I only want to say 2 (maybe 3) things.

1) IT'S TRUE, IT'S TRUE! MY SON HAS THE PAPER TO PROVE IT! Signed by the governor of Iowa, completed his time!!!! Didn't want to say anything until I heard from my son. I was so doubtful, he had to read it over the phone to me.

2) Whoever it was that was talking about prepaid phone calls. That has been happening for 8 - 10 months now. They were introducing it slowly to other prisons. It is very nice. Much cheaper than those collect calls!!

3) We should get Ralph in here with us gals. He's from Iowa City.


So let's keep going people. I now get the Iowa forum every day. Do you think we should contact the other Iowans that posted in the thread "where is your loved one?" Those are pretty old posts. What do you think?

CONGRATS, DI! WOO-HOO FOR YOUR SON! I spent time last night just praying over him and his future. I love you so much!

I think we should definately invite Ralph and all the others from Iowa. I'll see what i can't get accomplished on that front.

I'm glad you started this thread and Fed-X made it clear we needed to start new threads in the Iowa forum. I'll be checking it every day, too...except for the weekends of course.

okay everyone, we're half way through the week...that's something! let us know what's going on.

and, my happy news: friday at 1:30 i'll be on my way to see aaron for a four hour visit, and then a three hour visit on saturday, excellent!

Hi congrats with your son. When does your son get to come Ho,e .Yes thank god for rea paid phone but im still spending about $120.00 a month. Sorry haven't been on much. Been working alot and trying to catch up on sleep. And have a killer cold that I've been fighting 2and half weeks. But everything is still the same here . John going to Iowa City for his eye but they won't give him a day because of security. How was every one's weekend? Di it sounds like your having a great week, and agin congrats about your son being ablke to be free.

Tami, my kid has an apartment of his own. He's 23 and didn't want to come back home. I understand that. I remember what it was like after I left home, was on my own, had to move back w/the parents. Going back home to your parents house is just not the same.

Please keep us informed about John's eye. Is he in pain?

Tami-You do sound under the weather. Get some sleep so you may be restored! Glad John gets to go the hospital in IC...he'll be in my neck of the woods! Too bad he probably can't talk anyone to taking him to the Hamburg Inn while he's in town (the best local "grease pit" type place in IC!) Anyway, it was nice to hear from you again and I hope you get back to full health and can work a little less and sleep a little more.

Di-Someone I forgot that your son and I were the exact same age, that's weird. Anyway, I am still just so happy he's getting out. I can't wait to tell Aaron!

Okay, now for my happy happy news to everyone! We found employment for Aaron to present the parole board with! Happy happy Joy joy! It was definately answered prayer! Wow. And it's with the "company" (two guys from church I know, love and RESPECT) that I felt Aaron should work for all along, but they didn't think they would have enough work to employ him...and then I hit my knees and requested others to for some serious prayer about Aaron and a job and WHAM! They changed their mind and couldn't remember why they didn't think they would have enough work to support him. Sigh, praises to God!

Okay, that's my happy news. Aaron has a job (if he can just get out now!) And, we talked twice on the phone last night and I got some reassurance from him, and some laughter, and a nice discussion on raising kids. We don't have kids, but we will someday....eek.

LOVE YOU GUYS!

OMG U guys!!! Im so :pissed: LOL I just wrote out a big long response to you all and some news of mine, and when I hit send reply, it told me i had to many images in it, and when I hit the "Back Button" all my writing was gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Argggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!! OK, Ill try again...jeez I didnt think I used that many smilies!!:eek:

P.s. Does anyone know how many are exactly allowed per post??

Hi Guys!! Im trying this again for a 2nd time...And I did also start a new thread in the technical forum. I just need to know how many smilies is too many.


Di-so glad your son is off paper!! I'll bet its a big relief for everyone.
And Di- you seem to know the most about Ralph--tell him to get his butt in here ;)


Tami- I hope you get over your cold soon, I dread the ones that hang on for days. Take care of your self, and make sure you let us know how everything goes with John. I will be hoping evrything goes well in Iowa city.

Iam422- Awesome about the visits, and the job!!! You tell him I said he is soooooooooo Lucky to have someone like you there for him!!
And for as much as I talk to you, why dont we know your name?? DI, Tami, Heather, and Iam is???
Im j/k if ya dont wanna say-I love ya anyways!

Im still wondering where Ladysoldier has been? I see her posts come up here and there, but never In Iowa.

I dont have a whole lot of news, I did finally get a letter!!!
Plus I got Imcc Rules and a visitors form. I think I will start another thread (In Iowa of course) to post the rules, it may be helpful for others future reference.

