Let's catch up, I'd love to know any updates.

Here, Son still in Reception at a California Prison. No phone calls allowed. Still waiting for our Visitation Applications to be approved since late October. tick tick tick.

Let's catch up, I'd love to know any updates.

Here, Son still in Reception at a California Prison. No phone calls allowed. Still waiting for our Visitation Applications to be approved since late October. tick tick tick.

I guess I was feeling something brewing with the applications today. We had Sent 4 applications in for 4 different people. 1 came back unapproved today. ugh!

Good Morning Bless. yeah that happened to my sons x fiance, the one w/the 2 youngest. His 1st ex gf w/ his oldest son got theirs right off no problem but when K got hers back for herself & the 2 kids.. get this. they sent back copies and said they don't accept copies have to be originals. I asked her about it and she said that is what they sent - copies. so she had to redo and is still waiting.

Well to catch up, let’s see. My son is doing really well:D and for that I am so grateful to God. I have thought about doing this post for so long, and really wasn’t sure if it would open a can of worms, not with any of you, but within myself. I try to put this all behind me see, but the truth is, it is a part of me, a part of who I am. So here it goes…
I was once was where my son is now. And having been through that horror, I worry soooo much. I don't really advertise it, I tried to start a thread but I guess no-one could relate, so I just squashed it. But the guilt I have for missing those 5 years of both my son's life, they were just 13 and 14 when I went in. It was my first and only charge and I was defending a 13 year old girl, but needless to say, it was Texas, and a cop friend was involved, so it was all bias, anyway they convinced me to take 5 years and said I would be home in 90 days. Well I was home 5 years later, and by than my son was already addicted to drugs. I came home in 2001. My son’s do not blame me for anything but I live with the guilt daily. I just feel, if his life hadn't got turned upside down because I was so stupid not thinking about consequences, well maybe he would not have traveled this road. It hurts like hell. Anyway, I am sorry, and wish I could turn back time. Now I hope you all won't change your mind about me. I'm just trying to help others and find support. It is much harder being on this side of things.
p.s. I am not excusing the fact that I did break the law, just the fact that I had a liar for a PD and was railroaded into taking a plea or facing 20 years at trial. If you know anything about Tx, you’ll know why I plead out.

Reggie,

I love you even more! How can I possibly love you even more? Well I do I do. You are one brave strong woman. And I commend you in such honor for sharing part of you with us. You are there for your children now. You always were. Defending another child only puts icing on the cake of what a wonderful person you are. We all need to find a big old Guilt Container to put things inside and toss off the side of Niagra Falls.

What good news to hear that your son is doing well! God is Good!

Reggie, it isn't always just Texas, but I have seen in other threads "don't mess with Texas" and they seem to be proud of that rep.

Personally I think a lot of people who have any experience with the criminal justice system will understand the plea deal that you took. I can see where you are blaming yourself some for your sons problems, but don't. I have seen some kids with every advantage ever available totally mess up and others with the appearance of everything in life against them go the straight and narrow. Sometimes people just have to make their own mistakes and come out stronger on the other end.

From reading some of your other posts, you have become a strong person and maybe that was needed to give you the insight and strength to deal with your sons problems.

thank you, if I can stop crying I will respond. It is a huge burden to carry that around, that stigma. Yes let's get that guilt container going, lol. why is it so hard to be a mom???? Though I gotta tell you, I don't know what I would do with out my Mother. I think she is the strongest woman I know, and I have a whole new respect for her and all us moms. I wish I could tell every kid out there, "Listen to your mother, she knows what she's talking about"!

Oh Reggie, we can all relate to your story in one way or another. What if we?? Or if we?? I know I for one would turn back time if I could, maybe if my son hadn't been raised in Mexico, where drinking at an early age is the status quo, he wouldn't be where he is today. I feel like a fool for thinking that if he moved back to the States, things would sort themselves out. My son doesn't blame me either, but one way or another, all of us here at one point or another, has blamed themselves and felt the same guilt you do. That is after all, one of the reasons we are here! Wendy

BTW, if I can answer any questions about the inside, I will surely try. You all are welcome to PM me anytime you need to talk.

Wendy, it's funny you say that about comming to the states, I have been thinking just the oppisite. We are trying to get stationed OUT of the states, because... well that's another thread, lol.

Don't get me wrong, Mexico has been idyllic in every other way. But I now face the difficulties of phone calls, trying to get packages and books to my boy, and also the mail situation. Here is suddenly not the haven it was for me before my boy went to prison. I just found out that Union and SecurePak won't accept a credit card drawn on a Mexican bank, even though we always use them stateside, so now there is that guilt. I'm so far away. At least you are there in every way for your son, and always were. I can understand your wanting to vacate the state, I grieve everyday for my son having left. Wendy

Good Morning Dear Dutchgirl!

Oh so you have been thru the Visitation Application Merry-Go-Round too? It's soo fustrating especially because we really can't do a single thing about it can we and we don't have enough facts to determine what to do in these situations. blah! I hope her applications come back fast as possible.

What a fiasco eh?

Hi Bless'um and Dutchgirl, I think this is a great new thread. If I had read it the past week, I would have been onboard, I tried and tried to post, I couldn't, just gave it up. There just didn't seem anywhere that seemed the right place. The holidays were terrible, nothing felt normal. Changed all Christmas plans to hopefully have my father patch me through to my son, no call. I have needed this thread for a week now! I have missed you guys, just didn't have ONE uplifting word, and thought better of burdening anyone over the holidays. Here's to brighter days! Wendy

Aww Wendy, please burden us with your troubles. We're all here working thru them together. And it doesn't matter if you have something uplifting or not. This thread is for updates. It just started. I'm thinking God saw you unable to post and found a way for you to come back to us. We are glad you did.

That's the way it felt to me too Bless'um!

hey Wendy. glad to 'see' ya. yes, Bless is right. burden us, that is why we are here.. to unload our burdens, to share each others burdens. that is what friendship & support is all about, right ?

reggie. we love you we love you. can you imagine how much more the Lord loves you. He says don't look back, look forward.

Thanks Dutchgirl, it's just that I thought I was doing so well, and I was, then I felt as though a bomb hit, and all of you were so upbeat. You have no idea how many times I tried to post and just couldn't go through with it. I checked on all of you though, and I'm glad you are still all here and as always upbeat! Wendy

What's that old saying? "Tears of a Clown"?
I think everyone of us are that Clown :(
I'll never look at a clown quite the same way, ever.

Well to catch up, let’s see. My son is doing really well:D and for that I am so grateful to God. I have thought about doing this post for so long, and really wasn’t sure if it would open a can of worms, not with any of you, but within myself. I try to put this all behind me see, but the truth is, it is a part of me, a part of who I am. So here it goes…
I was once was where my son is now. And having been through that horror, I worry soooo much. I don't really advertise it, I tried to start a thread but I guess no-one could relate, so I just squashed it. But the guilt I have for missing those 5 years of both my son's life, they were just 13 and 14 when I went in. It was my first and only charge and I was defending a 13 year old girl, but needless to say, it was Texas, and a cop friend was involved, so it was all bias, anyway they convinced me to take 5 years and said I would be home in 90 days. Well I was home 5 years later, and by than my son was already addicted to drugs. I came home in 2001. My son’s do not blame me for anything but I live with the guilt daily. I just feel, if his life hadn't got turned upside down because I was so stupid not thinking about consequences, well maybe he would not have traveled this road. It hurts like hell. Anyway, I am sorry, and wish I could turn back time. Now I hope you all won't change your mind about me. I'm just trying to help others and find support. It is much harder being on this side of things.
p.s. I am not excusing the fact that I did break the law, just the fact that I had a liar for a PD and was railroaded into taking a plea or facing 20 years at trial. If you know anything about Tx, you’ll know why I plead out.

