A Jack Mormon Goes To Church

Prison has a way of humbling the most hopeless, despondent and unlikely of candidates. The humility that often accompanies the shame of the crime, the subsequent consequences, and the ultimate desire to right one's wrongs leads to a place familiar to most of us-God. You would be hard pressed to find a cell in the entire prison system that doesn't have Bible.

Most facilities in the Colorado Department of Corrections have a chapel and some sort of clergy. The chapels are used for Bible studies, Prayer Groups, Alcoholics Anonymous etc. At the larger facilities, different religious groups are asked and allowed to visit on certain days of the week to conduct religion specific meetings. As luck would have it, Delta Correctional Center hosts various religious groups throughout the week. In the foyer of the chapel there is a large whiteboard that shows when one could expect a visit from their respective religion-and sure enough, tucked in the very top corner of this whiteboard I saw-LDS, 2pm, 2nd & 4th Sundays.

It was the day after my incredible experience with Elder Stevenson and I was ecstatic to learn that I would be able to have some kind of contact with someone from the Mormon Church. I was so excited to have someone to talk with who I had something in common (besides felonies and a prison sentence)! As any good member of the church in prison would do, I invited as many people as I could to the service. Recruiting was slow-going but after leveraging my Sunday-dinner dessert cookies, I was finally able to recruit my cellmate to attend with me. We showed up early at 1:50 pm (like any good member of the church in prison would do) and we were told by the Prison Pastor that the Mormon Service had been moved to 3pm. He was able to tell us that a Bishop from a local Ward (a neighborhood congregation) typically ran the service and was usually accompanied by one other male church member. It was an absolutely beautiful day so we decided that we would take a walk through the prison yard until until it was time to come back at 3pm for church.

After meandering through the maze of sidewalks on the prison yard, we arrived at the softball field. Now I had previously been invited to come and play in a pickup softball game but I had a couple of reasons-1. It interfered with church time 2. It was the Sabbath Day, and now that I had a properly bribed investigator in tow, I wanted to set a good example. However, within 2 minutes of showing up at the softball field, the ox had fallen squarely in the mire and I had properly convinced myself that playing in the game would be a "missionary experience" and could therefore be justified, Sabbath Day or not. So play we did-and it was a blast. After about an hour, my team was winning and more importantly my investigator was having a blast. Suddenly, there was an announcement that came over the loud speaker, STEPHENS, DOC# 179321, PLEASE RETURN TO THE CHAPEL FOR THE LDS CHURCH SERVICES. My missionary activity had been going so well that I had completely forgotten about church! I was on deck, so naturally, as soon as I was done being up to bat, my investigator and I ran down to the chapel to meet with the Mormon Bishop and his counselor.


After playing for an hour in the nice warm sun and then running down to the chapel, I had worked up quite a sweat-actually, I was disgustingly sweaty. I was what my girls would call a hot mess. My sweat had soaked completely through my prison garb and huge beads were running down the sides of my face-and my investigator didn't look much better. But we had made it to church and knowing that "visitors are welcome" I wasn't too ashamed of my appearance at all. 
There were two Mormon, leaders waiting for us in the foyer who introduced themselves as Bishop Smith and Brother Hyde. There was also an additional inmate who had seen the announcement on the board and had decided he wanted to see what Mormons were all about. So with the two leaders, there was a total of five of us. They escorted us into a side room where there was a table and six chairs. We sat down and made introductions.

For the ease of reading, typing and a bit of entertainment, I'm going to digress into a script format for the rest of the post. It's too hard for me to type on my ipad with all the punctuation. The five of characters: Bishop Smith, Brother Hyde, Brandon Stephens, Richard (previously referred to the investigator) and Mike, the new inmate that showed up on his own. I have my own interpretation of how this whole meeting went and I've included my thoughts and my perceptions of people's thoughts in bold italics.

Bishop Smith: How was the softball game?

Brandon Stephens: Crap, how does he know about the softball game? Is he judging me for playing softball on Sunday? Little does he know that I had an investigator with me and I was doing missionary work. I should have changed out of these sweaty clothes before I came in here. Oh, it really wasn't a game, just some inmates playing catch. Why am I explaining myself, I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Richard: What is Brandon talking about? It was a game- we were keeping score and our team actually won.

Brandon: Why did I bring him, he's making me look like a Pharisee.

Brother Hyde: As sweaty as you guys are, it looks like you had alot of fun. Let's get started. How familiar are you all with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mormons?

Brandon: Well, I am very familiar. I've been a good member all of my life. I even brought my roommate with me. Good member? Why did you say that? You're in prison, obviously at some point you weren't a GOOD member.

Mike: Wait, Brandon, you're a Mormon? So you must be a jack Mormon right?

Brandon: (ignoring the comment) I'm not a jack Mormon but I can see your logic.

Richard: I'm not Mormon. Brandon told me that he'd give me his dessert from dinner if I came and sat through this.

Brandon: Oh my gosh, you did not just say that! Why did I bring you? Well, Richard was a little interested and had some questions so I invited him.

Mike: I'm here because my Dad was a jack Mormon just like Brandon. We really never went to church.

Brandon: I'm not a jack Mormon, I've been an active member my entire life.

Mike: But you're in prison.

Brandon: I'm going to choke this kid out.

Mike: But do you guys think Brandon is a jack Mormon if he's in prison?

Brother Hyde: Not necessarily. Brandon, do you need a towel? You're still sweating.

Bishop: (looking over at Brother Hyde and glancing back at me) We don't need to use the term jack Mormon, let's move on. Brandon, did you serve a mission and what callings have you held?

Brandon: (feeling very paranoid and inferior) This sounds like he's testing me. Of course I went on a mission. I served my mission in Romania. I have served as the Young Mens President, Young Mens Counselor, Elder's Quorum President, 1st Assistant in High Priest Group Group and a counselor in a Bishopric. (Those not familiar with these terms, I know it can be confusing so if you care to know what they are, they are explained on lds.org or mormon.org)

Mike: AAAAND you served as President of the jack Mormons.

Brandon: Stop with the jack Mormon stuff! I'm about to show you what a jack Mormon is all about!

Bishop: (ignoring the jack Mormon comment) Well Brother Stephens, we are glad to have you here and especially grateful that brought Richard with you.

Brother Hyde: Well let's get started, we are going to study a lesson today on Prophets andApostles.

Brandon: Of course you are.

Richard: How long do these lessons typically last?  I just want his cookie

Bishop: Good question Richard, we usually take about 30 minutes.

Brother Hyde: Richard and Mike, what do the words Prophets and Apostles mean to you?

Mike: Jesus' followers

Richard: I have no idea, fisherman?

Brother Hyde: You're both right. Brandon, what can you tell us about Prophets and Apostles?