Anyway-apparently alot has changed in Oakdale, since Ricky was last there anyway. We have already screwed up with a few of the rules already LOL
here is what happened (Iam422 I already told ya. Ha)
While Ricky was still in county he wrote his mom to send out a MO right away. She did, but as of this last Tues he still hadnt recieved it. Well come to find out (per the rules) she made it out wrong, plus she sent it with a letter, which is also a no-no.
So, she called and talked to his councelor (who just happened to mention he had not even met Ricky yet..jeez they are slow) and he said it will probubly be returned. So hopefully this will be taken care of soon. As of right now, he only gets 2 envelopes a week and until that MO gets there, only 1 letter a week for me :bummed:
I have already offered to send another MO out (the right way) but she wants me to wait for a bit yet, see if the 1st one comes back, and she will redo it.(apperantly-Ricky dont want me using my money) Anyway- he also said he would call when he could, so now I gotta wait for that too...I want to hear his voice sooooooo bad!
She also asked his councelor about me sending in the visitation form. Its states it will not be processed unless I am a member of immediate family. She also pointed out that I was "victim of the crime" (which is also cause to be denied visits) he still said have me send. So, I hope this is a good thing!! I know I can live w/o vists (only if I have too LOL) as long as I still got letters and phone.

So- I have now sent him 2-6 page letters, and am now waitting for another letter from him LOL
And to get a phone call too...
I'll let you all know when I hear anything-Good luck to all, and keep all your posting up!

Heather, I think that was good of you to post the Oakdale rules. I scanned it and it covers most of the important stuff (MO, visting forms, and sending $$ for phone account). If any other Iowans come in, the info is right out there and easy to find.

:) glad you got you letter. It's the not hearing that is one of the hardest parts. I hope he gets out of Oakdale soon.

Hi Friends! Glad to join the thread. Living in Iowa City and eager to support prison reform and make friends with those with loved ones in the system. My prayers to all who are close to those "paying debts" to society (and how strange we use that "debt-paying" language to excuse inhuman brutality and isolation)! Hello to LadyDi and LadySoldier, and congrats on your recent triumphs! Prayers and love to all (--and a small request here for good thoughts for my daughter who'll be baptised tomorrow!)
Keep in touch, everyone!
Ralph K

Yes Im so glad John is out of Oakdale I hated not seeing him for 8 weeks . Those were some long weeks. And when he gets transfered the phone money will still got to the same place . Canteen money will go to the prison there at. John eye appointment was intersting . When he had his exam on his eye they were more interested in his good eye. Well i hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Tami

Hi Ralph :wave: glad you finally are here!!
We have been hearing so much about you lately (Thanks to LadyDi).
Im am a bit confused though, Im not sure if it was already said or I just forgot, but what is your relationship to the prison system?? Love one in, x inmate yourself? Im just curious of course, I love when we have new Iowans here...shows we are growing a bit!
Plus it may help us all to get to know you better ;)
Im sending good thoughts your way for the baptism. It is a beautiful experience.

No new news here...Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!

Hey, BinkysGal, not a victim ("guest") of the System myself, but my old man was and I'm fearing the same for a nephew in NC who's dealing with a felony conviction. But I've seen enough of the routine to see that it needs improving by those who care (even by those who don't have a vested interest in reform). PLUS, I've never seen a situation where one group has complete power over another and the under-group ever improves in any way. Someone has to "watch the watchers," don't you think?
Best,
Ralph

Ralph, you are so right! we do have to watch the watchers.


Congrats for your little angel with her baptism. How old is she? Because she is the only one I've heard you refer of, I'm assuming she is your only child.

She's 7 (adopted) and the love of my life. She was a little nervous but got through it well. I got a bit choked up but I'm a very happy papa right now!

Oh, Ralph, I know what you mean when you say you got chocked up. I remember when my 17yo was 8 or 9 and got baptized. My husband, her step-father, was the one to baptize her. He got chocked up doing it.

All this baptism stuff makes me so happy! :) I just celebrated the anniversary of my baptism in September. Praise God for sending Christ to cover my sin! Hallelujah...that's all I'll say about that here and now!

HI RALPH! It's so nice to "meet" you! I'm in Cedar Falls and trip down to IC every once-in-a-while for an eat at the Hamburg Inn and a great conversation with my best friend from high school. Are you a hawk fan? If so, I'll make a note to self to be extra sensitive on game days. ha haha Where do you go to church in IC? Have you heard of 24/7? Not really important, just interested in knowing. Anyway...

Okay...not sure I have much else to add right now. Glad to see everyone seems to be doing well.

OH! I do have something to add...my name is, my name is, my name is...Slim Shady. No, no, no, just kidding. My name is Evy (pronounced like Chevy, just without the "ch").

Catch ya' on the flip side.

Evy, hahahahah.

Ralph you do have a sense of humor, right?

I am or was a Hawk Fan, but now that my daughter will be going to Iowa State I feel that I must betray my feelings and support 'them".

I'm a fan when they win, and just another loser when they lose! Since I work at the UI I'm excited by anything we're really good at; but it's not my own school so there's no unconditional love here!

A daughter at Ameless?? Jeez, she's dumb or something??

Hi [Ch]evy, I guess that's better than being a "Cad" without the "Illac"! The Episcopal church seems to be very serious about prison ministry, and I'd like to get to know some of their chaplains. Somehow I feel that the sin+punishment issue was all played out in the civil realm, and the role of religion should be one of healing with mercy and love. Don't know much about hell (maybe I will after I die!), but I sure don't need to search far for evidence of a loving god. My little sweetie of a daughter, even when she's dificult, is all I need to know that God gives us far more blessings than we deserve. [And how I hope that he's stingy in punishment--toward all those we care for].