Reggie, thank you. I have said before that your testimony is going to help someone that finds themselves in a similar situation to have hope and know that God is able. We don't look at you any other way but a child of God. We have all done things in our past that we may not be happy about so we are no better that you.....there for the grace of God go you or I.

Again, thank you for sharing and I am sure it made you feel better getting it out and talking about it. God has a purpose and plan for your life.

Exactly! I'll never forget the day somebody handed me a little stone with part of this below written on it longggg before I beleived in what I do now. I didn't have a clue what that stone was saying.


From the Bible, John 8:7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

BlessTheInmates, I don't know what WCIP means, But I'm glad you started this Thread. I don't live in the same state where my son is in prison right now but I think in Tx, where he's at, he just had to put whom ever might visit him on his visitation list. I was able to go see him back in October this year and thankfully had no problem, I was on his visitors list. It's a shame that these other states make Parents, Family and their children Wait to fill out applications and all that mess, of rather it's a copy and all of that. They make it hard on everybody, it's just sad. I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of that. Reggie, Bless your heart. You made a choice to defend a child crime or not. I commend you for that and your debt has been paid for with the time you served. This site was built for support, I'm sure it took alot of courage to decide to bare you secret with us but I want you to know I fell honored to be among someone like yourself and others that are here that have spent time in prison and are willing to come and share your experiences with complete strangers. Our children will be okay because ''WE'' support them and love them and seek knowledge to better help them." GOD" where would I be without all of you here at PTO". So Reggie, Thank you for your "Courage" to share with us. I feel guilt sometimes but these kids of ours they don't come with these "How to raise a Perfect Child Hand Book" , all I can do now is try to help him become a better Adult, he's paying for his crime. I'm done feeling guilty, that doesn't help my son any, what does help him is you all and the things you teach me to help him and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. WENDY TYLER, I would like to see if I can help you. I want to extend an offer to send whatever it is you are trying to send to your son. Please send me a PM, if your reading this so we can work out the details. Where there is a well there is a way,We will get your son what he needs between the two of us. I'll be waiting to hear from you. Bye for now, Everyone. Mercedes

Gosh Mercedes! That was absolutely beautiful. Your post. I learn sooo much from all of you. I think we're all going to end up doing some things, if not already, outside of this realm that are going to make huge differences in alot of lives. I can hardly wait!

I'm sorry for the confusion on that. WCIP is With Children in Prison. I should have typed it all out. mybad.

I whined so much about the application mishap and was getting absolutely nowhere. ha! I'm embarraced because there are soo many others that can't even visit there kids :( I finally plead to all you wonderful parents for a special prayer for us to get new applications in another topic. And Holy the response was overwhelming. AND to top it off, the day our son got word to send new applications was the VERY day everybody started putting prayers out for that to happen.

God is Sooooooo Good.

Sonjarod, Mercedes, thank you soooo much. What I did was wrong, maybe for the right reasons, but wrong none the less. Your responses touched me beyond words, I had to log off for awhile to cry and regain my composure...thank you all for not judging me, accepting me, and reaching out to me...
Bless, new prayers going out for your applications to be approved!

BlessThe Inmates, I sure feel "Silly",LOL, WCIP, Now that I look at it, All I can do is laugh. I must agree with you God is Soooo very Good. I just this morning got a letter from my son. He and the son of another "PTO" member have become friends. They allready had met when Me and the other MOM where PMing to one another, while we we're looking out for each other here, they where becoming friends in the same unit. What a Blessing!!! Thank you for your post. I feel a change taking place here and it feels right. God Bless this Day................ Mercedes

oh wow Mercedes, that is truly a praise and prayer report! (another thread)... what an amazing story, THAT'S GOD!!! :)

Mercedes. My Jaw just dropped. That is soooo amazing! Major Chills Major Chills.

Reggie. Sooo happy to hear you got thru those awful moments earlier.

Guilt eats at us, like a demon rat with ever so sharp teeth. Knawing away constantly. I envy those who have found a way to catch that demon rat and shoo it from their lives. Permanantly. My guilt demon rat has a hollow leg. I just want to jam a cup of extra thick Peanut Butter in it's mouth so it chokes :)

Hello All,
All that know me know what I have gone through with my son.
Good news is I went to our "Friend" and now my son has gone from Max Level to Second level where he should have been.
Now we are working on getting him transfered to Colmbia,SC on Broad River Rd.
He knows a lot of people there so it will be easier!!
Even though I spend most months at the beach,I least can go home,which is a 3 hour drive, from there it is 25 mins.to prison.
So that is my good news.
The only sad thing is Lieber is on Lockdown,2 people tried to escape,this weekend is my visit,so I won't be able to see him.
Lockdown is till Jan. 2nd
The Hollidays just aren't the same without my boy @ home.
I hope you all have a very blessed year.
If anyone would like to exchange postcards,BD Cards,Holloween,Easter,Xmas and so on,please pm me.
There is nothing like our children getting mail.They love it.
All our loved ones like mail,even if it is just note.
Also,if anyone has anybody @ Lieber that they can't see,maybe I can drop them a note or two,or have my son relay a message.
God Bless You All

Sometimes you don't have to go to prison to hurt your son's life.
I have made so many mistakes,lived with the guilt for so long.
I would love to tell my story,but I am so ashamed still.
My fear, all my life ,has been rejection,and what did I do ,?
Rejected my children.
Life,it is tough,but I have come a long way and thank God I am a God Fearing person.but still learning.
Bless you all





Reggie, thank you. I have said before that your testimony is going to help someone that finds themselves in a similar situation to have hope and know that God is able. We don't look at you any other way but a child of God. We have all done things in our past that we may not be happy about so we are no better that you.....there for the grace of God go you or I.

Again, thank you for sharing and I am sure it made you feel better getting it out and talking about it. God has a purpose and plan for your life.

Bless, to your comment about the feeling of something bigger coming from our PTO family, I too have that burning feeling about something blowing in the wind for us here at PTO, I have had alot of ideas in my head on things that would be nice to have, buses for families every weekend to the local SP's, phone allowences for all the phones calls, funding for the children of inmates, I read so many post from us moms about not wanting to burden us with problems, Reggie42, you NEVER need to doubt our sincere support of one another, that's what we are here for, do you know how much therapy would be, well PTO is letting us have it for free, so moms and everyone of us on this site, how can we give back, I know "Friends Outside" has been around at least since the late 70's, I remember they used to pick up in Los Angeles at go to various SP's in California, I'm sure with the right funding and volunteer work we can bring them back so they can make runs everyweekend, even though my son did not make it to SP from County Jail, I notice alot of us moms with our boys home still need this site for support, how can we help...

Good news is I went to our "Friend" and now my son has gone from Max Level to Second level where he should have been.

That is absolutley Fantastic news! What a kind offer to get messages to other inmates at Lieber. It Seems one of our most intense prayers are for our kids to be placed in the best situation possible as we all pray to God for their safety and protection. Yesterday I was just trying to gether up facts on another thread about the mysterious Point Level System.

I'm probly the only one that didn't know this but another PTO member sweet soul reply'd to my post.

The offense does not have any points attached. The points are for:
Age at first arrest
Age at Reception
Length of sentence
Gang affiliation
Mental health level of care,and
Prior incarcerations.

The form is on page 161 of Title 15.
==========================

I wonder now, does Title 15 apply to all states in USA?