Brandon: That they not only lived in Christ's time time but they live in our time. They are Christ's representatives on earth and they are here to lead the Church and minister to the God's children.

Bishop Hyde: Thank you Brandon. Can you help Mike and Richard understand what you mean when you say minister?

Brandon: Are you kidding me right now, I've got an example for the ages! You bet, actually, I spoke with one of the 12 Apostles on the phone last night.

Bishop: (moving his glasses to the end of his nose and looking at me) You spoke with one of the Apostles on the phone last night? (this should be good)

Brandon: I did (why did I even mention this? they are never going to believe me)

Brother Hyde: (with a skeptical look) And which Apostle did you talk with? This guy is something. 

Brandon: (sensing the belief in the room) Elder Gary Stevenson.

Bishop: Oh really?

Brandon: Yes, really. We had an amazing conversation. 

Mike: I wouldn't have believe anything Brandon is telling you-he's a jack Mormon.

Brandon: If you call me a jack Mormon one more time, you will regret it and we will both be put in the hole.

Mike: You are a Mormon and you are in prison.

Brandon: Okay, I get your point- but don't say it again. We can talk about it later.

Brother Hyde: (looking at me and Mike like we are insane) Did he call you from Church headquarters? From Salt Lake?

Brandon: No, he was at my house.

Bishop: (mouth open in complete disbelief) At your house? Elder Stevenson of the Quorum of 12 was at your house and called you? Why?

Brandon: I called to talk to my wife and kids. He was there visiting my family and gave her an Apostolic blessing. In fact, that was why we talked on the phone-he was asking my permission to give her a blessing.

Bishop: What did you tell him? (this guy is an extremely good liar)

Brandon: That I'd love for him to bless her. He told me that giving her an Apostolic Blessing would be the same as if he was laying his hands on my head. I was trying to make the point by telling you this, Elder Stevenson came to visit and minister to my family in our time of need-just like the Apostles from the New Testament. 

Richard: Like Paul, or James or John?

Brandon: Exactly. That's the first thing you've said that didn't embarrass me.

Brother Hyde: That's a really good example Brandon. If it's really true.

Mike: That story sounds fake to me.
'
Brandon: It's not fake Mike. 

Bishop: As a Brother Hyde said, that's a great example of an Apostle ministering. I will say for Richard and Mike's sake, that it's not typical for the Apostles to make house calls. That was a once in a lifetime thing to meet an Apostle, right Brandon?

Brandon: Absolutely, I still can't believe it myself. But, my wife and I were married by Elder Ballard almost 18 years ago.

Bishop & Brother Hyde in unison: Elder Ballard married you and your wife? ok, this is not real and what a piece of work. 

Brandon- yes, he is a close friend of my father and mother in law. 

Brother Hyde; wow, I really had no idea this lesson would end up here today.

Richard: Speaking of lessons, your 30 minutes is up. I'll stay longer if Brandon will give me his dessert tomorrow..

Brandon:  why did I bring you?!

Mike: Yeah, I'm ready to leave too.

Bishop: We will wrap it up there-thank you for coming today. And Brandon, thank you for sharing your (clears his throat) stories.

Brandon: Of course, no problem. although no one in this room believes anything I just said)

-The group all shakes hands and each goes their own way-

on the way out to the car Bishop says to Brother Hyde...

Bishop: Can you believe those stories? Amazing!

Brother Hyde: Amazing if they're true. I mean after all, he is a felon in prison and you never know what to believe from an inmate.

Bishop: No, Brother Hyde, you never know what to believe from the mouth of a jack Mormon.

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Obviously, I have taken some creative liberty on how I perceived my first experience at Church in prison and how it went. While the gist of the conversation is entirely accurate, including being called a jack Mormon throughout the lesson. The bishop and his counselor were great. Although, I'm sure my stories were really hard to believe, they carried on as if they believed every word. They did leave copies of Gospel Principles with both Mike and Richard and they bore very strong testimonies of the Gospel. It was awesome having them visit.

Although I hated being called a jack Mormon, I understand what Mike was getting at-I am not a perfect member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But what Mike doesn't know is that my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly the power of the Atonement has never been stronger-and it continues to grow despite the walls that surround and confine me. 

Looking back, I wish I could have discussed that the blessing and phone call that I recieved from Elder Stevenson was indeed, a surprise and not something I have witnessed first hand until now. 

I do know that he, along with the other Apostles and President Nelson minister to people everyday, everywhere in different ways equally as sacred. I will always cherish my experience, but what I don't want to happen, is for anyone reading this, Mike or Richard, to think that I am the only one with a story. We hear about the Prophet of my Church, the Apostles and other members of my Church minister to people everyday, in every way. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Helping others, lifting others up, lending a hand to those in need, consecrating our own talents to help, donating time, money..all of this is ministering to others. I was fortunate to have my own experience with an Apostle that was and will always be a sacred, tender experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Yet, I have read & heard of so many other people's experiences throughout my life. I don't for one minute think I am anything special, ha, I am probably the least deserving and as I have said before, I was humbled and grateful. Somehow, for some reason, I am fortunate to have my own story to tell being a recipient of a man doing as Christ would, mourn with those that mourn, comfort those in need of comfort. We can all be that for someone, and by the examples of my Church leaders throughout my life, my friends-both Mormon and not, mission companions, family, they have ministered to me and my family. I will forever be grateful and spend the rest of my life trying to pay it forward, not just when life is going well, but especially when it's tough, like it is today. 


Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas,. Halfway House, Centennial Community Correction Center, CCTC, Felon, 416 Fire, Silver Creek Fire, Spring Fire, Cabin Lake Fire, SWIFT Run, 1.5 miles, Fire, Fighter, Brandon Stokey, Running for my life, Elder Gary Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve, Apostles, 

Remember, you are not alone...

Remember you are not alone. The Savior has promised that He will not leave you comfortless. You also have family, friends, and leaders who are cheering you on.

~Elder Gary E. Stevenson

I am involved in around 50-60 conversations a day. By involved I mean both actively and passively. Being passively involved in a conversation is just a classy way for me to say that I am eavesdropping on a conversation that is so intriguing or educational that I simply cannot help myself. Some of these conversations involve other inmates, some involve guards and many of them are with myself (I know huh? it's a scary development for me as well). Anyway, out of these 50-60 conversations, I would classify about 4 of them as "normal, healthy conversations". The other 56 can be broken into a couple of different categories ranging from "slightly abnormal" to "I'm going to need counseling after hearing that". The creative, constant and unnecessary use of terrible language is like nothing I have ever heard. I would never call myself a prude when it comes to language but when it's relentless and in the volume, I despise it.

