My Husband Ryan is in Prison in upstate New York and it's nice reading the other messages and find out I'm not alone. I feel so alone sometimes b/c he's not here, I go and visit when ever I'm free but it's still not the same as having him home with me everynight. He goes before the parole board in December to see if he will be released on feb 18, 2003. If anyone has any suggestions what I can do to pass the time that he's away and not feel so lonely it will be great. Mary

First of all good luck with the parole hearing in December.

I know it seems like an eternity until you can be together again. For me, passing the time while my husband is away is hard at times while other days are easier. I write to him every day, talk to him on the phone at least weekly and visit him when I can. I also have to do what is necessary to take care of myself. I get my hair done, go out with friends every now and then, and tonight I did exactly what I wanted to do - bought Mexican take-out and rented a movie. I have got to take care of myself or I am no good for him or me.

The most important thing I have learned is to take it one day at a time and the moments will pass, turning into days, weeks, and months. I talk about it when I am sad or lonely - most of the time here at PTO, but I get it out and I have come to realize that I don't have to face this time alone.

You are now among the most compassionate group of people I have ever known and get ready to be cared about, loved, appreciated and no longer judged. Hold your head up, let go, and welcome to PTO.

Welcome to PTO Mary. You'll find plenty of people here to comiserate with. My husband also is in upstate NY. He's at Auburn and 9 years into a 15 to life sentence. I also sent you a pm about a group that I run for families with inmates in NY. Hope you check it out.
If there is anything you need to know, please ask.

Val

Welcome Mary...anytime I'm feeling lonely, I like to come here. You can get your mind a little distracted by 'talking' here and sharing experiences or thoughts with the other members.
But Monica has the best advice...make sure you are taking time and care of yourself. You are fortunate that your husband may be home very soon! Keep positive!

Mary....
Another welcome to PTO.... Danielle has it pretty well covered in her post regarding advice on how to survive.... I am another one who frequently visits PTO when I am feeling down... sometimes to vent and sometimes to just "listen" to others and get my mind off my own stuff.... :)

MARYU- HANG IN THERE GIRL- YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT1 KEEP COMING TO PTO-IT MAKES IT A LOT EASIER-THERE ARE SOME WONDEFUL PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE A TREMENDOUS SUPPORT SYSTEM!

welcome to PTO

I have to say you need a girlfriend or two to hang out with.. I mean one who understands what is going on or at least one that is accepting of your situation....