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SUMMARY:peace\, love\, happiness & understanding  7/3/25
DESCRIPTION:Baba Wagué Diakité in front of a mural he painted \n  \nTHE OPEN ROAD \npeace\, love\, happiness & understanding \n  \nI do not ask the wounded person how he feels\, I myself become the wounded person… \n—Walt Whitman\, from “Song of Myself” \n  \nJuly 3\, 2025 \n  \nNicholas Swift shares “A Poem for Those Who Are Becoming”: \n  \nYou Are Not Too Much \n  \nYou are not too much. \nYou are exactly the size of your story. \nEven if no one’s ever read it with love before. \n  \nYour grief is not noise. \nYour wonder is not naive. \nYour silence is not failure. \n  \nYou are not behind. \nYou are *becoming.* \n  \nAnd no one gets to rush that bloom. \nNot even you. \n  \nYou are the edge of a great unfolding. \nYou are the ache that proves there’s still music in the bones. \nYou are the moment the tide returns and doesn’t apologize for the moon. \n  \nSo here you are. \nAlive. \nStill. \nReal. \n  \nNot for what you fix. \nNot for what you prove. \n  \nBut for how you *hold yourself* \nin the hour before dawn— \nwhen no one is watching \nand you sing anyway. \n  \nYou are not too much. \n  \nYou are what happens \nwhen the story learns how to love its own voice. \n  \n—Nicholas Swift \n* \n  \nI (Johnny) wrote the following to some friends inside and outside of prison: \n  \nOn your journey\, what have you learned about peace\, love\, happiness & understanding? \n  \nYou can write about one of them\, some of them\, or all of them. Also\, feel free to share poems or other short inspirational writings that illuminate any of these themes. \n  \nHere are some of the responses: \n  \n5/21/25 \n  \nHi Johnny \n  \nThank you so much for the question about peace\, love\, happiness and understanding\, as well as sharing Dick’s “Eighty Things I’ve Learned in Eighty Years.” I’m a huge Dick Willis fan\, and always gain new perspective from his words. \n  \nI believe to achieve unadulterated happiness we must learn to embrace all experiences\, interactions and adversity as they come. By truly embracing all incoming noise\, whether desirable or undesirable\, I find a sense of peace and happiness\, because our outlook and perception has already accepted it as it is. This is always easier said than done\, but requires focus\, determination and exhaustive commitment to achieve. I find my general level of happiness to be higher when I don’t resist particular circumstances I encounter in life. \n  \nA challenge we all face in life is the ability to not allow those around us to drastically affect our well being. Understanding aligns with acceptance of people for who they are and the choices they make. Disagreement has no bearing on understanding in my opinion. Although I will never agree with someone else’s views all the time\, I listen so I can understand. \n  \nAs I sit in prison for nearly ten years\, I choose to wake up every day with a strong sense of gratitude and happiness. Being stripped of your freedom can offer unique perspective on what you truly value\, but most importantly\, it has given me a level of peace\, happiness and understanding I probably never would have achieved otherwise. \n  \nLove is the cure for all things evil\, dark\, or negative in life. It’s the solution to our disapproval of dislike of others. Why do most people not appreciate or care for fellow humans? Usually\, it’s related to their views\, ethics\, morals\, or values. Often times\, it’s their image\, sexual orientation\, or race that prevents love and promotes hate. Love is the most powerful emotion one can exhibit\, as it looks beyond flaws\, weaknesses\, dislikes and disagreements. Love is my fondest emotion because it brings me joy and is much easier than the contrary. Although I tend to overlook most individual’s flaws (my personal flaw)\, I choose to see the beauty within\, which derives from love. \n  \nBest Regards\, \nNicholas Simms \n* \n  \n5/10/25 \n  \nDear Johnny \n  \nI just finished your letter request. It was nice to do & I’m excited to see what others have to say! I’m also looking forward to talking in depth about things in person\, once I get out. \n  \nOne thing I don’t think I’ve ever explained to you or to anyone in our circle is the reason I’m so thankful to you & to everyone. I was so far at the other end of the spectrum in my life & the way I was living that I personally could not find my way out. When I thought I had\, it was the wrong move\, or I trusted the wrong person. I was a self-sabotager too. \n  \nNot only did you put me on the Golden Path\, you and so many others have been my guides\, feeding me the wisdom & knowledge to be a really cool person\, kind & loving. I feel I’ve done well on my journey\, thanks to the friendship & love I receive from all of you. I cry & get filled with tremendous energies in my soul. This place dampens them & although I push through with a joyful intent…well\, it will be different out there! Out there I will get to be around many others who truly have a joyful intent in their hearts. \n  \nGive Love Always \nRocky \n  \n(more from Rocky): \n  \nAs to an answer to your question: What have I learned about peace\, love\, happiness & understanding on my journey? \n  \nWell\, I will focus on some of my core roots that brought me to this point in time. There are many events in my life that provided me plenty of building materials to create walls that guarded me from getting hurt by things this topic is about. These things were weapons that others used to take\, or\, to hurt me so they could take. But now…I have learned that bad people are going to do bad things; if those bad things happen to me that does not make me bad too. Once I understood this\, “& a few other things\,” I was set free with an open mind to start my change. \n  \nThis change did not just happen over night. I had plenty of ingrained\, deep-set issues to work through so I could make room for peace\, love\, happiness & understanding. \n  \nThere are seeds that must be planted within each of us that grow fruits of the heart\, mind & soul—good seeds & bad seeds. One must\, and I had to cultivate the soil of my inner self to