Now imagine taking all of these conversations and creative English and combining all of it into a single 10'x5' environment..aka the prison phone room. As seen in the movies, every prison in America has a phone room. The phone room consists of 5-7 old-school payphones hanging from the wall. If you were to stand at the opening of the room and listen to the individual conversations it would be like surfing cable channels on your TV at home...Lifetime Movie Network, Telemundo, Judge Judy, McMafia, Family Feud, Joel Osteen and even some expensively-trashy Pay-Per-View event..it's all here for the taking and all in one room. It's been so good to be able to have regular phone conversations with Sallie and my kids but trying to concentrate on your own conversation while in this room is like trying to focus on a single TV at Buffalo Wild Wings-nearly impossible. I'm constantly worried about my kids' overhearing some of my astute colleagues' conversations and even more worried about my kids' subsequent curiosity and follow-up questions.

I'm telling you all this so that I can properly establish the setting for one of the greatest and most spiritual experiences of my Family's life...

I have a standing call date with Sallie and the kids each night at 8:00. On February 10 (Saturday) things were abnormally off-schedule. For whatever reason, I didn't call Sallie at our usual 8:00 time, I knew she would be anxious and worried why I hadn't called, which of course had me anxious. It was 9:30 and the phone room was particularly noisy that night and it sounded like Telemundo and Family Feud had gone through an overnight corporate merger. There was an inmate who was particularly upset that his girlfriend had the nerve to contact his wife via Facebook to out their relationship. He was yelling in both English and Spanish.. I was hoping that by the time Sallie had picked up, he would have settled down...he hadn't, so as soon as she said hello, I politely asked him if he could keep it down. The other 3 inmates who were on the phone were glad I said something, he however, was not. So now he was glaring at me and still yelling at his girlfriend as I was trying to start talking to my wife.

Sallie immediately told me that we had a visitor at the house who wanted to speak with me. This wasn't anything new as we have had many people stop by the house to check on Sal and the kids so,  I was completely unprepared for the voice on the other end of the line.

"Brandon, how are you? This is Gary Stevenson."  I was so surprised to hear his voice that I really didn't respond right away. It had been a long couple of weeks for me and my family and to hear his voice through the phone immediately brought a feeling of peace to me that I have never felt. Not only did the Spirit fill my body, but it could be felt throughout the entire phone room- I couldn't hear a single conversation from any other inmate and homeboy wasn't glaring at me anymore (this could have been either Elder Stevenson's presence or the threatening glare I was now giving back).
At the same time, I could not believe that I was talking to Elder Stevenson.... from prison! I could have never imagined a more unlikely scenario. A part of me felt so ashamed and embarrassed but quickly I told myself if there was anyone who knew me and would not judge me, it was him. 

Some context for those of you who are not familiar with my Mormon faith....Gary Stevenson is an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We believe we have a living Prophet on earth that leads our Church along with his Apostles. We refer to them by "Elder" vs Mr. if that makes sense. Elder Stevenson is one of the 12 Apostles, he is literally one of Christ's Apostles here on earth.  Along with our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. (Do not confuse us with the fundamentalist LDS church that have made news for marrying underage girls. THAT IS NOT US! We are Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, you can learn more at www.lds.org if you care to know or understand more. We are not a cult, and I want to make that clear.....and be nice to those young men and women missionaries out there serving :))

Elder Stevenson and his wife Lesa had called Marlowe, Sallie's Dad to find out if they could fly in and visit with Sallie and the kids and go to church with them on Sunday. As it happened, Marlowe was in town to check on Sallie and the kids. He told Marlowe he had realized that Saturday afternoon that he happened to have a free Sunday.  He told us he spoke with Elder Ballard and decided that he would fly in and visit the family. As an Apostle, Sundays are without a doubt one of his busiest days, so the fact that he was taking what little free time he has to spend it with my family.... it was simply too overwhelming to consider.

Elder Stevenson and I spoke for about 10 minutes and had such an amazing conversation, one I will never forget and always cherish. Sallie's brother, Bouk picked him up from the airport and he met them at Jack's basketball game. He told me how proud I should be of Jack, as well as my 3 girls, Maggie, Navy and Elizabeth. He counseled me to read some specific scriptures, which I did and will continue to do. One in particular was D&C:121 and 122.

As we finished up the conversation, he asked me if it would be alright with me if he gave Sallie an Apostolic Blessing. He explained that by giving her this blessing, it would be as if he was laying his hands on each of our heads-including mine and the kids'. I am not a good enough writer to even try and describe the feelings and emotions that my heart felt as Elder Stevenson spoke to me. Here was an Apostle of God, asking me for permission to administer to my family in our living room. I thanked him and told him I would love nothing more than for Sallie to receive a blessing from him. The love and peace I felt, it sustains me to this day. The whole experience was incredibly sacred and I will leave it up to Sallie on how much she wants to share. But I will say this much, Elder Stevenson's blessing has affected our lives profoundly. I feel like things were possibly at a tipping point when he showed up at our house, the way that it affected all of us-including my children, can never be overstated.

My 14 year old, Navy wrote me the cutest note about the blessing that I thought was so fitting- "Dad, I actually listened to every word that he told us. Whenever you gave us blessings I never really paid attention but I paid attention to his and it was awesome!" Gotta love my Navy. One scripture that he shared with my family that has been a huge strength to us is 2Nephi 2:2- our afflictions will be consecrated for our gain.

Elder Stevenson had told Sal and Marlowe that he was planning on attending church with them. Sallie was relieved to tell him it was Stake Conference so that wasn't going to happen. Much to her dismay, she was going with him and he'd make sure there was a seat saved for her and the family. :)
I will tell you that Sal was an emotional wreck. She was so incredibly grateful that he was there, for the blessing he gave her, and for the love and support he wanted to give her and my family. Yet, she was so uncomfortable showing up at Stake Conference with him. (Stake Conference is a general meeting with all the LDS members and their congregations gathered for a 2 hour meeting, about 4,000 people not necessarily all there but still..)

She said this might just cause people to leave the church :) she was just so overwhelmed and felt completely unworthy of him showing up for her, for us. I understand how she felt, unfortunately my current living arrangements was the reason he was there, and we were overwhelmed with gratitude and complete humility.

I wish I could have heard what he said to the congregation, I have no doubt from the emails and letters from some that were there, that is was so full of love, compassion and support that you'd be hard pressed to find a dry eye in the building. He flat out told everyone he was there for The Stephens family.  It doesn't matter what your faith is, what you believe in or don't.....to have a man, let alone one who represents Christ himself, take the time to truly minister to the people is something Sal and I both intend to live up too and know it will take on more and more importance and impact on our children as they get older. What a gift and example he is. 

