Hi.....
I am "LostOne's" Daughter, Jenna. My mom is going to a camp. I am scared because she was like my best friend in the whole world; I could tell her anything and I couldn't think of my life without her. Me and my dad are close but I could never have the same relationship as what I have with my mom. Plus I am going into the 7th grade at my school and that is when we start sports. I am going to play a lot. I think it will feel wierd without my mom there because she has always been there for me before.

I have a little brother and I know as soon as she leaves I am going to be "the mom around the house" and do everything. I have never had to do the clothes or make dinner every night. Or help my brother with his homework. I know my mom does not want my grades to come down in school, but what if they do? I expect to much for me in my life and that can not happen. Because so does my friends and family. My life would be so messed up if that ever happened.

What would I tell my friends; because all of them love my mom? I wonder how my brother would take the pain of not having a mom for a while? Because he is a mommy's boy and he is always with her. I just dont know what to do. I am so confused.

Bye,

Jenna

Jenna,

Welcome to PTO! It will be sad without your mom at your games. But, you can have your dad take pictures and send them to her. That's what I do for my son's hockey and baseball games... It's not the same and it will be really sad for you at first but it will get easier as you get used to it.

You really need to keep your grades up. It's so important. Maybe you won't have to do all the clothes and cook all the dinners. Maybe you and your dad can help each other.... Can your dad and you help your little brother with his home work?

It's going to be really sad and hard for awhile, but you guys can be there for each other. Hug your little brother when he's sad.

As far as your friends have you talked to your mom about what to say to them? She might have some ideas....

You can do this and your mom will be home before too long.... We're here for you...

Deb

Jenna, How long will your Mom be gone? It sounds like you love your mom a lot and you sound very strong. Your gonna make it. You'll be able to write to your mom and she to you and she'll be able to give you guidance through her letters. You'll figure out what to tell your friends and your true friends will understand. Come to PTO when you can for love , friendship,support ,understanding and maybe we can anwer some questions if you have them.There's even some other daughters who's mom's are in prison right now. It'll be hard but you'll get through it and don't forget that. Love Valerie

Hi its me again, Jenna. I know I will have to do a lot because my dad works all the time. . My mom is not there. What if I have girl problems or boy trouble; I cant talk to my dad about that kind of stuff. I dont know what to do. PLEASE write back and tell me.
Bye,
Jenna

Jenna,

You'll be able to talk to your mom on the phone and write letters to her and visit her.... We talk every day to my husband and sometimes 2-3 times a day. My son talks during each phone call too.... We visit a lot too...

Deb

My Mom will be sentenced in oct. between 15-18 months. I am a cheerleader and I am popular. I wonder what my friends will think of me and if there parents find out will they let me go with them places or be with them or spend the night at their house. But she will be gone for a long time and I just dont know anything.-jenna

Hi jenna! How long will your mom be gone? No matter what, she will still beable to help you with boy trouble and with girl problems. Even if she is not there in your house, you can still write ALL the time. Once we know more about where your mom is going, we can help you more. Stay strong Jenna! And whenever you are feeling bad, just get right on this site and we will do whatever we can for you!

My mom is going to Carswell, Texas. But in girl problems I mean, well you know what I mean. I just dont think I could tell my dad. And if I ever got dumped by a boy my dad would be like why did you dump my daughter. And if i was crying or depressed I dont ever think I could just come straight out and tell him. Even though I Love him its just so hard to talk to him about things like that. Like in about 4 days my boyfriend is going to move to a different state with his mom and we will have to brake up. And I will be really depressed because he means a lot to me. So me and my boyfriend, Robert, will not be together for in 4 days and that will make me cry. And I could not sit there and tell my dad that. I dont know why I just couldn't. -jenna

jenna, we really do understand how sad you are! You must talk to your mom before she leaves. She can help you and maybe you can figure things out before she leaves! Give her a chance to help you! When she is gone you can come here for help and we will do what we can, but you really must give your mom a chance. Maybe she can talk to some of your friends parents before she leaves for you!

Jenna just remeber that everything will be alright, it just may not be the way you thought your life would be....just keep in contact with your mom-write letters, visit if you can she will still be a big part of your life....if you would like someone to talk to send me a private meassage (for some reason I can't send you one???) and I will give you my phone number and you can call me if you need anything, "girl" problam or not :D hang in there sweetie things will work out!!
AMelia

Dear Lost One,
Chin up kiddo. God has a special plan for you and your mom. It's not your time to know the details yet, but good things are just around the corner.
My dad is in prison, and even as a grownup I know it's a very scary thing. The good news is that we get stronger every day, and one day we wake up and things aren't as bad as they used to be.
I have some advice for you that works for me and my dad. Make a schedule of calling times and writing times with your mom. Let's say..every Tuesday at 7:30 she calls to talk to you, and you write her letters every Thursday night. Having a plan will give you back a little control in your relationship.
As for girl stuff and boy stuff, do you have any friends with nice moms, or any nice teachers? People like helping others and if you shared your circumstance with a trustworthy adult, you just might find a shoulder to lean on.
Now, if you need help figuring out about visitation and letter writing rules, you can PM me and I'll call your mom's prison for you on my phone bill.
There are adults on this site who can help you.
Just be cautious not to give out too much personal information such as your address or what school you go to.
Much love,
Dadsinprison