Praise God for sharing and caring

Sometimes you don't have to go to prison to hurt your son's life.
I have made so many mistakes,lived with the guilt for so long.
I would love to tell my story,but I am so ashamed still.
My fear, all my life ,has been rejection,and what did I do ,?
Rejected my children.
Life,it is tough,but I have come a long way and thank God I am a God Fearing person.but still learning.
Bless you all

We, I hear you Marchio. Rejection. Something so powerful that it can effect the rest of somebodys life, yet we sometimes find out the person we felt rejected by didn't have a clue or that intention to begin with. I don't get it, still.

Who mentioned Therapy here?
We're all sitting in both chairs. giggle. Gotta love it.

MyBoysMom, then can we write a book? That's where I thought we were going with the greater things in store theory. We should gather our thoughts, tears, prayers, experiences and wisdom, and collaborate on a book writing project. What do you think? Wendy

Dianne, what good news for your son! As for that "guilt monster" we are putting it all in a big container and Bless is going to throw it overboard, so go ahead, put yours in too! (you have to squeeze, push, maybe use your legs and feet to make room, I took up alot of that, lol). No more guilt! And I will NEVER REJECT YOU!!! none of us will!

MyBoysMom, Thankyou Thankyou Thank YOU!!! And yes, believe me, this is the best therapy I have ever had! I love the idea of giving back too! hmm, got me thinking now!

Sonyarod, so true so true! Reggies story triggered me into typing my story of guilt yesterday. And of course, I quickly deleted every single word. I ran into the shower and and thanked God for not letting me type it.

I'm in the everfamous Rock and Hard Place. I'm going to start decorating that place real soon. giggle.

MyBoysMom, then can we write a book? That's where I thought we were going with the greater things in store theory. We should gather our thoughts, tears, prayers, experiences and wisdom, and collaborate on a book writing project. What do you think? Wendy

Count me in! Excellent idea!

Bless, to your comment about the feeling of something bigger coming from our PTO family, I too have that burning feeling about something blowing in the wind for us here at PTO, I have had alot of ideas in my head on things that would be nice to have, buses for families every weekend to the local SP's, phone allowences for all the phones calls, funding for the children of inmates, I read so many post from us moms about not wanting to burden us with problems, Reggie42, you NEVER need to doubt our sincere support of one another, that's what we are here for, do you know how much therapy would be, well PTO is letting us have it for free, so moms and everyone of us on this site, how can we give back, I know "Friends Outside" has been around at least since the late 70's, I remember they used to pick up in Los Angeles at go to various SP's in California, I'm sure with the right funding and volunteer work we can bring them back so they can make runs everyweekend, even though my son did not make it to SP from County Jail, I notice alot of us moms with our boys home still need this site for support, how can we help...

Forgive me! I'm so behind repsonding to each of these fabulous messages. I type one and hit Submit Reply and new messages already arriving. giggle. How do you all keep up? And your so full of great ideas! Let's do something. Somehow? I'd love to look into "Friends Outside". Greatttt idea. Another PTO member mentioned Kairos an organization where they go inside for ministry. Did I hear Lets write a book? I'm all for it! Anything that will help. yay!!

Marchio, you are not alone with the guilt feelings. If we could all turn back time, we would, but we can't. I'm sure I speak for all of us here, that given the chance, we would do things differently. That would not guarantee us that our sons wouldn't have ended up in prison anyway. Our sons are there for many different reasons, many different crimes, and most of all come from many different backgrounds. There is no attachment to the birth certificate that says this one will do time, this one won't, although advanced warning would have been nice huh?LOL.
Take care Marchio, you are in good compnay. Wendy

There is no attachment to the birth certificate that says this one will do time, this one won't, although advanced warning would have been nice huh?LOL.
Take care Marchio, you are in good compnay. Wendy

Bravo Wendy!

Guilt? Did someone mention guilt?!!!!

Yes,Guilt has ruined a many of lives.I have been working on mine for years.
Thankyou all for anwsering me,I don't feel so alone.
Bless you

oh now the floodgates have been opened....

I'm loving this thread Bless'um! We are getting it all out now aren't we? Between the laughter and the tears, we really do make good reading, but most of all we get one another through! Wendy

Guilt? Did someone mention guilt?!!!!

heheh! Come one come all! Join us in our planned celebration to kick that Guilt Container off the side of Niagra Falls.

Bless get that container, maybe 2 or 3!
Wendy that was perfect, I love that!

I keep asking myself....what can I do now for my son. I beat myself up because I do not write him enough....I print out all kinds of "stuff" to mail to him but can't seem to get it together enough to put it into a simple envelope with stamps....sure he calls often and of course I send him money and books, magazines etc. but I can't seem to get him OUT OF THERE!! I keep taking money out of the equity of the house...pay for lawyers...have to tell him that it got denied again....but what else can I do.....

and of course I do not visit him enough!!! sure he is 13 hours away from me but still ....he goes weekend after weekend without a visit....guilt

your are doing all you can... short of breaking him out, no no, don't do that! I send alot of cards, ALOT, lol.

We can't throw the container out yet, we're going to need it for the movie deal. Without the guilt container, there is no book, without the book there is no movie, without the movie how in the hell will any of us ever meet George Clooney?

I'm loving this thread too. I love when we all gather so fast and look what's happening? I've got a smile on my face for 60 minutes straight. Maybe the wrinkles will flip upside down soon.

There's our next book. "How to reverse the frown process in 1 hour or less".

I want to work on getting him transferred up here to SC. How does one go about doing that?

can we work on the saggy boobs Blessthe inmates?

guilt....how about our "Faith" being tested....oh that could be another hour long conversation

Herbawitz, I live on your way to Florida, a halfway point for you, If you need help going to see him, maybe my hubby and I can help you?

Wendy you have my rolling on the floor over here!

ok the boobs and wringles, let's not even talk about the thighs!

oh my goodness....the thighs.....I did'nt realize one could gain 20 pounds since Thanksgiving....

Herbawitz, I live in Mexico, I won't be visiting my son anytime soon. I was just Stateside for his sentencing, GUILT, oh yes, I have some too. I know what you mean about getting your letter ready to mail. For me I have to drive 40 miles to an American delivery service I subscribed to since my son has been, let's say away from home!

Reggie, don't think I haven't thought the same thing! Wendy

I went from not wanting to eat anything....(depression) to lets eat everything in site....even if we are disgustingly full....

I live in Anderson SC might as well be NC!! I thought about "breaking him out" and of course I have also thought about Mexico!! but for now I am just trying to get some mail out to him.

ohhh, I guess I shouldn't have ate those damn Krispy creams hubby went out and got this morning!!!!


Herbawitz, let me know if we can ever help you.

One of the other moms a couple of weeks ago, mentioned Preparation H for under the eyes after a big crying vent. One guess as to who smells like shark bait right now. Most of you know I had a moment yesterday, today I'm chum. Wendy

I keep asking myself....what can I do now for my son. I beat myself up because I do not write him enough....I print out all kinds of "stuff" to mail to him but can't seem to get it together enough to put it into a simple envelope with stamps....sure he calls often and of course I send him money and books, magazines etc. but I can't seem to get him OUT OF THERE!! I keep taking money out of the equity of the house...pay for lawyers...have to tell him that it got denied again....but what else can I do.....

Herbawitz, you are now right next to another person who has probly sent 4 things in the mail in her entire life. And I have nooo idea why either. It doesn't make sense, everybody else in the world gleefully writes, mails, and do cartwheels to the postoffice.

