Well I got back last night from Kinross and the parole hearing. Well Im still totally overwhelmed by it and I got to say tears are still coming easy. The short version (since that is all I think I could cope with at the moment) is this. There were lots of hearings Monday morning so I had to wait for 4 hours before he was called up. I went in with his councillor in a small room and sat beside James. One parole board member was there. He started with telling me that I shouldnt have bothered coming. Then we sat there for 10 minutes while they tried to find missing documents for James, specifically his report for the last year. James had a copy of it thank God. He asked James about 10 questions mostly regarding past crimes and the details. That took about 5 minutes. Then he read my letter and questioned me regarding James for about 20 minutes. I was thankful for that cause up to that point things werent going well. He ended by saying that he wouldnt lose sleep if James stayed in prison for the full 20 years or if he died in prison. He said that there was only three ways James would never see that 20 year date again. That he did the full time and walked out, died in prison, or that he got lucky and got parole and never came back. He said that guys like James should never be on the streets and that his job is to make sure they arent.
Now I should mention that James is in there for stealing 20 bucks worth of gas, though I realize its his third time in prison, his current reason for being there is just that, well and a parole violation. He got 1-20 years for that. He also went on about a major ticket he got in August of 2001 which was prior to his last parole hearing. He has been ticket free for the last year, received a diploma in welding and just finished a computer class with perfect marks in both. His score is +4, and this b^%^%stard had the nerve to say is that all you have done ?
So then it was over and I got out the front door as fast as i could and barfed all over the front walk way. I got to visit with James again that night and to tell you the truth we are both very discouraged. We might be grasping at straws, but we thought maybe the guy was trying to put a major impact on James so that when he gets out he wont want to come back. I dont think he will vote for James but there are two other board members that will vote on him and hopefully they will be a yes. We will know within three weeks.
Anyways, my conclusion on the whole thing was that this man singlehandedly knocked out what little confidence and pride James had managed to hang on to over the years. So much for rehabilitation.

Witchlin

Witchlin.....

I read your post 10 minutes ago....trying to think of WHAT to say.....the only word that keeps coming over and over is WOW.

It HIGHLY upsets me that the board member had the BALLS to tell you basically "why bother." I also find it galling that he spent more time talking with you than he did James.

I wish you all the best....and I'll keep everything crossed during the next three weeks....I'll do for you what we do....HOPE FOR THE BEST.....PLAN FOR THE WORST.

Mrs. D

Withchlin -

I'm am SO sorry you and James had to go through that! I wish there was something I could do.... I am keeping you in my prayers that the other 2 members vote in his favor. Try to hang in there.

All my best
Marie

Thank you Mrs. D, yeah that is all I can do is hope and pray though Im crying more than anything. I have to work doubles this week to make up for the time I took off which might be a good thing but I know everyone will be asking me how it went at work, my answering machine is full of messages asking from people who I didnt think cared really. I dont look forward to that, I need a no more tears pill and I need it to start working in about 30 minutes. I was surprised he talked to me for so long, though I did manage to say an awful lot regarding James and all positive things. God knows how I stayed calm and professional threw the whole thing. So I hope he will remember these things. I think his main goal talking to me at the beginning was to freak me out cause he brought up stuff about James' past, but the thing was that I already knew about all of it, I dont think he figured I did. Well thanks for the crossed things, mine are too and I hope that most parole hearings arent like that. I did talk to some other mums and wives that night and I got some stories the same and some were very positive but they all agreed his balls were way too big for his expensive suit trousers. They just have to let my love out of that place.

witchlin...

I am so sorry that it went this way. We don't however know the result yet so there is still hope. You almost have to wonder if this guy is not trying to set James up to get another ticket in the next few days - kind of a test? You just never know. I guess what bothers me the most is regardless of what he did, who he is or who you are, I still don't believe that they have the right to speak to people that way. It is just plain disrespect and totally uncalled for... but if you have authority, you can either use it in a positive nature or a negative nature. We know where this guy is going...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and James! I will be sending all the positive energy that I can in James' direction.

Hold on tight! We just have to get through these next few weeks!

