From Ivory Towers to Gun Towers

I didn`t realize it early on, but Bertha was emotionally insuring my survival in order that I become an M.D.and reciprocate.I carefully avoided any meaningful relationship for many years and focused on fulfilling the covenant with my mother.

I had kept my mother alive through four grave illnesses until her passing in 1977. I left the emptiness her loss created and began a new life in California.There I achieved a respect and reverance she could never have imagined.I believe I alnost achieved legendary status among the indigent and chronically ill.

In one untoward series of events,I lost the degree and profession that Bertha had lived an eternity to witness.

I was betrayed by a physician assistant who wrongfully accused me of masterminding his criminal activities.I was given the option of acting as an under cover agent for the Department of Justice.My attorneys had left me a position which I judged to be life threatening.I chose to survive and was led away to the harsh reality of the California Institue for Men.

I suvived my prison experience because of a sacred bond with Rooster,an originally hard core,level four inmate who shared a cell at one time with John Clutchette, one of the Soledad "brothers". We defied the segregation in Chino at great personal risk.

I invite you to read the amazing details of this never before articulated recount of a friendship in prison that defied all conventional wisdom.