I baught 60 christmas cards to send out. Never before did I do that. Well, I tried. They sit here in the box. Ended up using some of them to give to people by hand. I write letters now to Prison. I even put the address on them. I occasionally get as far as putting a stamp on the envelope. But I completey rely on somebody else to take it out the door and pray the mail gets to the Prison. I force myself to go as far as I can. Others here are not really able to do the writing of the letters. Just like I'm not really able to actually mail them. So I write and they mail. Maybe somebody else can pick up where you are not able to?

shark bait, lol... but it really works! hahaha! it also works on zits, heehee.

can we work on the saggy boobs Blessthe inmates?

Haha! I ain't got none left. I think I walked on them by accident.

Wendy we are going to need alot of airbrushing for the book cover!!!

Herbawitz, I live in Mexico, I won't be visiting my son anytime soon. I was just Stateside for his sentencing, GUILT, oh yes, I have some too. I know what you mean about getting your letter ready to mail. For me I have to drive 40 miles to an American delivery service I subscribed to since my son has been, let's say away from home!

Reggie, don't think I haven't thought the same thing! Wendy

Oh my Lord! Talk about difficult. I'm sorry you have to go thru so much to write to your son. Ack. There oughta be a Law.

fold and put the paper in the envelope, address envelope,stamp it, walk to mailbox, lift little red flag....seems simple enough....so what is my problem!!!!

One of the other moms a couple of weeks ago, mentioned Preparation H for under the eyes after a big crying vent. One guess as to who smells like shark bait right now. Most of you know I had a moment yesterday, today I'm chum. Wendy

Yes Wendy. We felt your pain. Thank God all of us are here for eachother. Imma hoping I don't go down, very close sometimes. But no way since I have you, and everybody else every single day of my life now.

by the way, where is our Dear Dutchgirl today?

and I do know how important mail is to the inmates...oh my goodness....I think I am the queen of guilt today!!!

Reggie, it does work, I didn't know which to buy, the cream or the ointment, unfortunately the other sad mom wasn't specific. I bought both. Using the ointment for a mask effect, and the cream as a base for then yet the makeup. I've noticed a lot of cats in the neighborhood latley, do ya' think?

You are so right Bless'um, you did feel my pain, I so needed that. I'm laughing today, not looking so hot, but laughing. I was wondering where D'Gal was also. It's Saturday, does she visit Saturdays?

haahaahaa Wendy! what a sight we all must be, reminds me though, I need hair dye today when I'm out shopping!

and I do know how important mail is to the inmates...oh my goodness....I think I am the queen of guilt today!!!

You'll get there, you want to get there. Getting there is the problem.

You have way too much on your hands now. We can only do so much at any given time. You want to mail your child. You want him to know that you love him and support him. They need that soooooo much. That's the goal. Whatever is in the letter is going to get to him.

Write his address really big on a peice of paper and hang it where you can find it easily. On the mirror where you look at yourself everyday and judge yourself instantly for not mailing him. Do it when your energy level is high. Ok so you don't walk out to the mail box today, get it ready to take out tomorrow. It's not too late. And walaaaa! Instant Guilt remover. And your child will get your letter in 2 weeks.

For me to complete my own task in mailing is such a GREAT beyond GREAT feeling as soon as it's gone and out the door. Because it's one of my many major weaknesses that others have no problem with doing.

If Anybody can help us with an easier way, pleeeease help us?

Herbawitz, throw that guilt out the window (just don't hit anyone, lol) focus on all the good you do, ONLY the good!

You are so right Bless'um, you did feel my pain, I so needed that. I'm laughing today, not looking so hot, but laughing. I was wondering where D'Gal was also. It's Saturday, does she visit Saturdays?

Ruh oh! Some of the Clan is MIA. :eek:

ewps! that sounds too wolfy. Make that

Ruh oh! Some of the Fold is MIA. :eek:

thanks ladies! as usual, I love PTO!

yea, I gotta run too, ya'll...grocery shopping, uhg!!!! it's been a riot, thanks for starting my day with a great laugh, I needed it. YOU ALL ARE SO AWESOME!!!!

Holy cow! I turn off my puter for a couple of hours and BLAM!!! A book is in the works, moms are giving driving directions to their homes, and that horrid word "g-u-i-l-t" keeps popping up. You can't turn your back on Bless for a second! Her sweet little brain 'clickety-clicks' like an expensive time piece. XOXO

Now as for the book! I have two cents to add here. First - and foremost! - Julia Roberts will have to portray ME in the movie (made from the book) -- I am firm on this!

Secondly, Reggie, none of us live without some skeleton(s) in our closets. Heck! you did time for helping a kid. Last week I threatened to shoot my hubby and going to prison would be fine -- but I also figured no jury of my peers would find me guilty if they heard all the facts! So, listen, dear friend, we're kindred spirits --- not angels with spotless wings! And we hold each other up! That's what friends do.

Thirdly, as for that bad bad bad word - g-u-i-l-t - I know where that word belongs and here's my plan: We convert a tin trash can into a rocket ship and when we feel any of the g-word, we dump it into that trash can and send that rocket right up to Mars. No postage stamps required. In fact, we can send any thing we want up in that trash can like relatives who say mean things to us about our incarcerated children, or the people who mess up those visitor applications so miserably, or the public defenders that are brainless, worthless, bottom dwellers that suck the life out of good people -- where was I? -- oh yes -- well, you get the picture.

And an update: son Nate has been in the upper peninsula of Michigan now for nearly 2 weeks. They avg 100-300 inches of snow a year there! Mama mia! that's a lot of snow, huh.

And I do believe that we can remedy some of these situations in the prison system. I have seen first hand what a few women can accomplish with letters and a few telephone calls to the right people. A well-respected congressman once told me that when his office gets one letter about an issue, they read it and file it. When they receive 3 letters on the same topic from 3 different people in the same week, they go on *Alert* and when they receive 5+ letters from 5 different people in a short period of time (from their constituents obviously) they get nervous and figure they'd best look into the problem and make a plan on how to fix it. The forums here are already organized for us by state so half of the work is already done!

Okay - and one last thing before I sign off and go read other posts. You might have heard on the news that they think a meteor is going to hit Mars. Well, I'm hear to tell you it's no meteor! It's leftover Christmas cookies and fudge and it's coming FROM Michigan - a little white house! - that is sending this stuff up up and AWAY from my lips and hips! Just thought you should hear it from me first! :::waddling over to the next thread now::::

Love and peace to all of you, dear friends!
Mary

PS Bless, you're a genius! Thanks for starting this thread! :hifive:

Did somebody mention Personal Care? Freezes in tracks.

I just posted this message and now I see our MDF has posted something big and wonderful. I can't wait to read it! This post has been edited because well. I have to catch up, again :)

Herbawitz, when you feel better, you're more amped to get things done. Maybe you just needed the time to vent, be here with us for a while and take a little time for yourself, I consider the time I spend here, with my girls, my time. Not so much to ask. Take a load off and have a pity party with us. We all feel better afterwards. It's why we are all here, then we mail letters! Wendy

Mary OMG I cannot stop laughing!!! That was just what I needed to top off this thread, hahaahaa, Bless "clickety click" ROTF!!! :)
I hope Nate has lots of thermals!
p.s.
pass me those cookies! I still have 3 days before the diet!

MDF, if anyone other than Angelina Jolie plays my part, I'm out!

I want Cathy Bates, yes from Misery, but she was great in Fried Green Tomatos! TAWANDA!!! :)

I really gotta run, meet you all back here later, oh, I'll bring the drambuie!

MDF YOU you YOU are beyond words right now. I laughed soooo much! too too tooo funny. The Meteor! HAHA!

My Ears perked straight up between the laughs. MDF you know first hand how letters are handled in the upper ranks of politics. Excellent information! If we don't act on this, we need some help on enacting on something so perfectly sitting on our laps here together.