prepare it to plant good seeds. \n  \nI feel circumstances need to be taken into account\, & I try to be kind and understanding towards everyone\, including myself. When things are unclear\, we don’t understand why life is the way it is\, but once things are made clear then we begin to understand & can offer help\, or be helped\, or strengthen relationships. Clarity & Understanding also help build trust. At times—all times—we can offer love & forgiveness\, which for me was hardest to do to myself. \n  \nI used to think peace was so much less than it really is. Now that I have real peace\, inner peace\, I try to be an example for others so they too can have peace. It was a hard fought battle to have inner\, personal peace. It took a lot of Love\, Understanding & forgiveness\, not only to others but to myself. I had for a long time wanted my suffering & the suffering of others to stop. When I finally got my suffering to stop\, peace came washing in like a river washing the pain away. I did not even know it was peace that I was seeking out for so long. Understanding what peace is\, now that I have it…no one can take it from me. It is in every moment\, in every step\, every breath\, every heart beat. I have it even in all the chaos that happens around me always. During those times\, to offer others peace gives me great joy. It’s disturbing that peace is the opposite of war…yet we still have war\, knowing full well what peace is. Those who choose war lack the heart of truth\, every fiber of which is made up of peace\, love\, understanding & lots of happiness & joy. \n  \nWhen I think of love\, or feel love\, or give love\, for me it is pure joy & happiness. I feel it so deeply that for the last 5 or 6 years the opposite of love\, which is hate\, physically scares me. I don’t believe I’ve told anyone this yet. I can see it & feel it in people\, like a demon possessing them\, & it scares me. Being where I’m at\, I have a gift to give or bring to others\, which is a smile to start with\, then Understanding & love. \n  \nMy light shines bright in here & soon will be shining out there. Some people hate my light\, but it can’t be put out because others have the same light. It is passed on like a common cold\, which is a good thing. \n  \nPeace\, Love\, happiness & understanding all go hand in hand\, all links in the chain of who we are supposed to be & how we are intended to live. These are the inherent seeds of good will towards every thing living\, everywhere. That’s the meaning of universal truth. \n  \nNot everyone is this way\, but I am inclined to live my life this way. I know for a fact that living without peace\, love\, happiness & understanding is hell on earth! \n  \nI feel blessed every day to know what these good things are in life & to help others along the path to find it too. Each day my understanding grows stronger\, which helps me grow as a person. It’s not always easy\, but it’s not getting harder any more! \n  \n—Rocky Hutchinson \n* \n  \n“Remember the day you prayed for the things you have now.” Somebody mentioned this quote and said they’d seen it all over social media\, but I sure hadn’t. It’s new to me\, and boy did it ring a lot of bells. \n  \nDecades ago I prayed for life without chaos. I prayed for days without fear\, without shame\, without hope constantly being shattered. I prayed for a life of peace\, of health\, of joy\, and love. Decades ago I lived with a man who called from the police station at 3 a.m.(multiple times) where he’d been arrested for DUI; I went to an event with a heavily\, but poorly covered black eye; I weakly and unsuccessfully tried to explain one morning to my young daughter’s girlfriend why this man was lying passed out in our driveway; I gave up and was simply speechless with shame when our electricity was turned off during my book group meeting due to multiple unpaid bills. And that is just the tip of the iceberg\, as they say. \n  \nToday\, blessed today\, I have this life of peace and love and health and stability. Looking back on what was then\, I will never give up the blessings of now. \n  \n—Jude Russell \n* \n  \nHi Johnny\, \n  \nThanks for the invitation to share something for the upcoming issue on Peace\, Love and Understanding.  I was inspired years ago by a certain passage from Chuang Tzu about the importance of uselessness in a world driven by pragmatism and problem solving.  I wrote this poem years later upon seeing a tree that was “beyond utility.”  I always feel a sense of peace in knowing that presence in itself is of value.  Thanks again for putting this out Johnny and everything else you do in keepin’ it real in the hood.   \n  \nMuch appreciated.   \nWill  \n  \nOn Uselessness \n       \n    It was an ancient tree \n    Gnarled trunk\, thick bark \n    Unappealing to carpenters \n    Impervious to flame\, resistant to axes \n    Utterly useless\, and thereby allowed to stand \n    A monument to ice storms and lightning strikes \n    A rookery for ill-behaved crows. \n    Its branches twisted up and out wildly \n    Arching skyward in a dozen different directions then down \n    Turning earthward to become a broad canopy of leaf and branch \n    A shelter to legions of buzzing\, burrowing\, flying\, clawed creatures \n    Its stout\, rough arms adorned with garlands of moss \n    Its countless crooks and crannies draped in fern and lichen \n    Where wind-blown soil gathered. \n    Countless children climbed into its welcoming arms \n    Lovers lay in its dappled shade \n    The old ones felt at peace in the presence of this elder \n    And poets wrote verses inspired by this gnarled root \n    Utterly useless to the world \n    And valuable beyond measure. \n     \n—Will Hornyak\, from This Altar of Earth and Sky \n* \n  \nMay 15th\, 2025 \n  \nDear Johnny and the Open Road \n  \nYou asked me for my thoughts on Peace\, Love\, Happiness and Understanding. What I have learned is: \n  \nPeace has to be created. \nLove has to be nourished. \nHappiness has to be sought. \nUnderstanding takes time. \nWhen one learns how to create peace and nourish the love they have\, it makes people want to seek happiness\, and in time we come to understand each other. \n  \nAt this