The letter you will read below was written by Perry Dean Antoine, from Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba.

Perry is a Native man who has lived all of his adult life on the streets.  He has shared with us at the Mission his life story, as he had given us permission to tell his story back in 2004.

The Mission has three articles previously written about Perry Antoine & his family (sister Evelyn Hayden), which first appeared on this site in 2004.  We encourage you to read them:

  1.  “Are We Ready To Face Our Issues for A United Canada?”
  2. “Missing: Running Away The Day Before Court And Why”
  3. “Evelyn Hayden’s Story”

And so this letter below, continues the story of one man who is learning about what it is to be loved by a father and a true family, by the transformation of his own heart:

  • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sun. June 11, 2006

“Hello Dad”,
Happy Father’s Day to you!  How are you doing?  At times I worry, but I guess that’s just me right?  Dad I hope you’re not, still not mad at me?  If I offended you in any way please find it in your heart to forgive me?  I even forgot my manners, to seven say thank you for helping me so much, so with my heart and my soul spirit, thank you for everything!!  Please don’t give-up on me as I still have a future left!!

After I’m finished my 8 1/2 years incarcerated.  I’ll never learn will I?  I’m 45 and I’ll be over 50 when I’m out.  By the way Dad how is Amy?  And the rest I forgot their names, maybe because of these 2 mental plates on the right side of my skull! 

Roger I still keep all of my Christian friends in my prayers.  I hope the Shroud will expand.  Those two girls that were going to school, are they back?  I hope so as they were doing good with you to guide and lead!!

I heard my sister Evelyne is working at Revenue Canada making $20/hr.  So that’s good! 

Well Roger keep your faith strong as you always do.  Please try and keep me in your prayers.  Merci Macoo!  Even if the other members would write to me please ask them and I will sure answer them.

This will be all 4-now.  Please write soon?

Love, Your son  always,
Perry.

Though I walk the mile in your moccasins, through this jungle of concrete and steel, I leave no tracks for the Great Spirit is carrying me.  He knows I’m too weak, I knocked and he answered.