I AM REALLY AT A LOSS FOR WORDS OVER HOW THIS MAN ACTED.I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND JAMES AND PRAY THAT YOU GET A YES.KEEP US UPDATED

Blue,

How frustrating.....and the nerve of that man, speaking to you that way :mad:

The "system" has more negativity than anything I've ever seen in the past; it almost seems like certain people take great delight in bringing pain to others....you'd probably find it has a lot to do with their own inadequacies.

Please let us know as soon as you hear, either way....we are here for you to lean on.

(((((Witchlinblue)))))

Susan in Providence

I am so so sorry you two went trhough this. As I sat here reading this my stomach got more and more upset. We have to see the board in April and I am freeking out. I can't beleive that is what happen! It seems like they are trying to piss people off. There should be a law as to how they can treat you no matter what! No matter what our men did, they are still human beings and deserve to be treated as such! Again I am so sorry, my prayers are with you and your man. If the power of prayer has ever worked, I pray it does now!! God Bless you and your man.
Michelle

Thank you, all of you and I will keep you posted for sure. Of course Im consumed by thoughts of it all and Im now thinking that this parole guy might be under pressure to release more people than he would like and perhaps this kind of makes him feel less in control. Maybe that is why he acted like he did. Im not so concerned about what he said to me but what he said to James. I know that it can bounce off of me but for James, this is his life hanging on a scale with this guy jiggling it all around. Well I guess we will hear within 18 days and I will post the results here for sure. Thank you again for all your support.

Witchlin

I am so sorry you had to go through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I really am speechless, can't find the right words. Hang in there!

Witchlin....

Just a thought....... Are you a member of Mi-Cure??? I think that SOMEONE needs to know how this board member is talking to prisoners familes. His behavior is uncalled for and it should be addressed!!!

Mrs. D

I am so sorry. Sorry that this jerk spoke to you guys that way. Sorry that the meeting went that way. I hope James is able to let the anger go. The reasoning that Teb had and that you have for it makes sense.....OR the man is just a control freak and sees inmates as less than him as some do....Whatever the reason I hope the answer is positive for parole and I am sending positive thoughts your way.....

Deb

thank you all of you. Well James is not angry, more scared than anything, he really has his sights set on the door, and right now he is in a position where the fiance of the mother of his other son is filing to have James' parental rights removed which means he needs to get out now in order to even see his son again let alone fight that. Also his dad is very old and he is scared that he will die before he gets out. So anger isnt really something that he feels, just fear. He also fears that I wont wait another year but I know that is not a valid fear though in his position I can understand it. Its me that is angry though, for me to sit there and listen to this man ripping apart my mans soul and not able to even show my disapproval or concern in body language was very difficult for me and Im still reeling in it all. But I wasnt the only one that felt that about this man and I assume he is just like that anyway, and a control freak definitely comes to mind. I also thought that maybe since Im Canadian Im a bit naive to the ways of the parole board in the U.S. cause Ive personally been on the other side of the fence here in Canada and didnt get that kind of treatment at all. I mentioned this before but if anyone wants the pics of the parole board in Michigan and a short bio of each of them I can email it to you since the jpg is too big to post on here. The one that did this is the one that is an ex state trooper. That probably says it all right there. Oh well there is only praying now. If you do get it from me (the jpg), you can do a search on each name with Michigan also in the search field and you can find out quite a bit about their history. You will have to zoom to read the file.

Witchlin

Hey, I am SO sorry to hear that about James' parole hearing. I can't believe that guy can get away with saying he wouldn't care if James died in prison. What kind of crap is that? I must have missed God stepping down and this guy taking his oath to replace him. Whatever! But, all is not lost. The other two members could still vote to parole him right? Just keep your strenth up! And, I would write to anybody and everybody I could just to let them know that you are here, and you will not take that kind of crap from a parole board member. Granted, nothing will probably happen, but maybe it will make you feel a little less angry? UGH! Tell James we are thinking about him and are sending good vibes his way!
Oh, btw, could you send me the parole board info? Robert will be up sometime between June and September, and it wouldn't hurt to see who he will be up against. (god I hope it's not THAT guy!)
We're here for you girl!