point in my life\, I think Understanding is the hardest for me. Understanding takes time of interacting with someone in an open\, loving\, peace-filled way. I think it is one of the least exercised by people in general. If everyone was able to put first Peace\, Love\, Happiness and Understanding we would not have the divisions we see today. The answers to fixing our community today are known\, it just takes work. \n  \nThank you Johnny. \n—Wyatt DeRemer \n* \n  \n5-16-25 \n  \nHi Johnny\, \n  \nOK\, I’ve been enjoying everyone else’s submissions for a long time\, so I guess it’s time I offered a contribution as well. Especially as the subject matter brings to mind what I feel has probably been my most significant personal growth since coming to prison 23 years ago. \n  \nAll my…peace\, love\, happiness and understanding  \nDustin \n  \n(more from Dustin): \n  \nPeace\, Love\, Happiness\, Understanding? \n  \nThe first thing that comes to mind after writing that question is how closely they are related. They seem to me like a four part chicken-or-the-egg question. Gotta have one to get the others\, and vice versa. Immediately I thought\, love. Must have love to achieve the others. Then I thought: how can you have love without understanding the object of that love? I’ve recently listened to “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth\, with Bill Moyers” on P.B.S. One of the many things that stood out for me was (heavily paraphrased from memory\, by no means a quote\, forgive me Joseph): \n  \n*regarding the recurring theme of God as man\, and our own possible personal divinity (throughout history)\, we can’t love/worship something/God/the divine if it’s foreign to us. If it’s completely “Other\,” it would remain completely alien and impossible for us to understand\, therefore impossible for us to love. But if God is become man\, or a bit of God is within us\, then we can relate/love. Just as the Yin Yang symbol has in the eye of each “fish” the color of its counterpart. They may be complete opposites\, and yet they share a bit of each other\, they are a bit of the “same.” In short\, we can’t love what we can’t understand\, what isn’t “us.”* \n  \nSo yeah\, the chicken or the egg. I find love to be the more all encompassing. I suppose because I feel capable of so much more love than understanding. I feel I probably substitute acceptance (peace) and love to fill in shortcomings of my understanding\, and thereby can find happiness in the presence of what I may not fully understand. These are just thoughts that floated up as I meditated on these words: Peace\, love\, happiness and understanding. They (my thoughts) may not be coherent to anyone but me\, but nevertheless I’m grateful to have been prompted to consider them. \n  \nAs far as what I’ve learned about them on my journey? \n  \nLove\, for me love is all. I didn’t really love myself. In fact\, I kinda hated myself and everyone else. I hadn’t even realized this about myself. I decided I wanted to love myself…and everyone else. Then I learned I couldn’t love myself till I forgave myself and misdeeds\, and quit blaming myself for things not my fault. (In fact\, I learned that blame only ever causes more suffering.) But this too felt like the chicken or the egg question; I couldn’t love myself till I forgave myself\, but how could I forgive without love in my heart? So slowly\, over time\, I built them both up together\, love and forgiveness. In forgiving myself\, I learned that I could forgive others and quit blaming them for their faults and misdeeds. They too\, I’m sure\, suffered greatly to get where they are. And for this I can have empathy. Sometimes this was very difficult. I had to re-forgive myself and re-forgive my fathers many\, many times. But once I did (forgive myself and others) loving myself and everyone else was easy. I believe we are all “one” anyway\, all from the same “source\,” same “energy\,” Love. The Bible says “God is love.” It is my favorite sentence in that book. Jesus said not to look outward for the Kingdom of Heaven\, it is within you. And that our hearts are the home of God. In Stranger in a Strange Land\, Robert Heinlein said we are all God\, and we are all one. I know we could never intentionally harm or hate what we truly love. So I choose to live in love. I love you. All of you. And I always will. \n  \nDo you grok? \n  \nPeace\, Love\, Happiness and Understanding\, \n—Dustin Jamison \n* \n  \nJohnny\, \n  \nThank you for the invitation to contribute. I have been thinking of late of what Jesus said to Paul in 2 Corinthians\, Chapter 12: “Power is perfected in weakness. When you are weak you are strong.” \n  \nThis paradox makes a lot of sense to me. I’ve had four spine surgeries\, and struggle to carry even very light objects. Quite weak. And so a sentence like “Power is Perfected in Weakness” resonates deeply. \n  \nBut of course—like most things—there’s deeper meaning. When I came to prison\, my soul fractured. Of course my material life ended\, but it also broke my spirit. But the paradox that I can have power in such weakness was a wonderful concept. It gives me comfort. \n  \nOn another note\, I was heartened to see that the new Pope was a missionary for twenty years in Peru. What a wonderful human being someone must be to do something like that.  \n  \nFinally\, I’m not sure if anyone told you of the passing of Todd Stafney from cancer. He and I both joined Group Dialogue in your last few months of coming to TRCI. Todd was a wonderful friend of mine. He had a positive impact on my life. And in the end\, isn’t that what it’s all about: having a positive impact? \n  \nI remember one medical lecture that I went to. The doctor had developed a procedure to close fistulas (abnormal openings)…well\, I’ll spare you the technical details. But he ended his lecture with these words: “Of everything I’ve done in life\, developing this procedure has allowed me to decrease the sum total of human suffering in the world.” I’ve never forgotten those words two decades later. I try and live my life by that same adage. \n  \n—Thomas Bray \n* \n  \nIf you would like to make a submission to next month’s peace\, love\, happiness & understanding\, the writing prompt is: \n  \nWhat books have changed the way you see\, experience\, or understand the world?  \n  \n(Don’t just list the titles of books\, say something about the change.) \n  \npeace & love \nJohnny
