Letters From Prison: Kurtis & Joe, Part 1 – Coffee and Trust

Written by Melissa Bee

June 24, 2025

This week, we’re sharing something extra special with our Letters From Prison series.

Every week we get touching letters from inside. Some land quietly, like a sparrow on a windowsill (you’ll read about that in Part 3), and end up turning into one of our most meaningful connections.

This is one of those stories.

In October 2022, I received a message from Kurtis in an Illinois prison. He wasn’t writing for himself, but for his celly, Joe.

Kurtis, knowing his transfer to a different institution was imminent, hoped someone on the outside could step in as a friend until it was Joe’s turn to move.

Their story begins with this first message from Kurtis.

Coming Tomorrow in Part 2:

In a place where most look out only for themselves, Kurtis quietly takes on the care of his new celly Joe.


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Scroll down and comment below if you’ve ever had a friend like this

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