Lets try to take some action? We have alot of good things, ideas here. We have God, eachother and a heck of alot of brilliant people who have something to offer to keep the Polar Express moving forward.

I'm thinking Herbawitz and I are probly not the best candidates for organizing the mailing campaign for one. Stepping to the back of the line for that one :)

We're all a bunch of mad scientists I tell ya! Now we need to develope some Turbo Sled for those in the snow to get to the Prisons.

Look at that! 6 pages already!

TAWANDA! yes, she was fabulous and I can see you in the Saran Wrap dress! What style! What class!

Wendy, Angelina would be perfect for you! What voluptuous lips!

And Bless! Honey! Listen to me! :::pulling up a chair::: You don't want these cookies! It will mean MORE dieting! And why would you want to do that to yourself??? Me? I'm saving up for liposuction and body-tuck. Maybe what we make from the book and movie will cover the costs!

:::waddling over to the Weight Watchers FREE 3-WEEKS TRIAL OFFER online::::

Love ya'all!
Mary

But Bless'um, you came up with the title, Polar Express, you can't bail now.

Hoo boy! You guys have drug up some memories for me!

My son has been home since May after serving 4 years. Things are going well. Here's some light at the end of the tunnel for you all!!

But Bless'um, you came up with the title, Polar Express, you can't bail now.

hehe! Noo really I didn't. MDF brought that magical Train. I'll admit right here and now. Ridding my Guilt. I have never seen the movie. I just was glad to Jump on the Polar Express no matter what it was, anything to get off the crazy rollercoaster we were on and ride in the wind with you other's. I had a tight grip on your ankles or my'n I can't remember it was such a blur. laugh wew! I am freeeee! yawww

Hoo boy! You guys have drug up some memories for me!

My son has been home since May after serving 4 years. Things are going well. Here's some light at the end of the tunnel for you all!!

Hallelujah! Maybe we have another chapter in the book dedicated to a successful return to life outside the walls is? Imma dying to know so many things. Wonderful to hear things are going well. Success!

MDF we have a lot of plastic surgeons down here in Mexico, doing all the same work on the cheap. Going for a body transplant my self in 08. In my case, size not the issue gravity is, if it's not sagging it's swinging. And it seems it has been sagging and swinging a lot more these past few months, with the spiraling eating not eating syndrome we all know. Why is it that if you have a 90210 zip code and don't eat you look like a ballarina, and if you don't you look like me. Something's just not right with this, it's a conspiracy, I'm certain.

Looks intently into MDF's Eyes. Lays back, The last thing I remember before I went into a Sugar Fit was Reggie holding onto the plate for dear life and rummaging thru the Cookie and Fudge Pile that you were bout to Torch. I think I see her hanging onto that Garbage Can heading for Mars. omg! Somebody grab her ankles again. hehe!

Wendy, interesting question on the Zipcode. Maybe their all so busy RUNNING up and down the shopping spree streets to keep up with the Jones? Sawwy 90210, but we poor folk are not only broke, but sagging all over :)

But we are wealthy? Rich? with Hope, Faith and our Saviors here.

LAT, I hope you keep us updated about your boy. We all need that light at the end of the tunnel. Mine will be doing 4 years also, I so want to know how yours is adjusting now. I know it can't always be a welcome home party, and that the battle goes on from here. Really, how is he settling in? Wendy

Bless'um, we are rich in that we have each other, we truly are. I bless each day I have with you here. We could not be better off. That reminds me, someone is going to need to send an SOS out for our partner in not doing crime. It's not like D'gal to not show up at any given moment. Does she visit her son on Saturdays? Wendy

Oh you are soooo right. mygod I'd be still spiraling downwards into the darkness without all of you here everyday. You know...it took me a few minutes to figure out who D'gal was. I like that! Dutchgirl. My brain is a bit thick most the time.

I almost remember last weekend she didn't log on either. I was worried, but it occured to me that maybe her "week day computer" is more accessible to her rather than on weekends?

He is doing surprisingly well. We ended up opening up to friends and church family and have had tons of support.

About a year before he was released my husband started asking everyone he knew who owned their own business if they would consider hiring our son. We had several positive responses and he had a job within a week of relelase.

He says that his sdjustment was easier because he continued living in "our world" rather than the "prison world".

I know that there are some dark demons that he doesn't share with us. There are times when he needs space and mom's nagging reminds him of prison guards. :)

So I lay off trying to make suggestions to him that appear to him as nagging. I tell him every single day that I am proud of him and that I love him.

He lives with his sister, he has met a very nice girl and the three of them are friends. He plays on several sports teams. He has a church family that has embraced him, although he is very lax about attending.

Christmas was good, but he had a hard time grieving over his ex-wife who didn't stick it out with him.

My prayers are being answered.

I refuse to think about the possibilities of not having found this site. It seems my brain can't comprehend what it would be like without it. Does not compute does not compute. Thank heavens and the good Lord we don't have to. Wendy

fold and put the paper in the envelope, address envelope,stamp it, walk to mailbox, lift little red flag....seems simple enough....so what is my problem!!!!

Have you tried jpay.com for mail. Right now there are only 18 states that have it. Fl is one that has jpay and so is Indiana (Yea). You can start out purchasing 10 stamps for $4.00 and do an electronic letter. When you hit continue it sends the letter for you, no walking to the mail box. Write, continue, sent.

Wow Lisa, it sounds like everything we want for our boys. I'm especially impressed about the team sports, just to know he can get along in a competitive atmosphere after "you know what" I think is a milestone in itself, I really do. I hope he is proud of himself, he should be. I hate to hear about him grieving for his x, especially over the holidays. My antennas would have been way up, worrying about or expecting a fall. He made it through, HELL I'm proud of Him!

LAT! Thank you soo much for sharing your story with us. I've got goosepimples going on now. What a joy to read this. I so much needed to hear this. Thank you! I visualized it all.

About employment. Brilliant that you planned ahead of time. wow! I'm constantly trying to figure out things here for the future. Perhaps opening a home business I ponder. But the odds on that here are slimola. I will do as you did, prepare ahead of time for employment beyond my doors which I'm scared to death to even let his toe peek out of.

Church has been nothing short of a miracle in our family. Hallelujah!

Have you tried jpay.com for mail. Right now there are only 18 states that have it. Fl is one that has jpay and so is Indiana (Yea). You can start out purchasing 10 stamps for $4.00 and do an electronic letter. When you hit continue it sends the letter for you, no walking to the mail box. Write, continue, sent.

Really??! On the internet you can write letters to Prisoners thru Jpay? I had nooo idea! So you write a letter to them and the guards pass the letter onto the Prisoners? I know I'm confused but I'm amped to find out how to do this.

I've been told by my sister and my boyfriend that after everything that's happened I should seek therapy -- cannot explain to them about this site and how PTO is so comforting and real for me. My son is in for 20 years, in 2005 my husband died in his sleep -- he was my son's stepdad since he was five and we were close with his real dad all that time until he passed away when my son was in high school. My dad died after that, he was the favorite grandson, then my son's best friend died.

My faith has saved me for sure and close friends I've had for years. It's different now with the going to prison thing, people all over that knew him are in disbelief, lots of prayers for the both of us.

My guilt for just giving him whatever he wanted after my husband died was not the smartest thing to do, but my son had just gotten out of the Air Force the week before my husband died and was having a lot of trouble with losing two dads before he was 25, wanted to know what he did wrong. The drugs and alcohol to kill his pain were just like they were paid for by me because I supported him for two more years (even after he finally got work -- he has always worked hard since high school).

