Before letting us leave, the 5-year-old pulled us onto our knees in the living room, telling us he wanted to say a prayer. I remember that it was an unorthodox prayer, and we were all crying, as the boy expressed his own thanks and then looked up to his mother for help.

The mother and her boys said their final "thank you's," waved goodbye and closed the front door. Walking to the car, the humbled inmates asked if they could offer their own prayer.

So the five of us again knelt in a circle, this time in the darkened street. Each inmate expressed gratitude for the privilege of truly helping others despite their own circumstances. Then, reverting to his prison background, one inmate threatened me, perhaps only half jokingly, that he'd know who was responsible if any other prisoners learned about them crying that night.

For several years, other prisoners continued the custom of helping a family. But the happiness I saw in the faces of the inmates and the family that Christmas 40 years ago is my favorite memory. I don't think I've been in such a beautiful place in my life. As long as I remember what happened that night, I'll continue to visit the men and women incarcerated at the prison.

Editor's note: Elmer died Nov. 7, 2000, at age 89. He continued his visits to the prison in recent years in a wheelchair aided by friends Garth Remington and Dale Brimley until surgery in September 2000 prevented him from doing so. As recently as Dec. 3, a prisoner incarcerated for more than 30 years talked in worship service about Elmer's dogged weekly visits for about six months before the inmate would even respond and talk to him.

About the author...

Ann Hobson is a freelance editor and writer. She and her husband, Daryl, have three grown children and two grandchildren.

The Hobsons started volunteering at the prison and later received a calling from their church to serve there. They attend church at the prison every Sunday. She says this is a challenging as well as uplifting experience.

Elmer Knowles told her this story after she met him at the prison. She said Knowles dedicated his life to these prisoners, and she wanted to share his story.