How does Ray's understanding of parental influence shape his attitude toward Henry?

Ray is able to have compassion and forgiveness for Henry because he understands how deeply people are shaped by their parents' lessons. He knows that everything he believes about people was taught to him by his mother, so he can understand how everything Henry was taught was imparted by his parents. While Ray was taught love, Henry was taught hate, but Ray can understand how they are both affected by what their parents taught them and therefore are not as different as it may appear.

How does Ray's mother continue to influence his life while he is on death row?

Ray's ultimate decision to create a home and a community on death row and to treat everyone with kindness and compassion regardless of who they are or what they have done is a direct reflection...