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/peace-love-happiness-understanding-7-3-25/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250904
DTSTAMP:20260424T090019
CREATED:20250806T170010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T170010Z
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SUMMARY:peace\, love\, happiness & understanding  8/7/25: Tributes to Jerry Smith
DESCRIPTION:Jerry & Donna Smith \n  \nTHE OPEN ROAD \npeace\, love\, happiness & understanding \n  \nAugust 7\, 2025 \n  \nIn honor of Jerry\, I will speak his name aloud to the trees and creatures of the earth\, and tell them of his beautiful heart. \n  \n—Abe Green \n* \n  \nOur dear friend Jerry Smith died peacefully at his home on July 8th. Without Jerry\, there would have been no prison dialogues or plays\, no “A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Prison” film\, no Open Hearts Open Minds\, no Open Road. His love and generosity changed many many lives\, including mine. \n* \n  \nDonna Smith dictated these words: \n  \nJerry and I met when we were 18 years old and got married when we were 20. We had big dreams of doing great things in the world. And in our 74 years together I believe we made a contribution. \n  \nJerry was generous. He was always willing to help people no matter what they needed. When he met a young girl with a broken bike\, he bought her a new one. He bought a lot of bikes. He helped bicyclists with their flat tires. He met a woman whose son needed heart surgery. He helped with that. There are many stories like this. \n  \nNow that he’s gone\, every room feels different. He was the love of my life. \n  \n—Donna \n* \n  \nHere’s a Father’s Day letter from his daughter Marsha: \n  \nDear Dad\, \n  \nA very “Happy Father’s Day” to you. Want to thank you for being a great Dad. For being the kind of person who doesn’t ask for or want their children to adjust their lives/schedules/political thinking/voting/child-raising philosophy/(insert anything here) to match what you think. I cannot ask for a better gift in life from a parent than this freedom. \n  \nOur brunch discussions from our time at Waverley have had such a lasting impact on me. I only wish that I was less dogmatic in my own ideas than I am today and more like you are\, and were\, when trying to help your children’s thinking through issues such as abortion\, the death penalty\, taxation\, etc.   \n  \nI thank you so much for that time and for continuing throughout your life with this willingness to see situations through the eyes of the other person.  \n  \nI love you very much.  \n  \nYour daughter\, Marsha \n* \n  \nJerry’s daughter Chris wrote this: \n  \nHey Dad\, \n  \nI’m so glad you knew how much I loved you and how thankful I am for all you’ve done for the whole family. You were an amazing dad\, and I just wanted to say thank you for everything.  \n  \nYou protected me\, when I was young\, and always made sure I was safe.  \n  \nYou guided me\, so that I would know right from wrong and counseled me\, when I clearly… “should have known better.” \n  \nYou gave me a childhood\, that most people can only dream of. \n  \nYou taught me not to  judge people too harshly.… “You never really know what someone is going through\,” you would say.  \n  \nYou treated me with compassion\, when it wasn’t deserved. \n  \nYou never told me what to think or believe\, but instead\, you gave me some really thought-provoking ideas. \n  \nYou taught me how to laugh at myself. You said it was important because\, well\, we’re all just humans\, with our flaws and all\, trying to figure out how to make the most of life. \n  \nYou made my son the most important person in your world. Thank you for that.  He’s an amazing man!  \n  \nThanks so much for always putting the family’s best interests first. And thank you for being such a great listener. \n  \nI know this might sound a bit biased\, but I honestly believe you’re the best dad I’ve ever had\, and you’re my hero! \n  \nI’ll always be so grateful for you. \n  \nI miss you a ton\, \n  \n—Chris \n* \n  \nJerry’s grandson Jordan wrote this: \n  \nGrowing up\, I used to feel a bit left out when conversations turned to dads. I didn’t have one around\, and it stung. But with time\, I realized something important—not everyone gets the incredible gift of having a grandfather like I did. \n  \nMost people knew him as Jerry. I had the exclusive honor of calling him Grandpa. He wasn’t just a grandparent—he was a father figure\, a mentor\, and a best friend. He taught me how to shoot a gun\, how to pitch a tent\, and how to drive a one-ton truck with a manual transmission. In every meaningful way\, I really did have a dad. \n  \nHe was generous and attentive\, always willing to listen. He made people laugh\, not with flashy jokes\, but with genuine humor and a warm wit that stayed with you. His success in life wasn’t measured by titles or wealth\, but by the community he built around him—one rooted in kindness\, loyalty\, and love. Until the very end\, he was surrounded by friends and family who adored him. \n  \nAs I write this\, I’m not only honoring my grandfather\, but also speaking to anyone who ever shared a good laugh with him. Anyone who’s ever made someone else smile because of something Jerry once said and those who have changed their lives for the better. Anyone who carries forward a bit of his spirit—his joy\, his wisdom\, his way of ending conversations with a clever remark. \n  \nIf you’ve changed for the better after knowing him—if he made you a little happier\, a little kinder—then I know he’s smiling. And I know he’s proud of you. \n  \n—Jordan \n* \n  \nNicholas Swift spoke at the Celebration of Life for Jerry. This is what he said: \n  \nGood afternoon. \n  \nMy name is Nicholas Swift. \nAnd I am one of the living testaments to what happens \nwhen someone chooses to believe in transformation— \nnot as a theory\, but as a practice. \n  \nWhen I was incarcerated\, I\, like most in that