Somebody Please Tell Me How I Am Going To Get Through This. My Son Called Me Today And Today Was His First Day On The Hoe Squad At Brickeys. He Said It Was So So So Bad. I Can Hardly Stand It. I Think I May Lose My Mind. Because There Is Nothing That Can Be Done To Change Anything. I Am Just Helpless.....he Is Educated He Is A Very Calm Person He Is Non Violent. He Is In For Manf. The People That Work There I Dont Know How They Can Sleep At Night. I Just Dont Know What Else To Say Except This Is Killing Me. Someone Please Talk To Me. I Dont Know Anyone Who Understands What I Am Going Through.

Kbaby,
First off I want to welcome you to PTO. There is A LOT of support and understanding here. I can feel the pain and helplessness you are going through. I don't know first hand about the hoe squad, but I have heard that it can be...........(challenging). Your son is in a new environment and for the time being, lost a lot of control over his life. He will adjust to "prison" life and as time goes by it will get easier for him. He probably needs all the support he can get. I would suggest that as soon as you know were he will be sent, write him. Send him letters, cards, words of encouragement. Both of you need support and understanding. You have made the first step by finding PTO. You will find TONS of information and encouragement here. So try and relax and take one day at a time. We will get through these difficult times together, helping one another.

Take Care!!

Welcome to PTO! :wave: ******{hugs}}}} to you! Hang in there things will get better. Pray to the Lord for strength and He will give it to you.

Welcome to PTO, I know the pain you are going thru. I have been there and some days I return to the spot you are now. The only way to even try to get thru this is,
ONE DAY AT A TIME, I know this sounds just like words, but when I first came on this site, the ladies told me this and I thought, yeah, sure, right. Well they were right. Don't think of anything except the present day, then when you awake the next day, do the same, only one day at a time.
Like you said, it has happened and there is not one thing you can do to change it, I know, I tried to look up info, tried to see what I could do, all day and all night, for weeks on end.
Just write your son, tell him about what is going on, on the outside, funny cards, jokes, magazines and books he is interested in, lots and lots of letters. This is the number one thing they need, love and encouragement.
For yourself, keep comimg here and yell scream cry, whatever you need to do, this is what this site is for, and you will find all kind of good, loving people here.
Good luck, hon, I know how hard it is at first.
PM me anytime you need or want to talk. Hold your head up high.

I can relate to your fear and pain. Stay calm. It is a frightening experience we go through. Take the advice of the others, write him letters of encouragement constantly. You stay calm so he can remain calm. So many emotions are wrapped up in a mother's heart. I get through the day with prayer. I pray for my son's well being and ask God's favor for him. Take one day at a time. Can you visit him? I will remember you and your son in my prayers. Peace be with you.

I completely understand your situation. When they moved Jamie they didn't tell us anything. It was horrible. The ladies are right. Take it one day at a time. Make sure you take care of yourself. If not for your sake, for his. When Jamie first left I couldn't eat or sleep for a month. I would have to take something to make me sleep. He would fuss at me for not taking care of myself. Write to him and tell him the things that are happening there. You would be suprised at all of the everyday stuff that we take for granted that they want to hear about. Keep your head up. This will pass. I tell myself that everyday we are apart is one day closer to us being together.
Peace in Christ, Robs

Welcome to PTO. Hoe Squad is an ugly reality, and no, there's nothing you can do about it. He just needs to follow orders, not cause trouble, and stay hydrated.
You'll find comfort and support here.

Welcome to PTO kbaby! So glad you found us - you'll definitely get the support you need here. And Juliwaits is right, just tell him to make sure he drinks plenty of water & does what he's told b/c the shorter he's on hoe squad, the better.

~~~ Hugs ~~~ I Know It Is Hard My Fiance Is At Brickeys For Now Soon He Will Be At Benton Unit We Have 2 Small Boys Also 8 Yrs Old And 6 Months Old . I Feel Your Pain Also And I Know How You Feel B/c I Feel The Same Way At Times I Worry I Feel Helpless And I Miss Him So Much ..all You Can Do Is Take This One Day At A Time And Love And Support Your Son With Visits , Cards , Letters, Phone Calls And Keep His Spirits High Considering The Place And Situation And You Stay Strong And Keep A Smile In Your Heart And Tell Your Son To Do The Same .. Time Love Strength Patience And Faith In Our Lord Jesus Christ Will Get You Through This.. I Promise It Will Get Better !! And Will Be Over Before You Know It And It Will All Be Just Another Page In The Book .. Hang In There ...

I love all of you for all your support and helpful encouraging words - the 1 day at a time - is the biggest and best help. We've only got a month or so down and over six and a half years left, but I know that 1 day at a time - we will all survive this and move on to bigger and brighter futures!!!!

My husband just started Hoe Squad at Brickeys on the 26th also. He is in there for Manufacturing to. He says it is really bad to and it breaks my heart that he has to go through this. I wished I could give you some advice to make it easier for you but honestly I am not dealing with it very well either. I am not sure anything can make it easier when it comes to someone you love having to go through this, but if you ever need to talk I am here!:o



Steph

I Promise You - You Will Make It. You Have To . That's Your Job To Stay Strong And Give Him Support. My Son Was At Brickeys In 2004. He Was Only 17 At The Time. Pray Pray Pray. Get Everyone That You Come In Contact With To Pray For Him. Brickeys Really Is A Better Prison Than Most. My Son Is At Varner Now And Ive Been Told That Varner Is Arkansas' 2nd. Worst Prison To Be At. You Will Make It And So Will He. Trust Me Thought Sometimes They Tell You What They Want You To Know, They Live For A Mothers Sympathy So It May Not Be As Bad As He's Letting On. Be Supportive But Not To The Point Where It Drives You Crazy. Give It To God. Remember " I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength" Philippians 4:13 God Is A Mothers Only Strength. God Bless You !!!

One day at a time is all we can do, it is so hard being on the outside looking in. As well as being on the inside looking out. My heart is at the Cummins Unit also known as the farm, although not as bad as some I have heard stories about, still with a reputation all it's own. From our mouth to God's ears, Lord please keep our men safe.