Hi, I'm glad to see you are hanging in there. I told Brad about this and he says that is pretty normal. Isn't that sad? I got that e mail from you but I couldn't figure out how to zoom it. If you know how to do it could you send it to me again? I deleted it by accident. And also, how do you look them up? I wasn't sure how to do it by your post. Thaks so much, still praying for you guys!
Michelle
aka: Shades278@aol.com

Witchlin,

I know that it is easy to say but both you and James need to be as positive as you can possibly be. Harder for James yes, because it is his life held in the balance. Love him and just reassure him. I know what you feel for this man and he knows it too. Deep down he knows it even if he may think that you won't wait - he know you will if the worst happens.

I am being positive and thinking only of parole!

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry about what happened! I am so new to all this by comparison, but unfortunately, I've realized quickly how heartless and unforgiving our government, justice system, and parole boards are. I know my baby has told me that most people in Michigan are maxing out just so that they don't have to deal with these people and that they get denied a lot too. It's sad, I know but all any of us can really do (aside from petitions and rallies and organizations to change things) is hope, pray, and keep our heads up! I will pray for you, too, and maybe if we all pray enough, you will be with your love again shortly! Feel free to pm me if you ever need to talk! I know this must be very difficult for you. Lots of smiles and love sending your way!

Geez I have to say you guys really help me a lot. I didnt think much would put a smile on my face these days but you all did and I thank you. Just knowing that people care make the world of difference, I wish James could read all this, but actually I will print it off and send it too him.
Jen, Im not going to complain due to the fact that I dont want to cause any negative attention to his file at the moment, and if he doesnt get a parole I dont want it on file next year that I complained.
I dont know what I would do right now if I didnt have this place.

Witchlin

Jeni, pm me your email address and I will send it to you. The link in your profile doesnt work.

Witchlin

Witchlin, my heart goes out to you and James. That is so horrible how you were treated. Neither of you deserve that. I truly hope the other two people outvote this jerk.
Carisa

You know, something I find quite bizzare is that the parole board member that was there doesnt have credentials that I see as qualifications to be a board member. Im probabably knit picking but having been a state trooper and holding a bachelors degree in Geology and Geography doesnt quite cut it for me. I have to wonder how they pick someone for that job ?
Im still waiting for he decision though.

Witchlin

WOW is right. From my experiance I'm not really surprised except they usually aren't so rough & straight forward with civilians in the room, or with family members. Anywaay I'm sorry to hear about the whole ordeal. Good luck, & there is always next year-----------Ken

well Im not thinking next year yet, the decision has not been made, but I agree with you, I cant see that happening to everyone, I think though he judged him by his looks since he didnt seem to be aware of his case when we sat down. Guess he was in a bad mood maybe. Thank you for the luck.

Witchlin

OMG Witchlin I just read this. I have been before the Michigan parole board 3 different times, with 3 different people from the board there and never have I or my husband been treated like you guys were. That is beyond terrible. I mean they always read his record and talk about what he did to get in there and why he did it; etc. But to tell you that you shouldn't have bothered coming? If it was me in your situation I would wait until he hears the parole board's decision and if it's not a parole; then I would find out the name of the guy who saw you and write up a complaint about him. I would explain exactly what was said just like you did here and then send copies to someone OUTSIDE the MDOC who has some control over it; perhaps Governor Granholm even. I will tell you that once I wrote Governor Engler a letter and to my surprise I got a personal reply from him; addressed to me with his genuine signature on it. I was so surprised to see that he had actually taken the time to read my letter AND answer it personally. So it is worth a try. I urge you please don't just let this man's behavior slide. Don't be afraid to speak up, for all of our sakes.

Well thank you for that, because you know I have the letter already written as well as everything I can remember documented in case I need it. We also had James' councillor in the room during all this. He didnt say a word threw the whole thing but we did meet eyes on a couple of occasions, especially after the board members comment regarding my presence at the beginning and he had a look that I can only read as uncomfortable. James and I talked about all that stuff and we will more after the decision. Im still bewildered by it all, I mean I didnt expect royal treatment, actually I didnt even think he would talk to me. But you can rest assured I dont intend to keep this quiet once Im quite sure that what I want to do wont effect James' future. Thank you for your support. Right now Im just waiting for the call but I guess there wont be any news regarding parole this weekend and I know he didnt get it today. So Im spring cleaning,,,,,sort of.

