hi everyone, this is the first time i've posted here because i have been in denial.. i hate to admit, and its unbelievable.. but one of my closest friend has been sentenced to death penalty.. there has been no date set as of yet and im hoping somewhere along the road things will change and he wont get set a date... but what am i supposed to tell his daughter.. his daughter is only 2 years old and her father has been gone for a year already, he's only existed in her life for a year and 2 months.. sadly her mother (the babys mama of my friend) is currently locked up and sentenced to 6 years in prison.. im stuck in an awkward position and i dont know what to do.. is it for the better to tell his daughter after a couple more years.. or should we not tell her at all.. im so confused and i dont know what to do.. im seeking for some advice bcoz im out here all alone.. personally my own fiance is in prison and being incarcerated for 5 years.. im just alone and crying out for some help...

Is the little girl living with you? If not, then it isn't your responsiblity to tell her anything. I sure wouldn't tell a two year old that her dad is on death row. Let whomever is raising her deal with it - at a later date.

Doc's sis... yes i am taking care of her, my friend and his babys mama has left her with me, i've been there since the day she was born, and thats why i feel like it is my responsibility bcoz if not me, who else would care..

Honey, you're already doing all you can. Telling her at this age is useless. The time will come, some day, when it feels right, or when you have no choice. Leave it till then.

I agree I would wait for her to be old enough to understand

I just want to say that my heart goes out to you and that little girl.....saddens me to hear that about her parents :( however....you're a wonderful person for taking over the responsibility of that precious 2 year old. :) I don't see a need in saying anything to her right now....just give it time.....you will know when the time is right and when she is at the age to be informed of what is happening with her daddy. God bless you for doing what you are doing already.....you are in my thoughts.....:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

weizwife I wouldn't tell her right now. One reason she is young and if she is not involved with her Daddy I wouldn't try to explain it all to her now. Plus as you said maybe things will change and he won't get a date.

I would have her Daddy write her a letter or letters telling her how much he loves her so she can have them as she gets older. Maybe explain to her in those letters what happened and making sure she knows it wasn't her fault. Then she can read and have those letters when she is older.

Right now two years old is too young to hold the weight of Death Row on your shoulders.

My hat is off to you for taking care of the little girl, that is a wonderful thing you are doing.

softie

Two years old is barely verbal. I agree with everyone who says give it time, it's something we adults have a hard enough time with as it is. Just to know that he had to go away "for a while" (since who knows, maybe it will turn around!) is hard enough at this point. Ach. My heart hurts for all of you!

thank you very much ladies for all your support and advices, it helps me a lot mentally and emotionally. i can not even begin to put into words how thankful i am to have something like PTO to help me through and along with the millions of other people, thank you all again ...

I have to agree that you not tell her. In your heart you will know when the time is right. At her age now is not the time. PTO will always be here with broad shoulders to cry on. Life outside the "system" is hard enough. Let the little girl be a child and grow from the love you give her. Don't try getting her to understand something many of us don't understand. Death Row and who has the right to take another life.....
When the time is right to tell her.....Whoever is there will know deep in their heart what has to be done.
You are all in my prayers!!