working toward bettering himself and others. There are no words to express the loss and anguish I feel over losing him. Rest well Tommy we miss you

Tommy did not enter the system as a killer he was turned into a killer.
©All rights reserved by Renee Silverstein
This video may not be shared or used by anyone other than Renee Silverstein
There is no other blog no "official" blog, if you see one its just for exploitation.
Before T past he wanted it removed, as the person calling themselves a  webmaster
did not follow Tom's instructions
Thank you
I want to also thank BOP Tom's unit manager for calling me to update final arrangements
yesterday.
* no one is collecting any money, thanks to all that have offered.

Thomas E. Silverstein whom I love

Please give me time to deal with BOP and ADX before I share our story.
This is just a short announcement. My Tommy  passed yesterday, I will be making arrangements
starting Monday.
So much to say, but the blinding tears make it impossible.
Again I can always be reached reneesilverstein@hotmail.com
I will post his last photograph and art after I have mourned
thank you he appreciated his "pals"

ADX library no books

Tommy mentioned to me the Law library for prisoners no longer has books. The books were removed. The prisoners must use a computer. Many do not know how to use a computer. So in effect it hinders prisoners from helping themselves. Tom had some difficult moments learning. He explains the tutorial says "why mouse click..." he said at first he's thinking "whats a mouse?, whats click? click what..." BOP hinders anything and everything a prisoner could possibly achieve.

I spoke to Tom tonight, his voice ragged, he's still effected by the gas that was sprayed.  I found the sound of his voice very upsetting. The noticeable irritation perhaps damage the gas has caused him.
But as usual Tommy's good natured resilient self shown through. Teasing me that he will call me "Church Lady".
He also shared his feeling of being alone; I believe caused by the fact that ADX is trying its best to keep his voice silent against the torture that goes on there. I told him he is not alone; 98,000 people have visited this blog and many visit facebook as well.
 I had not realized there is no privacy at ADX every cell has a camera, I have asked myself, if there are cameras at all times why the shake downs, cell tossing, box cuffs, strip searches to sit at the window for legal visit, how is it possible for the suicides and self mutilations? Too many questions about this house of horrors

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