I am still overcome with emotion as I write this post. Elder Stevenson took the time to minister to my family at a time when we needed it so very much. As I think back to the New Testament and Christ's ministry, all we read about is Christ and his Apostles ministering to the sick and afflicted. It was an awesome testament to see Elder Stevenson doing the same thing here in our time.

As I went back to my room after the most surreal phone call I have ever had, I pulled out my scriptures and read through the sections Elder Stevenson told me to read. D&C 121 & 122 contain revelations from when the Prophet Joseph Smith was a prisoner in Liberty Jail. I could relate so closely to some of the questions that Joseph Smith was asking God in those verses.

The Prophet asks, "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth they hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed?"

And God's marvelous answer... "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but for a small moment, and then if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands..And if thou should be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the very jaws of hell shall open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these thing shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?... Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

As I read these scriptures I was overcome with a miraculous feeling of peace and hope that I had never before felt. I also knew that at that same moment an Apostle of God had his hands on my wife's head giving her, my children and me, an Apostolic Blessing. 

I was overcome by the moment and felt like I had to thank God for the miracle of the last couple of hours and repent for the times I questioned where He was, why the prayers of mine, Sal's and so many other's on our behalf had felt unanswered-for the times I felt abandoned, alone, had lost hope and my faith. He has been here, the whole time, and for the second time in as many weeks, as I knelt down in my prison cell to pray, I could no longer hold back the tears of gratitude, love, humility, comfort and hope...

Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas,. Halfway House, Centennial Community Correction Center, CCTC, Felon, 416 Fire, Silver Creek Fire, Spring Fire, Cabin Lake Fire, SWIFT Run, 1.5 miles, Fire, Fighter, Brandon Stokey, Running for my life, Elder Gary Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve, Apostles,

Next Stop...Delta, Colorado

After one long but memorable night in Cell House 5, I was excited to find out that I was leaving the facility. There was a total of 8 guys leaving. They fed us hard boiled eggs and then put us back in belly chains and loaded us onto a bus. It was snowing and I couldn't help but slow my walk down and try to get some snow flakes on my tongue. It has been an underlying theme while I have been in prison has been how many little things I miss and took for granted. I miss seeing the sunrise and sunset every single day, I miss kissing Sallie and making her smile, I miss hugging and teasing my kids, I miss good food and a comfortable bed. I miss the times when I didn't have to be treated like a dangerous prisoner of the State of Colorado. While I am on my high horse here, let me just share one of the things I feel most guilty about-my phone. I've now been without my phone for 35 days and over this time I've realized just how stupidly attached to my phone I was. I have this vivid memory of my baby girl Lizza coming up to me to tell me about something that happened at school (this was about a week before my sentencing) and I just happened to be on my phone (just like the other 23 hours of the day). I can remember her  sweet, beautiful voice full of excitement telling me whatever she was saying and I pretended I was listening but was 100% immersed in whatever I was reading on my phone and I just kept saying, "uh huh, uh huh, uh huh". I want everyone who is reading this how much it breaks this Dad's heart to sit here today and have no idea what she told me. I would give anything to be able to have the memory of her cute, little voice telling me what she was so excited about. Apparently, something on that phone was more important than that lost conversation with my beautiful Elizabeth. From someone who now surfs memories instead of the internet to pass time-PUT DOWN YOUR PHONES! 

Back to the prison bus. We were able to ascertain from the 2 armed guards on the bus that we were headed to Delta, Colorado. This narrowed the possibilities of my final destination down to 2-Delta or Rifle. The trip to Canon City to Delta was actually very pretty-even with the window bars on the bus blocking the views. The inmates on the bus were segregated into medium and minimum security-unlike previous times, there were not any maximum security inmates on this bus. We took the bus to Buena Vista, CO where there is a medium security facility. We dropped off some inmates and also switched buses and were consolidated into a white school bus that was not as prison looking. As we were loading onto the smaller bus, they removed all of our hand and ankle cuff and let us know that they would no longer be required (due to everyone on the bus being minimum security inmates). It was an amazing feeling to no longer be in cuffs. After we loaded up, they gave us sack lunches (meat of unknown origin) and we began the drive from Buena Vista to Delta, Colorado.

It became immediately apparent that the heaters on the bus did not work. We were going up a very steep pass in a snowstorm with absolutely no heat. It was so so cold. My seat mate was just a little feller who was extremely skinny, probably 20 years old. The needle scars on his arms told the story that he was a heavy drug user. As the bus continued to get colder and colder (we could see our breath) I noticed that the young man kept moving closer and closer to me. He could see a big blob of warmth and he was going to get as close to me as possible. As he kept scooting closer, I kept scooting closer to the window-but obviously I had a finite amount of space. By the time I was out of space, it was so cold that I didn't care anymore and so we both leaned shoulders against each other.

By this time, most of the inmates had formed "couples" to stay warm. I started to fall asleep and had 2 thoughts

1) Do I have hypothermia and this is my body shutting down?

2) Do I dare fall asleep on a prison bus with another man in my arms?

As I didn't want to know the answer to either question, I stood up and walked up to the glass door separating us from the driver and the guards and knocked. The guard opened up the conversation hinge (small door) and I could immediately feel the warm air coming from the cab (I may have called them a name under my breath) and the guard said, "You alright? You look cold." I look cold huh, what gave it away? The blackening of my fingertips? The dead tissue on the end of my nose? He whispered something to the driver and I saw him reach down and flip a switch. Immediately a motor kicked on and warm air began flowing into the main part of the bus. I heard the driver say, "why didn't they tell us the heat wasn't on?" Touche I thought as I walked back to my seat.

You will be relieved to hear that once the heat was on, all the couples went our separate ways and all agreed never to talk about it again...but I never agreed not to write about it. :)

We arrived at the Delta Correctional Facility around 5 pm. It was obvious from the moment we approached the facility that it was unlike any of the other facilities that I had been privileged to visit. For one, there wasn't a kill fence or razor wire (the previous places were surrounded by massive fences to electrocute or seriously hurt anyone insane enough to try and escape) This place didn't have any fences at all. It kind of looked and felt like we were pulling into a small college campus. There was deer all over (I found out later that the inmates feed them so they are always hanging around). The problem with that is that deer are not supposed to eat chicken patties, beef stroganoff and wheat rolls. (Now that I write this, does the deer eating this food make them carnivores?  I digress.)  

