Bound by Love, Not by Walls — From Playdates to Prison Visits

Posted: June 2025

Category: Community Stories

Story by: Gabriela Viteri, Forever Niece

                        -“My Uncle Was My First Best Friend. Still Is.”

I used to say my uncle was like my superhero.

He taught me how to ride a bike. He let me sneak sips of soda when my mom said no. He made me laugh so hard I’d get hiccups. He was ten years older than me, but I always thought we were on the same level—because he treated me like I mattered.

When he was sent to prison, I was 13.

That day, it felt like someone ripped a part of our family out and locked it away. But what they didn’t lock away was our love.

From Middle School Letters to College Emails

For the past 8 years, I’ve been writing to him. Every single birthday. Every time I didn’t know what to do in high school. Every time I had a breakup, a win, a loss—I told him.

And he never missed a beat.

Even from inside, my uncle always made me feel protected. Like I could do anything. Like I was still his “Little Princess” the nickname he gave me when I was five.

Now I’m 21. A college student. A young woman. But every time I walk into that visitation room, I feel like that little girl again—just happy to see him smile.

The Sweater That Says It All

I bought the “Bound by Love, Not by Walls” sweater because it was the first piece of clothing that said exactly what I feel.

People talk about prison like it erases someone. But it hasn’t erased him. He’s still my uncle. He’s still my person.

And this sweatshirt? It lets me wear my love out loud. It tells the world I stand by him. That we’re connected by something stronger than steel, bars, or time.

What I Wish People Knew

There’s so much judgment when you love someone who’s incarcerated. But love doesn’t end because of a sentence.

Love shows up. Love drives hours to visit. Love writes letters. Love wears sweaters. Love remembers.

We are bound by love, not by walls.