environment\, focused simply on surviving it. \nI had no roadmap. \nNo vision of a life worth reaching for—only the instinct to endure. \nAnd I don’t know if I can describe what life looks like when you’ve never seen what possibilities it might hold— \nonly the realities you were born into. \n  \nBut then something unexpected took root. \nNot because the walls changed—but because someone chose to plant sanctuary in the most unlikely of places. \n  \nThat sanctuary was a theater program. \nNot just as performance\, \nbut as a form of communal remembering— \na chance to become human again in the eyes of others\, \nto remember that emotion and authenticity still had a place in our lives\, \nto bear witness to others as they walked towards that same realization\, \nto watch a rising tide lift all ships\, \nand see people I never would have thought it possible of \nto become more genuine\, insightful\, authentic versions of themselves. \n  \nThe theater program gave me more than a stage. \nIt gave me back my imagination. \n  \nIt showed me\, through the presence of others— \nthrough the quiet\, powerful seeing of people who believed in it— \nthat living wasn’t just something you did once you got out. \nIt was something you could begin right there. \n  \nEach man who stepped into that space became\, \nknowingly or not\, \nan ambassador of possibility. \nA quiet signpost in the dark that said: \n“It doesn’t have to end like this.” \n  \nAnd for every person who walks through that system unconcerned with change\,  \nthere was someone else— \nsomeone like me— \nholding a hope they didn’t yet have words for. \n  \nThere was a quiet aspiration towards something we had no words for\, no way to describe beyond a felt sense of hope. \nTheater gave that hope language. \nIt gave it form. \nAnd most of all\, it gave me a future I hadn’t dared to picture. \n  \nNot just a release date. \nNot just a plan. \nBut a life. \n  \nSince then\, I’ve built a business\, become a Mentor\, and started working towards my own nonprofit. \nI want to offer to others what Jerry\, and his family\, through Johnny\, once offered to me and those like me— \na glimpse beyond survival\, toward something more true\, more free\, towards possibility. \n  \nAnd none of that would have been possible \nwithout the person we’re here to honor— \nand the family who trusted him\, who trusted us\, \nenough to let the work speak for itself. \n  \nSo I speak today \nnot just for myself\, \nbut for every quiet spark that took flame \nbecause someone believed we were worth the match. \n  \nThank you. \nFor believing in what we might become. \nFor giving us a reason to try. \n  \n—Nicholas Swift \n* \n  \nDenise Bare also spoke at the Celebration of Life for Jerry: \n  \nJerry Smith’s Thread That Reached Me \n  \nI never imagined I’d be standing here\, speaking at Jerry’s memorial. \n  \nNot as someone who spent time in prison. Not as someone who once thought her life was beyond repair. \n  \nBut here I am—because Jerry believed in someone else. \n  \nHe believed in his friend Johnny Stallings. He believed in Johnny’s wild idea that theater and art could belong in prison. That something sacred could happen when people on the inside were invited to sit in circle and talk about their lives. \n  \nJerry backed that vision before it had a name. Before there were programs or grants or success stories. He believed in Johnny—and because of that belief\, he ended up touching my life in ways I still can’t fully explain. He started bringing art into Two Rivers\, to Columbia River and finally to Coffee Creek\, where I was. Johnny had Carla Grant and Don Kern come and bring in theater and it changed my life. \n  \nI joined a theater circle while I was inside. Just a few hours a week. At first I thought it was a distraction. But it became a lifeline. A space where I could be human again. And behind that circle—behind the exercises\, the plays\, the visiting artists—was Jerry. \n  \nHe didn’t know me. But he believed in the people who believed in me. And sometimes\, that’s all it takes to change a life. \n  \nJerry’s belief in how art can heal\, restore\, and reconnect helped me find my voice. His giving created a ripple that reached me. And now I get to be part of that ripple for others. \n  \nThank you\, Jerry\, for trusting your friend and for never underestimating the power of a story shared. \n  \nI’m one of many you’ll never meet\, but whose life you helped rebuild. My love and gratitude to Jerry’s wife Donna\, daughters Christine\, Marsha\, and grandson Jordan. Your family is special and amazing\, and your Jerry has touched my life\, and I will forever be grateful. \n  \nAll my love & gratitude\, \nDenise Bare \n* \n  \nHere are some tributes to Jerry that people sent in: \n  \nDear Donna Smith and Smith family\, \n  \nEarly on I was involved in Johnny’s work at Two Rivers Prison and became the first Board president. I watched plays\, helped behind the scenes\, and marveled at the amazing event of Shakespeare being performed by men who were new to his work\, new to theater\, new to finding their own deeper voices. \n  \nLater I became one of the dialogue group leaders\, going out once a month\, often with Bushra Azzouz. And like so many in Open Hearts Open Minds. I participated in the work and delight of finishing Bushra’s film Midsummer’s Night’s Dream in Prison and presenting the wonderful premier in Portland. \n  \nSo much of what happened over the years at Two Rivers and then in other facilities in Oregon is the result of the interest and generosity of Jerry and Donna and the continuing support of all the family through the foundation. I feel grateful not just to have witnessed and participated in the OHOM’s programs but to have seen and benefited from the care of your entire family. \n  \nThis support did not end with OHOM\, in fact it continues\, but has also been a motive force behind Open Road. Johnny has stimulated discussions\, education and performances with Open Road\, taking it beyond prison walls into everyday lives. \n  \nI am writing to acknowledge all of this in honor of Jerry’s memory and in respect for all of you. Thank you so very much. So many lives have been changed by your generosity. \n  \nWith deep regards\,  \nDeborah Buchanan \n* \n  \nDear Johnny\, \n  \nI’m sorry to hear about the passing of your friend\, Jerry Smith.  