Anyway, this wasn't really a prison in the traditional sense. They loaded us into a waiting room and had us get in line for the "sqough" on human vault inspection. I passed with a straight A-no pun intended- and we were taken to our rooms. The rooms are laid out just like a dormitory at any college. Instead of the bunk beds and sink/toilet that a traditional prison cell contained, there were 2 beds side by side, a desk and 2 closets. The doors are lockable with keys they give us-there was no computerized locking or slamming of cells. The "campus" if you will, contains 5 dorm units with a total of about 500 inmates. There is a library, gym, pool hall, barber shop, running track and softball field. Inmates are allowed to be out of their rooms for most of the day. You can buy TV's for your room and each room has basic cable. They gym has a full court basketball court, 20 xbox stations, and an outdoor weight set and a female cheerleading squad. There is a cafeteria where we eat all meals-complete with a fountain drink machine. The library has 2,000 books. After taking a tour of the facilities we were taken to the library for an orientation. I was informed that would be a "temporary" resident at the Delta Facility as sometime in the next 1-3 weeks I would be moved to Rifle, Colorado- I was excited to hear this because Rifle is only 3 hours from Denver vs Delta being 5 hours. I would be closer to Sal and the kids.

The minimum security "camps" are actually pretty well organized. They are setup in such a way that allows inmates to get their GED, Associates Degrees, job specific training, like welding, equipment operator, waste-water management, fire-fighting and BLM. As much I hate everything to do with being here, I can be objective enough to say that the Department of Corrections is at least trying to make inmates more prepared for life on the outside.

I've had alot of questions about what my typical day looks like. Because I am not at my final facility, my schedule is different than my fellow inmates. All inmates are required to have jobs during the day ranging from kitchen duties to laundry. Once I am in Rifle, I will also have a job, but for now, here is my current daily routine-

6:00 am-Wake up/headcount

6:30-Breakfast

7:30-Workout

9:00-Library-read/write

11:30-Lunch

12:30-Library-read/write

3:00-Workout

4:30-Free time (TV, phone)

5:30-Dinner

6:30-Gym (basketball, weights, xbox)

8:00- In room (reading, TV)

10:00-Lights out

I'm sure that if you could go back and ask teenage Brandon about this schedule it would have looked like Heaven. And although I'm grateful to not be locked in a cell anymore-I am so BORED! You can only workout and read so many books a day. But I do get to use the phones as much as I want. I love being able to call Sallie and the kids as much as I do. I'm also able to talk with Bouk and Bevin about Spartan and how it is doing so that makes my days pass a little easier.

I want to thank everyone for all the support that you have given me and my family. I have received over 100 letters since I have been in here (Yes, most have been from prison groupies that want me in their life after I get out)- even the guards have commented on how they have never had an inmate get so much mail! I have loved reading the letters-they have gotten me through some of the darkest days in here. I only get 2 envelopes a week from the prison so I have not been able to respond to everyone-and that kills me! I want to respond to all of you-but please know that just because I haven't responded does not mean I don't want too! Please keep writing, it means alot to me and Sal. 

I love you all-B  

Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas

Cell House 5

As I sat in a holding cell getting ready to leave DRDC, I was extremely grateful that I was finally leaving. Everyone (other inmates and guards) had told me that the DRDC would be the worst part of my entire prison experience. I had somehow survived 4.5 days of 24/7 lockdown confinement and I ended up only being in DRDC for 10 days (I was expecting 3-4 weeks). I had also spent those 10 days incarcerated with the maximum security prisoners-and there had been not a single threat of fighting, stabbing or rape. I was now wondering where my next stop would be. I knew that I was going to a "camp" a minimum security facility but with there being 4+ of these in the State, I had no idea where I was going. I was really hoping to go the Camp George West which is located in Golden. That would allow me to stay in the Denver area and make it easier for Sal and the kids to come and visit me.

Finally a guard came into the holding cell and called out 17 of us by name. He informed us that we would be taking a bus to the Colorado Territorial Prison-more specifically an infamous jail house called Cell House 5. My fellow inmates (all who had been in prison before) informed me that Cell House 5 was used as as a staging facility. Cell House 5 is located in Canon City, pronounced Canyon City (Fremont County).

For most Coloradans, "Canon City" and "Fremont County" are synonymous with "prison". There are 12+ state and federal prisons located in Fremont County. The Federal Correctional Complex in Fremont County (Florence) is home to the US Supermax which has become infamous for being home to the terrorists involved in the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center attacks, drug lords and infamous bombers. Just down the road from these fine individuals is the Colorado State Territorial Prison. The prison was built in 1870 and is called the Territorial Prison because it served the Western US Territory in the 19th Century. The Territory included New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. The prison has a solid rock wall that surrounds it and has housed famous inmates like Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid and now, you can add Brandon Stephens. 😉

Cell House 5 is part of the Territorial Prison Complex and is used to hold inmates who are in transit between facilities. Cell House 5 is also famous because its interior design is eerily similar to that of the famous Alcatraz. So me knowing that I was being moved to Cell House 5 was not very helpful at all-it was just another holding area where I'd be held until a bed opened up at my final destination. I was told that me being moved to Cell House 5 meant that my final destinations could be narrowed down to 2 locations-Delta or Rifle.

As they loaded us out of our holding cell at the DRDC they informed us that we would be taking a bus for the journey south. To further complicate the logistics of moving us, the bus would have all the levels of inmates (min, med, max) traveling together. The Department of Correction's solution to this is to segregate the bus with doors that divided the inmates. There are even 1 person cages for the Hannibal Lecters of the world. Minimum security prisoners were loaded first. We were still required to wear belly chains ( I didn't have to wear ankle cuffs because they didn't have any big enough). The maximum security guys were belly chained plus they were chained to each other. It had been a long time since I was on a school bus and it now felt like I was on the Field Trip to Hell.

As we pulled out of the facility it felt surreal to be back outside. I had been indoors for 10 straight days! We took I-225 to I-25. One of the low points of my whole prison experience thus far happened as we were in a traffic jam on I-25. Traffic was moving very slowly and I was sitting next to the window. As we were sitting there, an SUV pulled up along side of the bus with the cutest little boys in the back seat. They reminded me so much of my nephews Scott and Ty-who by this point I have really missed. I miss all my nephews and nieces so this made it that much worse. As they pulled up along side of us, both of the boys looked up at me and so I made a funny face at them and they started to laugh-it was so cute. While they were laughing I I raised my hands to wave at them (with handcuffs on)-by now their mom was looking back to see what they were laughing at-and she clearly saw that I was a handcuffed prisoner riding in a prison bus. She immediately pushed their hands down (they had started to wave back) and made the Dad who was driving, speed up and get into the other lane. It broke my heart to have such a tangible experience of how society viewed me from the outside of that bus-I think that hit home more than anything - this was not some nightmare that I was going to magically wake up from - I was truly an inmate - Colorado Inmate 179321.

It took about 4 hours to reach Cell House 5. We made various stops along the way to drop other prisoners off at different facilities (Colorado Springs, Canon City). It was surreal to take I-25 out of town and drive right past Highlands Ranch and be so close to Sal and our kids-yet so far away...