A whole lot more to my guilt, but reading your posts are so good for me and I'm soooo glad you're all here this morning as I have had a terrible 48 hours. Thank you.

Someone down here south of the border wants to hear more about the Jpay mail. If it is what it sounds like, it sounds really good to me. Please, please, tell us more.

Really??! On the internet you can write letters to Prisoners thru Jpay? I had nooo idea! So you write a letter to them and the guards pass the letter onto the Prisoners? I know I'm confused but I'm amped to find out how to do this.

Jpay is only available right now in 18 states, I believe CA is also one but would have to review the service map again. There are also a couple of other services out there that offer this in other states. With jpay, you purchase your stamps, you write your letter (1 stamp per electronic page so you can send more pages, and it will charge you more stamps). It keeps you informed how much you have done like 1/4th done/ 1/5th done etc. When you get done you get a button to view what you have written or to continue. When you hit continue it will have you finish then give you a confirmation number showing it sent.

A CSR for jpay determines which prison an inmate is at, directs the letter to the mail room for that prison, a mail room person prints it out and puts it in for mail delivery to the inmate along with any snail mail. They recommend 48 hrs for delivery except on weekends. I discussed it with the mail room guy for my sons location. He knew immediately who I was because it is so new for us that he is not getting a lot yet. jpays csr has limited access to the state database as would a state employee to determine an inmates location. I am on my second set of stamps.

I had met someone a year and a half after my husband passed (we'd met years before with my sister and we were all friends). He has been there for me and put up with more than anyone should have too. He is having some troubles as he does with Christmas as his mom died the day after Christmas when he was 18 so we're trying to make it through this week. Cannot wait until the new year.

I live about two hours from where my son is and letters get there quick. I've always been a letter writer (had a penpal in England when I was growing up) so it is easy to get mail off to my son. I also send postcards from the area where we vacationed when he was growing up because our relatives lived here on the Washington Coast and we were in E. WA so he recognizes all the postcards.

I've also addressed envelopes in advance and put stamps on them and leave them in the car and house so I remember to send him things. It has only been since August 7 of this year that he was arrested. He is so grateful to receive them. When he writes or calls he thanks me over and over for my support and all the mail. He even asked me to send his cellie a card as he gets no mail because his wife is also incarcerated and they cannot write each other.

Speaking of the mail, I need to check mine before they close at noon at the Post Office as I am expecting a black ink cartridge. All the articles I've been sending to my son has taken a lot of ink. Thanks again you all for being here and telling your stories.

Dearest Momofns,

Others here will be jumping in on your message. Parents in the same situation with better ways with words than I. Thankfully because they are my guiding light here. Oh Dear Lord you're family has gone thru so much suffering. I, we feel your anquish. Carrying that Load on your shoulders and bravely moving on no matter what it has taken. The way I look at things on your journey in your message here, you helping your son, you had to help him. Really you had to. What else can a mother do but help their children in the best way we possibley can. What if what if what if you didn't help him? If you had not helped him with finanaces, he may have ended up on the streets and in the deepest trouble imaginable. The streets are full of darkness. And you saved him from that happening to him, first hand.

If we could have done better, we would have. No doubt about that.

And once again, I hit the Submit Reply button and so many other messages were posted! God is sooooo good!

God Bless You, Your Son and your Family

Jpay is only available right now in 18 states, I believe CA is also one but would have to review the service map again. There are also a couple of other services out there that offer this in other states. With jpay, you purchase your stamps, you write your letter (1 stamp per electronic page so you can send more pages, and it will charge you more stamps). It keeps you informed how much you have done like 1/4th done/ 1/5th done etc. When you get done you get a button to view what you have written or to continue. When you hit continue it will have you finish then give you a confirmation number showing it sent.

A CSR for jpay determines which prison an inmate is at, directs the letter to the mail room for that prison, a mail room person prints it out and puts it in for mail delivery to the inmate along with any snail mail. They recommend 48 hrs for delivery except on weekends. I discussed it with the mail room guy for my sons location. He knew immediately who I was because it is so new for us that he is not getting a lot yet. jpays csr has limited access to the state database as would a state employee to determine an inmates location. I am on my second set of stamps.

Tgrlady!

Thank you thank you thank you for posting that information about Jpay. You unscrambled my brain in explaining it perfectly. That is so fantastic. It is an awsome alternative for us be in contact our children. I quoted your message so others will see it if they missed it the first time you typed it.

God is Goooood! He brought you here to teach us something that I for one had no clue about.

Jpay.com
http://www.jpay.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx

JPay makes it easier for you when a friend or loved one is an inmate. JPay provides Internet tools so that friends and family can easily and instantly send money (http://www.jpay.com/QuickLogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSendMoney.aspx) or send letters (http://www.jpay.com/QuickLogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSendMail.aspx) to an inmate. A parolee can use JPay tools to pay restitution (http://www.jpay.com/QuickLogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSendMoney.aspx).

Did you see that Herbawitz? Life just got easier! :)

I love jpay for letters, but a couple words of caution. Right now they are only available in the prison system for 18 states. There are a couple other systems out there that does the electronic, but I can't remember who they are or which link to find them on and for which state they are available. If your state isn't one on the map call the prison system and ask if they have electronic mail avail for their inmates. Even here in Indiana all of our prisons have not adopted electronic mail yet - fortunately for me my sons has along with a friend of his that I write. We just got this around the week before Christmas so it is very new to us as well.

2nd word of caution someone posted a note that they think using electronic mail will eventually make it difficult for snail mail to be sent because it is too easy to monitor electronic mail. I will help fight that battle for everyone if or when the time comes. My son needs the mail right now and I know this is quick.

Fingers crossed for all of you interested that it works for you.

Parents WCIP update:

Well they say no news is good news? I have no news whatsoever, no updates. Nothing. tick tick tick :)

BUT, I've learned like a billion things today in this thread. Thats GOOD news. Mail comes at 2pm here. I'll be at church singing to the Lord at 2pm. Time passes day to day, I never thought I could get past the first 24 hours back 8 months ago, seeing our sons image in the monitor on the wall, a crackling speaker to communicate, in handcuffs with a wall between us. My dearest husband crying and begging his son to Not Lose Hope. I will say something here that I haven't been able to approach on the internet. Reggie, you inspired to say this because of your initial bravery on your first post here on this thread. Our son was murdered shortly before this current situation. God brought him back to us. And I'm thinking I probly won't ever mention it again. It's tormented me and will continue tormenting me forever. I never thought I'd find so much comfort in text on a webpage here. The text turned into Real People with Real Situations. This is not the media as I knew it. This is you, this is me, this is us.

My God and our Son brought me here. I am forever grateful. Had my son not gone to Prison. I'd have never met any one of you. That would be a tragedy.

Oh momofns, I can understand your sister's concerns. It does seem like it's so much to endure. Before I found this site, I thought for the first time in my life that I needed some serious help. I was talking and crying to myself. It is real here, we talk and cry together, get one another through what ever it is that we go through on any given day. I've thought since joining, that if I had sought counseling, or phsychiatric help, my "healer" better have a son or daughter in prison, or how else could they relate? Nothing can relate to that but that. There are many emotions that almost anyone can be an expert on, we've all had them. How many can relate to having a child in prison. You can have as many degrees as a thermometer, and never understand the pain that entails. Guilt, I'll give them that one, it's pretty much a generic emotion and can be talked away easily, we all have some. But really this is our shrink right here, you are right. I know myself and probably everyone else here could not afford an emergency session when we feel so low we could do the limbo under the front door! We come here.