Witchlin

Oh, one question I just realized that some of you should be able to answer. We dont get mail delivery on Saturdays up here, but do they in Michigan ? Well most of all do they in prisons ?

Witchlin

No prisoners don't get mail on Saturdays or Holidays in Michigan. I am glad to hear you already have the letter written! You definitely have my support on this one! It must have been hard not to say anything back to him during the hearing, I'm afraid I might have. I'm still in shock over what happened to you.

Well I cant believe it either, but I really had no choice at all and probably in any other situation I would have said whatever and left or spoke my mind very bluntly back, but in this case I would have regretted it forever if I had, since I was there to defend James, not myself, he needed me there not to mess up but to help him if I could. I think that I felt complete rage inside, which is probably why I was sick to my stomach when I got out of the building. Its kind of like one of those dreams you cant shake all day, its odd and its not normal to you so it cant be real, but you just cant shake how it made you feel. I think the anger I felt then will re-surface if he doesnt get a parole but right now I can only focus a decision coming soon no matter how I wish I could think of anything else.

thank you everyone; for everything, he got parole, and an early one, Im beyond words at the moment.

witchlin

Wow!!!! Congratulations!! I am so happy for you!!! :)

OH MY GOD!!!
You have no idea how happy I am right now! I am sitting here at my desk at work, grinning like an idiot...people keep asking me what I'm smiling at:)

Oh I wish I was there so I could give you the biggest hug ever. This is so wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marie

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you! I have 'butterflies in my stomach' because I'm hoping this is a good sign for my husband. So when does he come home and when did you find this out? We haven't heard anything back yet.

I am so happy for you!!!! So is it within 30 days????? (Grin)

Deb

:D :yes:

Congratulations!!!!!!! Wow, that is soooo great! I'm so excited for you both!

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!

I'm so very glad for you!!!

Also..to clarify the mail question. A few prisons in Michigan do hand out mail on Saturdays...they did when my husband was at Muskegon. I think they came in and cleared up what had come in, but not gone thru yet.

Mrs. D

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am SO happy for you guys!!!
Please come back as soon as you can and give us details girl!
Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Witchlin!

This is such fantastic news! I am doing a happy dance for both of you!

You went through so much trauma going to this hearing and you were so discouraged when you left! I cannot think how stunned you must be with this news!

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO! IT'S PARTY TIME AT PTO!

Now, come on - we need a party here! Give us more details!

Witchlin,

Hope that you don't mind, but I am going to add to the title of this post...

YAY! Congratulations!!! That's wonderful!

Well thank you all and Teb the word stunned is very acurate right now and it better wear off soon cause Im very disfunctional. Well I found out on Thursday at work via a call from his dad. I broke in to tears and was totally shaking and I was just in shock. Friday I was worse and had to take the afternoon off work (cause I friggin deserve it !!!). So today its really sinkin in now for sure. Its funny how all this emotion that you can block out and you dont even know it just comes streaming out and you laugh and you smile and tears are running down your face and you are doing this all by yourself but its all such a relief. I feel bad though and cant help think of all of you who have been so kind to me, that you are all waiting and feeling the way I did only a couple of days ago. I know this day will come for all of you and I hope to lend out my strength to any and all of you that ever need it, not to mention my prayers. Thank you everyone, I really mean it, I really wouldnt have gotten threw this without you all.
Oh and to answer your question Deb, he got early parole, his possible out date was in mid-June and he is out on the 28th of April. YEEEEE HAWWWW holy cow, man oh man. I cant wait to get that man alone for a week or two. Sorry I had to slip that in. five weeks, I had better start getting my worn out bones and heart back into happy mode.
Oh yes I will keep checking the offender database and let everyone know how long it took them to update that, it still isnt done, but it will give you all a good idea of how slow they are at it.
Teb Im pretty sure James has bunkies that are sick of his happy dance the last two days, but my son and I went out Thursday night and we got them to set a place at the table for a third person and my son and I celebrated. My son is very very happy, as you know I am too.
Peace everyone,

Witchlin

Cool idea! Celebration for Three! You go Witchlin! You GO!

that is wonderful news. :) I am so happy for you

OMG.... WooooHoooo....