As I said, Cell House 5 is infamous because it has housed many famous cowboy outlaws. It's also famous for being the loudest prison in Colorado. It is so loud and rowdy there that it has nickname- "The Jungle". It's loud because it is not like modern prisons with solid steel doors. It has the old school bars that you can hang your arms out of. It reminded me exactly of the cells from The Shawshank Redemption or The Green Mile. The Cell House is 3 levels tall with 20-30 cells per side all the way up, the cell doors are painted in alternating pastels. Many of the cells have 2 people in there so you're looking at 250-500 inmates in an open room. As we were brought into the Cell House, it seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie. Inmates were screaming, laughing, throwing garbage, some were trying to deliberately flood their cells by clogging their sinks, and there were 6 TV's turned up all the way that were hanging from the ceiling. As new prisoners are brought in, people will cat-call you, spit on you, throw things at you. It was absolutely crazy. I was completely entertained by it all! They walked me to my cell on the 3rd floor and for some reason I was laughing the whole time.  The whole atmosphere did not seem possible-it was one of those moments when I was sure I was the star character in the Truman Show or Candid Camera. The cells were "wet" meaning the toilets were in our cells. Fortunately, I did not have a cell-mate but with there being only bars on the cells, there was zero privacy. Let's just say I know what a dog feels like when he goes to the bathroom with an audience.

I asked the guards how long they thought I would be there-the consensus seemed to be that most inmates were there 2-3 weeks. That worried me because as much as I loved the atmosphere for the time being, when it was time to sleep, it was not going to be ideal. Sure enough, when it came to go to sleep-it was impossible. I figured out real quick where Cell House 5 got the name, "The Jungle". Inmates were screaming, laughing, and yelling the entire night-it was absolute chaos. It reminded me of being a leader at Scout Camp and having to yell at the boys all night to knock it off and go to sleep...except for I didn't yell at the inmates because they might have stabbed me in the neck with a sharpened toothbrush....

I did not sleep at all the entire night. By morning, I was sure that 1-2 weeks in Cell House 5 might drive a person to the brink of insanity. Fortunately, just as I was fashioning bread from my breakfast as ear plugs, a guard came and told me that I was being transferred to another facility in Delta, CO. I had gotten the best of both worlds-the historic visit to Cell House 5 without losing my mind...

This is a typical cell at Cell House 5 in Colorado

Pictures that helped get me through the worst of times in prison -

Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas, Cell House 5

my dad

Hi. My name is Navy. Navy Stephens of course. Today is March 6th, and it has been 41 days since my dad left. I admit, It has been such a rollercoaster of emotions. I have felt all kinds of sad, but happiness at the same time. My dad is all things funny, kind, caring, smart, everything. But he has always been protective. Too protective. But I guess that's a dads job. And I dont blame him for being protective over me, I am just like my mom. A little crazy. But funny, and pretty. (shoutout to you mom, we rock!) I love my dad so much. He is the pure sunshine in my life. He is everyones. He has always had my back. When I was born, I was born early. Really, really early. Yep that's right, I'm just high maiteninence. I was diagnosed with mild Cerebal Palsy which can have different side affects. Some people have it worse. They could be in a wheelchair, some can't even walk, maybe even talk. I on the other hand, can talk, and can walk. I have had many surgeries as my life went on and I grew up. I honestly don't even know how to explain it, I have always thought negativley about it. Only because it hurts to walk sometimes, I get tired easily, and I can't do sports as easily either. I have always been quiet about it, I hate talking about it. But let me break it down, my dad says I got the looks, maggie has the athletics, jack is the idiot, and lizza is the baby. And if I do say so, looks to me is what matters. My dad always told me I am special. He says that it isn't fair to be diagnosed with something I don't deserve, but it's a quality that makes me, me. He says I shouldn't be ashamed of my scars, or embarrased because of it. This is for you dad. So here I am, taking my dads words in and apprecitaing them now. I shouldn't be hiding my insecurites. Insecurities to me, are the most beautiful things about you. Every surgery I have ever had, my dad stands by me & always knew how to make me laugh when I was in pain. And that is something I adore. He always finds the humor in everything. If I had a bad day at school, people are mean for no reason, dad just always said they are just some dumb boys and people who haven't matured yet. And at that moment, I just didn't listen because I was mad. I just didn't get it. But now, I know if my dad could give any advice to me he doesn't say it to make it worse, he says it to make the situation better. We go from rap music sessions in his truck, to sushi dates, to going around to every gas station trying to find caramel sunflower seeds, to selfies, to dancing in the living room, from scaring boys off when they are nearby, to watching scary movies, to sneaking candy to the movie theater, from his famous eggs he makes in the morning, even waking up to the sound of the office theme song. I see true love when I watch my mom with him. It's like watching teenagers. Not joking. I am proud of my mom. She is really amazing. I've never looked up to someone so much. I love my sisters maggie, and lizza. Built in best friends are the best. I love Jack. He is the man of the house now, and yet he protects and makes us girls happy. It really is the little moments that count. And I don't wanna focus on the negative of this. I wanna get up and get through this. Not sit back and be sad. That is not me. It shouldnt be anyone either. And although it is so hard to get up everyday and choose to go to school, I do it for my dad. And I will do anything for dad. To make him proud of me. So keep your head up, for God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soilders. Cheers to you dad, I love you so much.


-Navy Blue

Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas

After 39 days, we spotted Sasquatch

Brandon has been telling me I need to tell my side, my version of this whole debacle. I keep telling him I will, but I have been avoiding it as I'm not sure I am ready to open that part of my heart just yet. It has been the hardest month I have ever had in my 39 years. Mostly because I have felt so scared for so long.  

The first couple of weeks were some of my darkest and most agonizing days I have ever experienced. When Brandon was able to finally call me after the lockdown (that I had no idea was happening) was lifted,I felt a weight lift from me, I felt like I could finally take a deep breath without breaking out into a sob I could not control. Trying to keep it together for my children was exhausting and sometimes, overwhelming. I knew they would be watching everything I said and everything I did so I had to figure it out and fast. When all I really wanted was my sister, my dad, my mom, my brothers, to save me from it all.

The day of the sentencing we were both nervous but both felt eerily peaceful, it was hard for me to reconcile. I remember as we drove there I could hardly talk because tears just kept streaming down my face, I don't even know why, nothing had happened yet. When we arrived and got out of the truck, Brandon grabbed my arm and pulled me to him and hugged me and asked for a kiss as we starting walking towards the courthouse. I pulled back and pushed him away and told him I would kiss him afterwards when we were going home together. I told him to quit being so negative and that everything was going to be fine. I distinctly remember his face as I said that..a forced smile with sadness in his eyes. 