I have no words to tell you how sorry I am for your and your son's losses, but I can tell you we are all here for you, anytime. I hope that gives you some consolation. Take care, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wendy

Oh my Bless'um, I didn't know about your other son, you're a miracle amongst. I am so sorry! You've found your calling here, as with D'Gal, as I now affectionately call her. You are both towers of strength, and we are all lucky to have you. Wendy

Thank you Wendy. I should have noted. He's the same son that is now in Prison. He sacrificed his life 2 times within one year to wake his family up. And I'm lucky to have you. That's how I see it. So there :)

I'm taking this perfect opportunity to run offline to head to Church. Love allllll of you sooo very much! I'll be back! No MIA for me. No way.

ewps! One more thing before I go running. Heres the service map I found on JPAY. Why aren't other countries in on JPAY yet? Not fair. Ouchies, they don't do electronic mail for California.

http://www.jpay.com/map.aspx

When my son's trial began the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, my mom had quit walking and eating at her foster home (she's got dimentia and alzheimers). By the time my son took a plea threes days later (they threatened him with more charges and an arrest of his gf which would have totaled more then 20 yrs), by the following Monday, my mom was given 3 to 6 days to live and was in the hospital. Good news for my mom, she began eating again and not so out of it. Anyway, a miracle, now she is in a rehabilitation center closer to me and doing great, thank the Lord.

Of course, my son only knew she was having some problems, not that she was going to die. It is so nice to see her now. We have since gotten the pharmacy records for my mom (and the nursing home also told us) and her foster care giver was giving her a heavy sedation of two different drugs that made her a zombie. Even the rehabilitation center asked me if they could switch them to ones more attuned to alzheimer patients where she would be able to function again. They say people give patients like my mom those drugs so they do not have to deal with them. We discussed that when she was in the hospital not getting those she was in withdrawal and then she started improving. Thank God, I do not need to loose my mom yet (she's only 71).

I'm still awaiting approval for visitation with my son, so close yet so far away (only 2 hours from me until he is transferred - just classified). He says he will be there for about three months - he's been there a month now. He is a hugger and I know he needs one, it's been since August since he's had one.

Maybe by next week, I'll get approved.

momofns, all of my crud came about at the same time too. It seemed like a joke when I would call hubby or he would call me and say "what would be the next worst thing that could happen right now" Unfortunately for us, we always guessed it right. We are still guessing it right, because the hits still keep coming. My husband says, we've had a really good run of good luck, no problems for so long, it was bound to happen this way. The news of my son and his badness, came the same day my mother in law was given 3 mos. to live, my mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and in operable. We are currently at the 3 month mark, waiting for the next blow. A few other major setbacks in the mix, where does it end? I could handle it all, I am handling it all, but couldn't it come in intervals? Does it all have to happen when we want to concentrate on one thing at a time. Surely we will get a break soon. Thank the good Lord and PTO we are even able to talk about this, and get it all out! I'm with you girl, except I don't want clouds for breakfast!

Wendy, before my son was arrested, we had plans to stay in Mexico for a month to seek out a place to move from here. I had been to Hawaii and Florida after my husband passed (took his ashes to the Big Island where he lived for ten years and we visited there, he was trying to get a partner job with his telecommunications company). I loved the climate and wanted to move there until I checked out spots in Mexico that were so much more affordable. After my son's arrest in August, the Mexico trip was cancelled. I already knew about the mail in Mexico and calls, so now it is out of the question. Everything is different now.

My boyfriend and I talked about the good luck for so long - in his life and mine - how these past three years for both of us have taken some bad turns - and yes, thank the good lord and PTO.

Welcome Momofns! I'm sorry Christmas was so hard for you. Having anniversaries of losing loved ones around these special holidays is even harder! There's no easy way to get through them. You just get through them hour by hour, day by day .... and pretty soon, it's okay again. My son also entered the prison system in August but wasn't moved from county until October. His day of sentencing was one of the worst days of my life! Maybe THE worse. All I know is the anguish and the tears were running amuk and I was a raw nerve. I really don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found PTO. I think I'd be in a rubber room using rubber spoons and eating oatmeal 3x a day. I was so devastated until I found others who knew what I felt, saw what I saw, heard what I heard, and loved their child the way I love my son.... even if he's done some bad things and made some poor choices. I'm hopeful. I will not give up hoping he will grow from this and be a better man because of it. God has a plan for all of us.

God's plan for me is to manufacture tin-can-trash-rockets with which to send all guilt and yucky feelings that make us frown! I want to qualify that by saying that I believe it's good to feel bad sometimes. It gives us a way to measure our blessings. And we do have more blessings than not. For me, and many others here, our kids might be dead if they weren't in prison. And that's a big, huge blessing!!!!

So bring your burdens, and your leftover cookies and fudge -- and feel free to shovel any thing or any one you want to fly to Mars into this special rocket. I plan on doing some tole painting on the exterior to fool the Martians. No reason they shouldn't learn about guilt! <chuckling>

Warm hugs and peace to you and all.....
Mary

Update: My Kid!

Nate called this afternoon and he sounded GREAT. He said all the snail mail caught up with him and they even handed some of it to him in Christmas morning. I sent him a picture of our Christmas tree and printed it out at home, then cut squares of paper and wrapped little 'presents' for him. (Not my idea but came from one of you super moms! thanks!) He was delighted! And I sent photos, too, of my dog Holly and some recent oil paintings that I had done. I turned his anteroom of his bedroom into a studio for me to do my painting and crafts. I wanted to feel close to him and also needed to find a way to channel some of my inner feelings and creativity is a good way for me to do that. Well, they're very amateurish but they're a joy to do and I chuckle all the while I'm doing them wondering what the hell was I thinking?!? to think I could this?!?! But I bought a book and voila! I can read. LOL I can also copy!

Back to Nate........ he said he found some guys that play guitar, too, and asked for me to send some guitar tabs from online, which I did. He laughed at my letters with all my doodle drawings of our car in a big snow pile attempting to get to him to visit. He's over 500 miles north and there's a lot of nothing between one city and the next (if you don't count the woods and bears). It'll be spring before we can go. But he sounded so good and so healthy. I remind him every day in my letters to wash his hands a zillion times a day so he remains healthy. He was upset that I tossed out the cookies and fudge that were left over from Christmas. It was so good to hear his voice and know he's okay. I want all of you to have that feeling. We have to find a way to get all the states' prisons to allow phone calls even to cells.

And I do think D'girl does work during the week and maybe that's how she corresponds w/ us.

Okay...... going to go check out what else is going on. Enough blabbing for me!

Waving ~~~ to you!
Mary

momofns, you shouldn't let your sons incarceration stop you from your happiness. If you and you boyfriend were on the same wave length about moving, just do it. Sure things are a little slower to get done from here, but you are talking about absolutely everything coming to a full stop. Not fair to you, not fair to someone who is willing to change his whole life with you. It's all doable from here, just not as quickly. You are talking about putting your life plans on the back burner, huge mistake. Your boy won't be moving anywhere any time soon, bad joke, but do you really want to stay where you don't want to be for the next 20 years. Life here is so much more affordable. You have a shot at happiness, so does your guy. I don't know anyone else, who deserves it more than you. Don't be afraid of change. That is what has held more people back from truly living than anything else. Oh, I know a fabulous cafe that serves lovely clouds for breakfast! PM me and I'll tell you all about here. Wendy

Have you tried jpay.com for mail. Right now there are only 18 states that have it. Fl is one that has jpay and so is Indiana (Yea). You can start out purchasing 10 stamps for $4.00 and do an electronic letter. When you hit continue it sends the letter for you, no walking to the mail box. Write, continue, sent.

