From right to left: Sandy, Rodney, and Pepper

Dear friend,

In 1996, I started dating a handsome man named Rodney Mack. It was an unlikely match: me, a suburban Catholic school girl with a crush, and Rodney, a sometimes-bad boy who could be too stubborn to listen.

After we'd been together for a while, Rodney got into trouble and was sent to prison for a very long time. I saw firsthand what prison can do to people. Loved ones will leave, promises will be broken, and the regrets are breathtaking. There is so much shame faced by families and people in the system. I was so worried about my Rodney.

But then, during his first year inside, a box arrived. I thought, "What on earth is this?" I opened it and saw a beautifully decorated candy tower with a card that read, "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart."

It was from Rodney. I thought, "How could this man possibly be thinking of me and Christmas when the absolute worst just happened to him?!" Turns out he sent it through a company that arranged gift boxes from prisoners.

Year after year, a box always arrived — and year after year, Rodney and I grew closer. We started our own business connecting prisoners and people on the outside through gifts just like my candy tower. His involvement was key to our relationship, and also to Rodney's well-being in general.

Our journey with him being in prison came to an end with the passing of the First Step Act. Rodney was released last November! This will be our first Valentine’s Day together in 19 years. We will be celebrating our relationship and our mission: to fight for reform and keep families connected. Will you join us?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sandy Saldana for FAMM