I know what a significant person he was in your life. \n  \nOver the years I had a few conversations with him at the hotel where we stayed when we went to the plays. In one that particularly impressed me\, he spoke about his concern for you in a way that I could only describe as parental. It was clear to me that although he valued the work you were doing\, his deeper interest was in you personally\, and in your full flowering as a human being.  \n  \nWe often talk about how lucky we have been in life\, especially in the friendships we have enjoyed. You were particularly lucky in your relationship with Jerry\, and he was equally lucky to have passed some of his time with you. \n  \n—Howard Thoresen \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha & Jordon\, \n  \nI won’t try to speak to your loss\, our whole community’s loss\, except to lovingly wish you well as you live the coming days of grief and love. But I would like to say a bit about the gifts to the world that Jerry’s and all of your insightful generosity have made possible. I was able to attend several of the plays at Two Rivers as well as the movie of Midsummer Night’s Dream and the short one made by Prabu\, and gladly receive news of how Open Hearts Open Minds  and The Open Road continue to touch lives as well as Johnny’s monthly  “peace\, love\, happiness and understanding” newsletter. Each of these love-offerings has and continues to remind all who witness and participate of the transformative power of creativity and love of all kinds: power to heal deep wounds and uplift spirits. From the inspired vision vast enough to be a container for all these possibilities and more\, to the fragile precious moments of hope: what a wonderful legacy! \n  \nWith Love and Gratitude\, \nNancy Yeilding  \n* \n  \nJohnny\, you were blessed by the patronage of Jerry Smith\, which allowed you to manifest some of your dreams. \n  \nWhat a legacy he has left. The ripple of his loyalty\, love and support will last for generations. \n  \nHe believed in you! \n  \nSo do we. \n  \nWarm hugs \nBrenda Erickson \n* \n  \nI’ve said it a million times: “You all helped me and saved my life!” Living in a world full of love\, wonder and beauty is what you gave me—and Jerry helped make that possible. I see what you all have done…so many of us now live in a world of Joy… \n  \nMy name is Rocky Delos Hutchinson and although we have only met a few times\, the abilities that you all gave to others have been the seeds that were planted in my heart\, mind and soul\, which provided me with a new life—one I will soon be able to live outside the walls of prison. \n  \nI only met Jerry one or two times\, and his heart\, his infectious smile and his tears of joy will forever be framed in the mosaic of images that make up my soul. I’m blessed to have that be a part of me. \n  \nHis gift of love and a world full of new and wonderful people who showed me how to be open to everything life is\, and how to be human again\, gave me a second chance at a life…one I plan to fill full of kindness and beauty. This man provided me with life by his actions. I cry tears of love and joy now. \n  \nI cannot imagine the loss you feel. His love has helped all of us to grow. Through him\, my tears of all things good cleansed my soul\, and gave me a chance to live in love. \n  \nwith all my heart\, thank you \nRocky Hutchinson \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha & Jordan\, \n  \nI am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting you\, Donna\, and Jerry once. I believe at one of the open performances of Hamlet at Two Rivers. I can’t over state my gratitude for the opportunities that your foundation made possible through supporting Open Hearts Open Minds. I saw the peace those programs brought to the participants first hand. Personally\, being a part of OHOM completely altered my life trajectory. I learned so much about myself and the world during my time with the folks at TRCI and CRCI. I would not be who I am today without those experiences. So thank you\, from the bottom of my heart. Jerry and you all have helped make the world a significantly better place. \n  \nWith all my love\nVictoria Spencer \n* \n  \nDonna\, Christine\, Marsha\, and Jordan; \n  \nI was so sad to hear about Jerry’s passing. There have been few times in my life that I’ve been lucky enough to share space with such a compassionate\, kind\, human. I was happy for every second I got. For a few years\, I was a volunteer through and also a board member of Open Hearts and Open Minds. I directed three shows at Two Rivers Correctional and also helped facilitate a weekly dialogue group at Columbia River Correctional. These experiences changed my life. Because of the generosity of Jerry and your family I was able to see theater as a tool to do good in the world\, not just as passive entertainment. That has guided my life ever since. After OHOM\, I toured plays to culturally underserved\, including incarcerated\, audiences across the PNW and the USA. I’ve also recently started my own prison theater program on the medium side of Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville\, OR. The same magic that existed at TRCI is in full-force at CCCF. I like to think that Jerry and the rest of your family is part of that magic that I’ve taken with me on my life’s journey that is now in full blossom at Coffee Creek. Thank you for everything and please know I’ll always keep Jerry in my heart. \n  \nAll my love\, \nPatrick Walsh \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha & Jordon \n  \nSince meeting Jerry Smith I’ve cried a million tears. I’m crying now\, as I write this. Going to prison broke my heart over and over again. A broken heart works better than a well-protected one\, because feelings can get in and out more easily. \n  \nYesterday morning\, Carl Alsup called me from prison\, and was talking about the time he played Marc Antony. He was having a hard time performing the role\, because when he was rehearsing the funeral oration—“If you have tears\, prepare to