I am so very happy for you witchlin!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wow... I dont' know what else to say... I'm all smiles here! :):):)

WOW!!! Congratulations!!! I can just imagine you dancing on clouds right now! Sorry I havn't written sooner, but the wishees for you are here( late) but here!!! Yea!!!

I know I am late as always but you know what, I believe that he did that purposely to discourage James and to see if he would just give up and act out hence getting another ticket. My sweetie told me that depending on the facility that he is in the c/os purposely goad them to see if they can anger them to a point of acting out.

I am sincerely sorry that you have had to go through that and am praying all the best for you and James.

Wooohooooo as you can tell I didn't read further than the first post. I am so glad that God seen fit to bless you both in that way.

April 28th!!!! OMG! That's so close! Congrats and enjoy each second........

Deb

WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OH DEAR THAT IS SOOOO AWESOME!! I AM SITTING HERE SMILING, LAUGHING, AND YEP, THE TEARS ARE FALLIN. I AM SO HAPPY FOR THE BOTH OF YOU. DON'T YOU *EVER* FEEL BAD FOR BEING SO DAMN HAPPY. YOU DESERVE EVERY OUNCE OF IT!!! BUT DON'T LEAVE US OK?? WE STILL NEED YOU.
I FEEL LIKE DANCIN FOR YA!!!!! CJ

thank you so very much and I dont intend to leave, I think also James would be handy for answering some questions I see here. Though I might be a bit 'busy' sometimes,,hehehehe. They just need to fix the MDOC offender database now.

Hey it keeps getting better. Yesterday they moved him to Cooper Street CF which is closer to home for him and they changed his release date to April 16th somehow and he isnt going to ask questions regarding that. So Im even more excited. Damn I cant wait.

Witchlin

WooHoo!!! More Happy Dance happening here in TO!

He will be out just in time for Easter! How cool is that!

Witchlin - I don't know how you are containing yoruself - but keep it together! He will be out before you know it!

Man, oh man...

Oh, and I am sure at this point that it is the last thing on your mind but I hope that you will still visit us and keep us up to date! Better yet, I hope that you will introduce this wonderful man to us at PTO so that we can share in his wisdom!

yes very much and Im sure he has lots of answers for some of the questions. I was thinking that I might arrive as an easter bunny,,hehehehe.

Witchlin

Ok his out date was suppose to be tomorrow but there was some sort of delay and I just got the word a few minutes ago that he is out Friday morning at 9AM April 18th (Good Friday) and that is final, yeeee hawwwww !!!!!!!!!!!!! I get to be a bunny for easter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Witchlin no longer blue

Happy Easter everyone

Hey witchlin no longer blue----HURRAH!!!!!! Are you driving to get him? I'm so excited for you!!!! Details Details......Is his dad getting him or you?? When do you see him----not in front of guards etc....? lol.....We won't see you for awhile!

Deb

:dance: ANOTHER HAPPY DANCE FOR YOU! :yes:

That's so wonderful. Congratulations, dear... :)

Happy Easter Hunny Bunny... Enjoy.....

Witchlin is not blue...

Witchiln is just plum excited!

Congratulations to both of you! All the best and do enjoy your time together! You have waited a long time and your day is near! Heck - it's tomorrow!!! Yipee!

WOW Witch what a horrible experience you 2 had to face. Please remeber that these parole hearings are designed to tear you down the whole system is. DO NOT LET THEM!!!! You both have come so far already and there is no sense in letting it all go now. Hang in there and remember GOD is on YOUR side!
Stacy

Oops I guess i Should've kept reading. lol Congratualions on the release. I hope all goes well for you both.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Yes he will be out in 10 hours and 26 min and 59 sec. His dad is getting him and he is reporting right away and then its me and him and I know I wont sleep tonight cause I know where I will be tomorrow night. He says he wont sleep either. Im totally beside myself, if this is a dream I will be so p'd off. I know it isnt and Im wrapping presents and packing and I can't wait. Thank you all for all your wonderful things.