Oh, Ralph (LOUD LAUGHING) Ameless! (LOUD LAUGHING)

Can't wait to tell my husband (he's alumni) and my daughter that.

Hello Ralph,
I am a social worker ( hrrmumph) and Episcopalian to boot. My two foster daughters, 9th gradeers, just got baptized oct 12th and I was so happy it was over! just a lot of "drama" surrounding it, them changing their minds, etc.

It's 10:40pm and I'm still laughing out loud !!

Ralph your pm was funner than you know. She had planned to go to Iowa State for its vet program. It's for the pre-med degree, now.

A UI/ISU joke. Please note, I didn't choose either of those colleges and remain fairly impartial, but will choose ISU most days, as I come from a family farm and small town where EVERYONE goes to ISU because of ag. Anyway...

"If you want to work on a farm someday, go to school at ISU. If you want to own a farm and be profitable someday, go to school at UI."

Okay...I promise not to make any more jokes regarding loyalty to institutions of higher learning within Iowa, as sooner or later something is bound to be said about UNI (yes, there is a third state university...it's Iowa's biggest secret).

Now, when I got on here, I originally had something to say and now I have no stinkin' clue what that was. But that reminds me of something else humorous to add. To preface the following story...I'm 23 and just graduated from college this last May. Okay, here's the story:
I emailed my Uncle Jim and went on about some feelings and experiences I was having as a "newby" in the workforce and adult life. He responded with an email entitled, "Secret," that read: "Congratulations! You have discovered the secret all adults keep from the younger generation. The grass is always greener on the other side and we are our parents. Good luck!"

Everyone should have an Uncle Jim.

Well, with that, I guess I'll tell you kids the same thing...good luck with the secret!

Hello Iowa,

I am new to this site. I have a loved one in Anamosa that has been there for 13 years. I see him 4 times a month (3 hours a visit). It is nice to go to an IOWA Forum and see what is up!

Hi weddings :wave: Glad you found us!! Hope ya do lots of posting in Iowa too.
My Bf is still in Oakdale yet, i hope soon to post where he's going!!!

By the way all, the letters are comming more often now, and I have talked to him on the phone atleast 4 times this week!! So all is well with me, but Im always waitting LOL..Now I waitting on where he will be placed.
Its always something isnt it??

Whats goin on guys, how's everyone doing??

Post soon everyone ;)

Weddings, Warm welcome to the Iowa Forum. What part of the state are you from? You must be near Anamosa if you go 4 times a month. Lam422 is sort of up by that way. Well, it's Cedar Rapids (?) and that's by Anamosa isn't it?

actually, i'm in cedar falls...but close to cedar rapids! :haha:

i had a GREAT weekend, everyone! my youngest neice and her mom and dad came up to see me and we had a great time! at the end of the visit i asked her (she's 2) what her favorite part of cedar falls was and she said, "mmm...YOU!" what a sweetie.

plus, they left late saturday night so i had a chance to drive over and see aaron yesterday. for whatever reason they kited him and he isn't working today, it makes it hard for me not to feign sickness and go over for a four hour visit...but that wouldn't be honest and we'll obviously survive.

more awesome news: God has given aaron the opportunity to preach this coming sunday!

(somehow it posted before i was finished, so i shall continue)

WOO HOO! about aaron getting to preach. :D i have been praying for this and am mucho excited that he has been asked. sigh.

there's lots of other fun stuff going on, but i need to get moving b/c i have a meeting with my executive editor in about 45 minutes.

happy monday everyone!

Oh, Evy, that's great!!! That is next Sunday the 16th?
Wonderful. Let us know what he taught on.

Hi all! As you can see by the time it is one of those "can't sleep" nights...too much on my mind.

Just wanted to introduce myself to this thread and tell you all that I am glad you are there. The last year with my Jimmy gone has been so lonely, to say the least. We are hoping for parole sometime in February...keep your fingers crossed he doesn't fall through the cracks again.

Hoping to go to Clarinda this Saturday for my monthly visit (can't afford to go any more often, or you better believe I would)...my car is in the shop and am hoping it won't cost too much to get it fixed and that it will be ready for Sat visit. This visit is extra special as I am not only taking my Jimmy's mother down (she has gone the first two times), but also am taking his daughter...she hasn't seen him since last May!! If we can't get down there it will break both their hearts (and it won't do my heart any good either).

Well, gonna try to sleep now...just wanted to say "Hi!"

Hi everyone . Hows every one been? Iv'e havent been online much sence my internet keeps going down I'vw had Mediacom out here 3 times in the last 4 weeks. crisslee my boyfriend is also at Clarinda and it's one and half to a 2 hour drive so I try to go every 3 weeks. I hope to go next weekend sine his Birthday is Nov24. Hope everyone has a nice week