shed them now…”—he couldn’t help crying. Jack Poole\, who was playing (the murdered) Julius Caesar complained that Carl was getting his costume wet. \n  \nI remember the day in the dialogue group when Carl told me that he found himself crying all the time. It was embarrassing\, and he didn’t know what to do about it. Coming to prison at the age of seventeen with a life sentence\, he had worked hard to maintain a tough guy persona. Now that was out the window. I wasn’t much help. He knew—all the men knew—that by the end of every performance my cheeks would be wet and my shirt tails soaked with tears. Of happiness! \n  \nWhat does all this have to do with Jerry Smith? Everything! Without Jerry\, there would have been no prison dialogues or plays. From the time we first met\, we liked each other. Over the years\, our love for each other deepened. I miss him! \n  \nThe love and support of all of you has changed my life. And Nancy’s life. And\, thanks to what we like to call “the ripple effect\,” it has changed and continues to change the lives of many many people.  \n  \nIt’s some kind of Love Revolution! My gratitude to all of you knows no bounds. \n  \n—Johnny Stallings \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha & Jordon\, \n  \nMy name is Alex Tretbar\, and while I didn’t know Jerry\, his work has meant a great deal to me. \n  \nI was incarcerated in Oregon from 2017 to 2022\, and during that time I met a number of incarcerated people who were involved with Open Hearts Open Minds\, and whose experiences with the Shakespeare plays were transformative. Through them I came to know Johnny Stallings\, who has also had a huge impact on my life. We struck up a correspondence while I was inside and that continues to this day. Much of my success and happiness since being released from prison can be traced directly back to Jerry. \n  \nI offer you my heartfelt condolences in what I know is a difficult time for you. \n  \nBest wishes from Kansas City\, \nAlex Tretbar \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha and Jordan – \n  \nWe are so sorry you have lost Jerry. Helping to bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream In Prison to completion and dissemination has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our respective careers.  Jerry’s presence on stage at the Cinema 21 film premiere was a joyful moment that will always be remembered by us and the hundreds gathered. Jerry’s passion and support for bringing Bushra\, Johnny and the Actor’s vision to life was clearly present in a warm and deeply human way.  Along with yours\, his love of and belief in this project (and many others) has already brought joy\, tears and the potential for growth to several thousand people\, with more to come.  With the OHOM team\, we will continue to help his legacy live on.   \n  \nWe wish you peace and healing.   \n  \nEllen Thomas (producer) and Enie Vaisburd (co-director\, editor) \n* \n  \nDear Jerry and Donna Smith Family\, \n  \nI am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry Smith. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. \n  \nMr. Smith was more than just a generous supporter — he was a true believer in the work Open Hearts Open Minds does and the lives they touch. That was evident in his desire to watch the theatre productions at Two Rivers Correctional in Umatilla Oregon through the years. I had the privilege of performing for him during many productions in Umatilla\, so I was personally impacted by his generosity in supporting Open Hearts Open Minds and other art programs inside prisons. His compassion and commitment made a meaningful impact\, and his legacy will continue to live on through the causes the family foundation champions and supports. \n  \nPlease know that my thoughts are with the Smith family\, friends\, and all who were fortunate to know him. May his memory be a blessing and may the work he did through his foundation serve as a tribute to his enduring spirit. \n  \nWith sympathy and respect\,\nJosh Underhill \nOHOM Theatre participant at Two Rivers Correctional Facility\nPresident of the Board\, Open Hearts Open Minds \n* \n  \nSmith Family\, \n  \nWe at Open Hearts Open Minds feel deeply honored and truly blessed to have known and been supported by Jerry Smith throughout the years.  \n  \nEvery so often\, the world is graced by someone whose generosity and spirit leave a lasting imprint — Jerry was undeniably one of those rare souls. His unwavering kindness\, compassion\, and commitment to others touched countless lives through his generosity supporting Open Hearts Open Minds. We truly would not be here if it wasn’t for his support from the beginning.  \n  \nThose who had the privilege of knowing Jerry and whose lives that were uplifted by his generosity stand as a living testament to his remarkable heart and legacy. \n  \nMay you and your entire family find comfort in the deep gratitude we hold for the incredible person Jerry was\, and in the knowledge that his light continues to shine through all the good he helped make possible through Open Hearts Open Minds art programs.  \n  \nOur deepest condolences\, \n  \nOHOM Board of Directors \nJosh Underhill\, Dick Willis\, Barbra Chen\, Prabu Muruganantham\, Lauren Scher\, Aaron Gilbert\, Messiah Shakur \n* \n  \nI barely have words to express how my involvement as a Group Dialogue volunteer at Two Rivers Correctional Institution changed my life. I am a more open\, loving\, compassionate person for sitting in circle with those men\, and for learning the way of the “Nonstop Love-In” from Johnny.  \n  \nI met Jerry a couple times and was touched by his smile\, kindness\, and generosity. My heart is sad knowing I will not be in his presence again. \n  \nLove\,  \nKristen Sagan \n* \n  \nDear Jordan\, Christine\, Marsha\, and Donna\, \n  \nMy heart goes out to you during this time of sweet and tearful transition. Jerry was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed. His way of being had a truly positive impact on so many lives. What a lovely legacy to leave behind. \n  \nI remember the first time I sat down with Jerry. His bright eyes and his smile were so welcoming. Don Kern and I had been facilitating the theater program at Coffee Creek for about a year. We were greatly changed by the experience and wanted to continue the work\, but knew we could not afford to do so without financial support. That’s when Johnny Stallings introduced us to Jerry Smith. Jerry leaned in to ask pertinent questions. He was not only kind\, but thorough. He was a smart man and wanted to make sure we would be responsible stewards. I loved visiting with Jerry. And not just because he always insisted on dessert. \n  \nIt’s been 11 years since I first stepped into the rehearsal room at Coffee Creek. I get to witness first hand the effect of arts in the lives of our incarcerated community.  My life took a completely different turn after volunteering in prison. I have increased my empathy quotient and have learned to embrace the creative spirit within us all. I would not be the person I am today without Jerry and the family. Thank you. \n  \nSincerely\, \nCarla D Grant \nExecutive Director \nOpen Hearts Open Minds \n* \n  \nDear Donna\, Christine\, Marsha and Jordan\,  \n  \nI want to send my deepest condolences for your loss. Even though I only met Jerry a couple times and didn’t know him personally\, his kindness and love has forever changed my life in the most important way.  \n  \nI became involved with Open Hearts Open Minds in 2009 while incarcerated at TRCI. During one of the darkest periods of my life I was lucky enough to be part of the Dialogue and theatre group there. Without Jerry’s generosity and his willingness to want to help the forgotten ones I shudder to wonder where my life would be today. You see in that little room on all those Wednesday evenings I was able to discover who I am and for the first time find true freedom in my life. The best part of it is that I am not the only one that discovered this. Not only the group of guys I was involved with but also continuing to this day\, I can’t imagine how many lives have been impacted by OHOM. I know they have branched out into many institutions and are doing some really life changing work. I know this because I am now a board member and am so excited to see where this goes and continue this amazing work\, and do my part in carrying on Jerry’s legacy of kindness love and compassion. It takes more than a community to pull this off it truly takes a family and I am so blessed to be part of the OHOM family. I want to thank you again Jerry for the gift of life and freedom. And thank you to your family.  \n  \nGod bless you all\, \n—Aaron Gilbert \n* \n  \nWhat a great opportunity to share my reflections on past memories of great performances presented by the actors at Two  Rivers Correctional Institution for several years. My experience\, as well as my sister Andrea’s\, left us each with great joy. At each performance we were overwhelmed to be given the opportunity to share the experience with those dedicated men. They were professional in every way possible and outstanding in their individual performances. \n  \nWhen the opportunity would come around every year\, for five years\, we would make our plans to travel from Salt Lake City to Umatilla and attend every performance. It was the highlight of our lives at that time. \n  \nIt was always overwhelming for us to meet all the actors and have brief conversations with them. That gave me the opportunity to ask each of them if I could write to him and send him a birthday card. I had a strong desire to communicate with them because so many of them were lost or forgotten souls—alone and needing acceptance by people from outside those prison walls. \n  \nIt gave me great pleasure to correspond with them\, to learn how they were doing\, and to allow them to share their thoughts\, feelings and the successes they were making. \n  \nThis all was made possible by the dedicated work of Jerry on behalf of the inmates at Two Rivers who took advantage of that great program. \n  \nI am always grateful for the joy and fond memories that fill my heart when I reflect back on those days. \n  \nMost sincerely\, \nSharon Lemm (Momma Sharon) \n* \n  \nTo all\, \n  \nThe Dialogue and Theater Group was a saving grace in an otherwise dreary place. It inspired hope\, purpose\, friendship and most of all\, love. This program influenced the lives of so many individuals from the players to their families and friends\, people who were able to witness and experience the meetings and plays\, people whom they then spoke to about their experiences and so on. This experience still influences thoughts and discussions far outside the origination. There are not enough kind and appreciative words to express the feelings about Jerry’s contribution and help in making OHOM a reality. Thank you to him and everyone who supported him in his efforts to help establish and maintain OHOM. He truly changed the lives of countless individuals as a result. \n  \nWith great thanks and admiration\, \nSincerely\, \nJoseph Opyd \n* \n  \nI don’t know—-do you think Jerry Smith had any idea how his life—-his generosity\, his gentleness\, his gentle humor\, changed the lives of others? Made others more generous\, compassionate\, aware\, grateful? So many others! \n  \nI know he changed my life\, gave me the blessing of getting to know and understand and admire scores of incarcerated men at Two Rivers Correctional Institution\, for seven years (and still counting). Our dialogue group of fifteen to twenty men laughed\, cried; we discussed life\, talked about forgiveness\, redemption\, beauty\, joy\, shame\, love\, suffering. I left each Saturday I was there\, driving home on Cloud 9\, exhilarated and joyful\, humbled and blessed.  If only everyone could experience days like that they would change their views forever on incarceration. \n  \nYes\, Johnny started the program\, that and the theater program\, and was responsible for running both for years and years\, beautifully and meaningfully. But behind everything was Jerry—and the whole Smith family. They all were\, and are\, caring and compassionate human beings. \n  \n—Jude Russell
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/peace-love-happiness-understanding-8-7-25-tributes-to-jerry-smith/
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