Witchlin :)x 1,000,000

OMG! I can't WAIT for you!!! Your happiness has brought so much hope for the rest of us! I am SO happy for the both of you!!! It doesn't get any better then this does it?
WOO!HOO!

So how is it going? Have I missed the post of how it was was when he came home? Sorry if I did, I've had some problems logging in. Anyway, Congrats agian!

Has witchlin ever shared since he got out????? Is she still hibernating?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deb

No, Witchlin has not shared with us as yet! I am waiting for an update! I hope and pray that all is going well...

Hopefully she will come to tell all soon!

OMG the suspense is killing me. I've been checking daily on the news of his release. WHEW I bet She's having the freakin time of her life. WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!! Or at least I hope she is. Talk to us withilin we're going crazy with curiosity here!!!!!!!

Stacy

AHHHH, well I havent shared cause I only just got home this morning. Well I wont tell you specifics, but lets put it this way, we are more in love then we ever have been. All is great and I can't wait to afford to get down there again. I tried to sign on once while I was down there but had some problems with his friends computer. But maybe next time. James would love to help you guys out if you have any questions. Im hoping to get him set up on a computer of his own down there.
So the bottom line, well top line also is everything is better than either of us hoped and though we still have a long haul ahead of us as far as being able to live in the same home, we are both very thankful for what we do have now (privacy together).
I wonder if Jeni heard the racket we made,,hehehehehe

Love you all,

Witchlin

Awesome News!! I am so happy for you guys! Hopefully soon you'll work it out and be able to live together....

Deb

Hey there happy lady!!

I'm so happy for you and your man. I'm sure it was a home coming that will keep you going for awhile, but how on earth were you able to leave him?? That must have been so hard! Why is it you guys can't be together again? I'm sorry I forgot, I just can't remember.

Anywway, we are still waiting to hear from the board. Out of the 18 in his unit that saw the board, all but 5 have heard back. The 30 days is up on sunday, so either way we should hear something this week. 8 heard on friday, and 5 of them were flopped. So, you can imagine how my nerves are right about now!

Congrats again, enjoy the hell out of your man!!!

:) HAPPY FOR YOU! :)

Happy for you and glad to hear your good news! I'm in a fog or missed a post or something but I thought you had gotten married or were getting married and why was it that you couldn't live in the same home? I'm confused.

Well he lives in the U.S. and I live in Canada and he can't leave the state cause of his parole. As far as getting married, the plans are in the works and instead of a 10 minute wedding we are planning a very special wedding so our kids can be part of it. The good news is that his parole officer told him that he will be off parole in a year instead of two if he keeps a job and behaves, which I expect he will do. So as far as getting married, dont worry I will post pics and it will be this summer. Im actually pretty happy that it wont be a prison wedding and that our kids can be there. I will keep you posted and thank you for all your wonderful words.

Witchlin

Congrats Witchlin! The wedding will be so much nicer this way!! I'm so happy for you!

Deb

CONGRATULATIONS! :)

HAPPY FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN GET MARRIED ON THE OUTSIDE WITH THE FAMILY ALL THERE! :)

How wonderful for you both... I wish you the very best...

Cool! I had a prison wedding and although it was wonderful it was only like a taste of the real thing, and I couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if we could have had all our friends and family there and been able to spend our wedding night together. I think we are going to have a real wedding when he gets out. Can't wait to see your pictures!

I'm HAPPY to read the HAPPINESS in your post!!!!!

It sounds like everything is working out for the two of you.
Ain't LOVE GRAND!!! :D

mrs. d

CONGRATULATINS WITCHLIN!!!!!!
I am so happy to hear he finally made it home. What a sweet reunion you two must of had!!!!! Good luck in your journey on living together and getting this beautiful wedding together!!!!

Stacy

Congratulations, Witchlin! It's so good to hear how happy you both are.