A Refreshing & Uplifting Surprise (When I Really Needed It)

Complying with a subpoena to testify regarding one of the inmates on my Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI- Hagerstown) caseload on his open prison escape charges in Washington County Circuit Court today, an refreshing and uplifting surprise was awaiting me.
When I walked into the "witness" area adjacent to the courtroom, there were several sequestered Correctional Officers already there.
They were at court to provide their individual testimony regarding this inmate's escape from work release at the Maryland Correctional Training Center (MCTC- Hagerstown) in 2003.
As soon as they saw me, one of the officers said, "There's Larry D. Kump - the Correctional Officers' friend!".
She then further amazed me by continuing on tell the other officers, a State Trooper, and a few other folks about all that she knew about my job justice efforts via the Maryland Classified Employees Association (MCEA) on their behalf, as well as on behalf of all other Maryland State Employees.
I was more than flabbergasted that anyone had known and remembered so much about me, especially since all of these folks were strangers to me... until today.
And, for once (but only briefly), I was at a loss for words, but nonetheless grateful for those sincere and kind words of encouragement and support.
Sometimes it's these little things and unexpected acts of kindness and support from others that give you so much extra strength to carry on and "not go gently into that good night" (Dylan Thomas).
Help often is providentially provided to us in the most wonderful ways.
By the way, the inmate received a 7.5 year additional sentence.