As it turned out, I wasn't able to give him that kiss that I regret to this day. Why wouldn't I kiss him? He was right there, asking me, almost pleading. Looking back, he needed me to comfort him, not a lecture. What a fool I was. The judge wouldn't let us say goodbye to each other, I still remember the look on his face as he looked back at me as he was being handcuffed. My heart has never felt a piercing like it did at that moment, and since that day I still feel a dull ache. Maybe its in my head, but its there. 

Adulting was something I had to dig deep to find in myself for the sake of Brandon because I couldn't muster the strength to do it myself. I knew I had to figure out how I was going to get out of bed (and stay out of bed) and do what I had to do for our kids, because that was the real tragedy of this... 4 children being separated from their bigger than life Dad. So, with that said, I will have to bring myself to do another hard thing, go back and relive those first few weeks, but for now I am going to smile as I tell you about how good it felt to finally see Brandon, aka 179321 after 39 days!

I suppose I tell you all of this because seeing Brandon today was what my heart needed. I needed to see his face, look in his eyes and see that he is really alright, and to be with him. We talk daily and we tell each other we are good if each other is good..today I saw it in his eyes that he is alright and he will do what he has to do to get back home to me and the kids. 

Earlier this week I had called Brandon's case worker to make sure we were cleared to come and see Brandon this weekend. Jason, Brandon's brother was flying in from Madrid, Spain for work and was going to come see us and Brandon since he was in the States for the week. I was told they couldn't find our paperwork and all I could do not to cry was to laugh, I just couldn't believe it. His case worker must have been able to hear right through my laugh because she said she would get back to me and let me know if we could come. I finally got a call Friday afternoon saying we were cleared..I told her they must have figured I would show up regardless of being cleared or not! It wasn't luck that got us cleared in time to see Brandon today while Jason happened to be here. Brandon had finally arrived in Rifle on Tuesday, February 27th and it takes 10 days to be cleared for visiting, we were thrilled and by getting cleared to visit him, we saw our first little miracle.

Jack had 2 basketball games Saturday night, 6:30 and 7:30 so we headed up to Rifle afterwards.  We got to the hotel around 11p and the kids were out as soon as they laid down. I didn't sleep much, I was excited, anxious, and frankly, scared to see Brandon. I just didn't know if he would be his outgoing, charming self or if he would be different. Maybe sad, jaded, or just off after all he has been through this past month. It was a long night of over thinking.

We got to the facility at 9:00 in the morning and it wasn't anything close to what I had been imaging. No fences, gates, guards, steel doors, metal detectors, nothing like that. The officers there were so kind and patient as I brought everything you basically are not allowed to bring in. It is very low key and low security but I guess homemade chocolate chip cookies can be laced with various drugs..who knew?! He can have any store bought unopened candy or food with the receipt. Anyone who knows me knows that is laugh out loud funny that I would ever have a receipt for anything. Other than the unopened food, only our ID and cash was allowed to be brought in. No purse, jewelry, liquids or phones. They used a wand to check for who knows what but no pat downs, that was it.

 When they called Brandon down, I thought I was going to cry. I was walking around waiting for him to come to the visitors center and trying to act calm and collected. Suddenly, I hear a huge bellow of a laugh and I turn to see my kids run to their Dad, hugging him so tight all together almost causing him to fall. Then, he and Jason hugged, I could see how happy these brothers were to see each other, it was so sweet. 

I didn't care who was watching, what rules I was breaking, I was hugging and kissing and hugging and kissing him as much as I could until my kids said, "okay" in what seemed in unison. It took me back to when he got home from his 2 year LDS mission in Romania 20 years ago, I was finally with him again.

There isn't anything to do other than sit in a big room with vending machines and 10 or so table with chairs around them, a tv with a vhs/dvd player as well as a cabinet with a few games. The kids found some playing cards, so I beat Jack and Elizabeth in few mean games of speed. Navy, Jack, Brandon and I played a couple rounds of battleship against Jason and Elizabeth (who I'm sure cheated somehow). Maggie had a soccer tournament this weekend in Arizona so unfortunately she wasn't able go come with us. Brandon was glad she went, he doesn't want the kids' lives interrupted by weekend visits.

Time flew by as we ate lunch and by 2:00, it was snowing pretty good so we decided we had better get on the road.

I knew saying goodbye was going to be tough for me. Brandon always says something to avoid having to actually say goodbye. He hates doing it, and I understand why. He hugged the kids and Jason, and I knew he was going to say something to make me smile, give me a big hug, kiss me and then walk away...and sure enough, he did just that. Of course it was so very hard to leave him.  I was going home with my kids and our home. He was going back to his plain, sterile looking building where he lives with my replacement for the next few months. 

It took us 5 1/2 hours to get home from Rifle with the traffic and snow storm. I'm exhausted but I am happy. I am happy as I type this because even though I had to leave him back in Rifle, there is no doubt he is coming home to me. I'm going to get through those moments when I feel sorry for myself, when I am angry and spiteful because that will just make my soul ugly and I do not want Brandon coming home and not recognizing his wife. 

Life is so beautiful, it certainly isn't perfect but that's what makes it so amazing. I have so many good people in my life. My children, my parents, my sister, my brothers, their spouses (that I don't have to pretend I enjoy) inlaws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents, our friends and my husband whom I love more than ever. 

Love isn't just something we feel when life is good and convenient. Love is what sustains us through the hardest moments and trials we face. Life can make love easy but it also makes us have to work hard and fight for it. I’ve been through both, and I would do it again. 

 I choose to see the love that has surrounded my family since Brandon has been gone and none of the negative or gossip. It's humbling to see people really show the love and support they have for us. 

I have never had to pray for help like I have now. I have gone through the motions like a good girl, my life has pretty much just hummed along. I have always known it was right to pray and thank my Heavenly Father for all the blessings in my life, big and small. Even the ones I take for granted on a daily basis. 

Since January 24, I pray differently. It's no longer going through the motions. I need His help, I need to put that faith I have heard preached all my life to work. How pitiful that it took me losing my husband's freedom to thank my Heavenly Father for mine? 

I am sure after today that this nightmare I am living is going to make my husband better, my children more aware of others and their trials, more compassionate and kinder. I hope that all happens for me, even if I have to fight to get there. I know there are angels surrounding me and my family, I can feel it. Both seen and unseen and I know that I am being watched over, as is Brandon. I have more faith in my faith because, I had to dig down deep to find it. 

So many people ask about the kids and how they are doing, I am telling you they are remarkable. There is no doubt they are hurting as they miss their dad but they have shown more strength and faith than I ever imagined. We are being watched over, prayed for and loved. Although I can still feel that dull ache in my heart, my heart is so full tonight. 

Thanks to all, I wish you all could know how grateful we are. The amount of love Brandon has felt through numerous emails and letters, some 100+ letters is just skimming the surface. These Angels I am telling you, you all don't even realize you are one of them.

~ Sallie💙

Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas

DRDC Part II

I knew that if I was going to survive being locked down I would need to get into a routine. Here is the schedule that I came up with-

6:00am- Wake up-Bible study/Journal

7:30-8:00am-exercise (push-ups, sit ups, dips, curls-with my laundry bag)

8:00am-11:30- Read

11:30-12 noon- Lunch

12 pm-4:00pm- Read

4:00-5:00pm- Exercise 

5:00pm-5:30pm- Dinner

5:30-9:00pm- Read

9:00- Lights Out

The biggest problem that I ran into was not knowing exactly what time it was-there aren't any clocks in here. However, the guards have to do headcounts at a certain time each day and meals were on a regular schedule. Whenever one of these milestones happened I would mark a spot on the wall where the sun was shining through my window and write the time. So after one day, I had about 8 different marks on the wall with a corresponding time so I could run my routine. When you are locked in a cell 24/7 you quickly realize how many things you take for granted. Just being able to walk outside, see the sky and breathe fresh air becomes a dream. You realize how much you miss basic human interaction-and I started to feel so guilty for all the time I didn't or wouldn't put my stupid phone down to talk to my wife or my kids. 

I've never been a claustrophobic person, that was one of Sallie's deals I never understood. But after 24 hours in that cell, I started to feel somewhat panicked about being in there. Somehow, someway, I made it through the 100 hours of isolation. 

On Tuesday, January 30, I heard the computer clicking open all of our cell doors and an announcement came that the flu lock down had officially been lifted. They were giving us 2 hours out of our cells. I wanted to use my phone list (3 phone numbers) but a background check had to be done before you could call. That whole process could take up to 1 week, so I wouldn't be calling anyone anytime soon. 

As all of the inmates gathered on the Pod floor, it was impossible not to be a little intimidated by the appearance of some of the inmates. Shaved heads with tattoos all over their heads, faces, arms, bodies and legs. The gang signs were prevalent. I thought that I would be able to just keep to myself but immediately people started approaching me and I quickly figured out that I was being recruited by different gangs. Aryan Nation, The Northerners, The Southerners, Bloods, etc...it was like I was a gang career fair.

As each different group approached me, I couldn't help but ask more about each gang-

Do you guys have a mission statement? 

What are your core values? 

What would my benefit package look like? 

Do I have to shave my head? 

Do I need a tattoo? 

I've got alot of really good friends who are brown, black, white, short, tall, do I have to cut ties? 

I was a recruit-it was the best I had felt in days.

After about 2 hours being out of our cells, the guards informed us that we needed to return to our cells, As I returned to my cell, I found myself wishing that the gang recruiters had pamphlets or pass along cards that could help me in deciding who to join.

I remember Joseph Smith's plight that can be found in Joseph Smith History 1:10 or 11. I think its says, "In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or are they all wrong together? If anyone of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" ( it might not be quoted exactly as I am recalling from memory) 

After contemplating all of the gang doctrines that had been presented, I came to the same conclusion as Joseph (minus the Heavenly Messengers) that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong. When were let out for dinner, I let each of the recruiters know that I would not being joining their gang-I would remain in  my own gang consisting of one hot blond, 4 really good kids and a dog. Our gang should be considered "neutral” and friendly to all. 😁

On day 5, I was approached by the guards about being a "Porter". A Porter is essentially a janitor for the Pod. You clean cells, showers, halls, empty garbage and deliver laundry. Ironically enough, the reason I was approached was because I did not have any gang affiliations. Many of the inmates in Pod 3 are not allowed to be Porters because they are too high risk to be allowed out of their cells. About 50% of Pod 3 was only allowed out of their cells to take a shower-and even the shower had locks on it.

As a Porter you are typically out of your cell 75% of the day doing your janitorial duties. You also get special phone privileges and allowed to use the phones just about anytime. I jumped on this opportunity and being a Porter really helped pass the time. Eventually my phone list was approved and I was able to call Sal and the kids on a regular basis. I was even allowed to watch the SuperBowl.

I was also able to meet with a case manager. Case managers are responsible for scoring inmates based on a number of criteria (current crime, family, education, criminal history). The results of the scoring determines what kind of facility you are ultimately sent to. The scale looks like this:

0-4 Minimum

5-8 Minimum Restricted

9-14 Medium

15-18 Maximum

18+ Super Maximum

I received a score of 3 so I was told that I would be going to a minimum security facility or "camp" as they are called. In the State of Colorado, there are 4 minimum facilities-Canon City, Delta, Rifle and Golden. Now it was just a matter of waiting for a spot to open up at one of these facilities and I would be done with DRDC.

As I waited to be sent out to one of these camps, I actually enjoyed getting to know alot of the other inmates in Pod 3. I regularly ate dinner and had conversations with people that had committed atrocious crimes-murder, human trafficking, armed robbery etc...and I will tell you this- they were pretty normal conversations. So many of these inmates come from such complicated life situations. I know that as I got to know people in here, I've had alot of empathy for the horrific backgrounds that many of them were raised in. That's never an excuse for committing some of these crimes, but its certainly a factor.

After 10 long days in DRDC, I was informed that I was finally being moved to a different facility. Unfortunately, the facility I was being moved to was not my final destination-just another holding facility. I was happy to be moving but disappointed to still not know where my final destination would be. The name of the holding facility was cell house 5- the name made me smile. Not just because the name sounds like a horror movie but because Cell House 5 is a historical legend that I happened to have read alot about...


Brandon Stephens, Weld County Jail, Wood Group, Sentenced, 5 Years, Prison, NFL, DRDC, Rifle Correctional Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, Jail, Judge Quammen, Steve Wrenn, Weld County, Executive, Oil, Gas, White Collar, Wood, BYU, Masters Degree, Colorado State University, SWIFT, Firefighter, Wildland, Sawyer, Fire, Inmate, Brandon Stokey, Miracles, Centennial Community Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, DRDC, Denver Diagnostic and Reception Center, Felony, Sallie Stephens, Greeley Tribune, Judge Thomas Quammen, DA Steve Wrenn, Weld County Court, Oil & Gas,. Halfway House, Centennial Community Correction Center, CCTC, Felon, 416 Fire, Silver Creek Fire, Spring Fire, Cabin Lake Fire, SWIFT Run, 1.5 miles, Fire, Fighter, Brandon Stokey, Running for my life, Elder Gary Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve, Apostles,