Thank you for this information, Do you know if Terre Haute has this? My son hasn't said anything about it. I write to him almost every day and this would be nice to do if I wanted to get information to him quickly.:)

Momofns
I agree with wendy.
My husband and I were going to retire in Coca Beach,Flordia.
We called everything off because of our son.We were so unhappy.
We finally decided to get a place @ Myrtle Beach,SC ,it is about 3 hours here or where I our home is in Colunbia.
My sister moved here from Flordia ,so it all turned out good.
Keep on with your life,good luck and God Bless

Thanks for the reminder. When my son was first arrested and not realizing the extend of what he had done, I did say life is to short (and I'll be 53 in January) and that we were going to continue our plans. I do know I have to and we still are trying to decide when to go on our trip. We have to use our tickets by October 08 or lose it, we talked of using it for somewhere else for just a vacation, but are still set on looking for our place in the sun. We have prepared for the move and had a deadline of Fall of 08 or early 09 to decide where in Mexico we were headed (not the resort areas). I also found that, besides the cost of living, my body and old bones really like the year round temps to not vary much.

Thanks for the reminder.

Thank you for this information, Do you know if Terre Haute has this? My son hasn't said anything about it. I write to him almost every day and this would be nice to do if I wanted to get information to him quickly.:)

I don't know much about Terre Haute. They're federal and don't follow state guidelines. Wabash Valley which is in Carlisle near Terre Haute does not have the electronic mail yet. All state prisons take $ by jpay. I type faster than I write plus like you said it's great for getting info there quick so I really like the electronic mail.

For anyone that likes the idea but isn't sure of their prison and electronic mail I would suggest calling to ask. It never hurts to show an interest and it might get it in the works.

I'm on top of the world today, I heard from my son last night. My father put 2 phones together and we had a great chat. He told me he has not received 1 letter since he has been there, about 3 weeks. He knows I've mailed, my father had told him. He just hasn't received anything yet. Not to bother, I have talked to my boy! All the crying and moaning I did over him not being able to have a TV shipped solved also. There is a fella in there, that is headed home, and he wants $40 worth of goodies from David's quarterly package. Thy will be done! I feel so much better after having talked to him, so did he. God is good! Bless you all on this beautiful Sunday morning! Wendy

That's soo coool, Wendy. When my son was first shipped to the reception center, he did not get any letters from me for two weeks, wrong cell assignment on his address but it had his DOC number. He received a pile one day -- I'm a two hours away in the same state.

Isn't God good? That made my morning to here your good news and that it finally worked for you to talk to him.

I'm on top of the world today, I heard from my son last night. My father put 2 phones together and we had a great chat. He told me he has not received 1 letter since he has been there, about 3 weeks. He knows I've mailed, my father had told him. He just hasn't received anything yet. Not to bother, I have talked to my boy! All the crying and moaning I did over him not being able to have a TV shipped solved also. There is a fella in there, that is headed home, and he wants $40 worth of goodies from David's quarterly package. Thy will be done! I feel so much better after having talked to him, so did he. God is good! Bless you all on this beautiful Sunday morning! Wendy

Wendy, that is wonderful news!!!!! I'm sooooo glad you got to speak to your son! There's nothing like it in the world, is there? We worry so much and think up the sorriest scenarios! I'm just sooo pleased for you to get to hear his voice. Praise God! He is soooo good to us!

Let's hope now that he's made contact, he can continue to do so!

:::doing happy dance for you::::

Mary

Wendy .. YAY (she does the happy dance ) :) so glad you got to speak to your son. that is great news. I do admit just a tinge of envy on my part.

Okay Gals. I am here, and was never away. sorry I was silent. Sunday morning before church, I spent a while reading posts to catch up a bit, was going to touch on a few points, but now forget where I was reading. so just let me explain a little ...
yes I do post some from work, but that is only during breaks/lunch/ otherwise I wouldn't get any work done. I would prefer to just retire and stay home and stay here most the day, but........
anyhow, been having some problems w/ one of my emails (have 2) - my main one I could receive ok but not reply/forward/send. everything I tried came bouncing back. so decided to give up that link, so spent most of Sat cleaning thru old emails and folders to move etc. sorry I didn't mean to ignore all of you. But you know what... ??? oh come on, guess. fine I will just tell you. My whole life, I have had few real friends. only a few God chosen friends - so most my adult life has been very lonely in that aspect. Sunday morning reading all the posts in wherever I was reading. , . you all made me feel so special. I cry even now just thinking about what freindship I have found here. Thank you. I love each and everyone of you so much.
well, yesterday of course we took David's 2 youngest to church w/us.. what a day. for some reason they just wouldn't settle. constantly telling one or the other to shhh or sit down or something. after church we usually go to DQ for ice cream, but made plans w/ mom to get pizza and the kids could open (she saved em) Christmas presents from us and the ones we marked from dad. took pics. spent from 1 to 4 in afternoon there. they decided grandpa was a jungle gym !!!
so there you have it. that was my weekend. how was all of yours ?

oh, one more thing... my youngest daughter... she has a voice of an angel, literally folks, and she and bf are coming from Col for a visit. she will be singing @ church and my hubby will preach that day. wish I could invite all of you to come hear my angel sing. WOW what a voice.!

ok I am gone. need to get ready for work. was going to have today off, but Friday was deadline, and we still have a few things to do, so DOR gave us one more day... today. so decided to work and take Friday off.

love you guys. talk to you later.

H or as I have become affectionately known.. D'gal :)

D'gal, (Helen) we're so glad you "'splained you'self, Lucy" .... cleaning out files on a puter is a PITA for sure. I could see those wriggling children! Maybe, just maybe, they had a bit of sugar and excitement in their little bodies? LOL Little kids crack me up. Of course, they're not mine and I have no emotional ownership in their pranks and behaviors! But I do so enjoy them!!

I do wish we could hear your daughter's angelic voice! I'll pretend I am hearing her and your husband's preaching. Is he a minister? (Of course, you know you never have to answer any of my questions if you'd rather not!)

I do know what you mean about the kindred spirits and friendships we seem to have formed here online. I, too, seem to isolate myself more and more as life goes on. For awhile a couple years ago, I had some health problems that were so time consuming. It took all the energy I had to get from point A to point B. Eventually I had some spinal surgery but that was an 18-month recovery for me. I'm not complaining. I'm grateful that I'm walking now and that a lot of my health issues have been resolved with the help of God and some fabulous doctors in Chicago. I thought I was going to be pushing up daisies for awhile there. LOL Any ways, where was I? Oh yes, well I found myself becoming more and more homebound and because I had worked as an RN in a busy Labor and Delivery department of a large hospital nearby before my health issues, I lost my career as a nurse, too. So here I am. Me and my puter. Thank g'ness for this electronic wonder expanding my world so much, and adding so much to my life in the form of you dear women who share your hearts so openly.

Okay, enough babbling from this puter for now. I don't want to bore you guys to tears! On with the rockets!

Happy New Year to one and all!
Love,
Mary

Hi D'Gal! We almost sent out an SOS since you were MIA in the USA. So glad to hear from you! It sounds as though you have kept yourself busy over the weekend, the rest of us spent it wondering where you were. That's just not right! We can't go on this way! Just kidding special one, we just missed you, and we are all so greatful to have you in our lives. It stinks that we are all coming together for the reasons that we are, no doubt we would have become friends otherwise, but then from where? We are all grateful for this site, it has brought us all together and for that we give thanks. We have each other and look out for one another, and our needs are special, and I have found everyone here to be sooo special.

Miss Mary! I loved the link you posted! I thought I was the only one that referred to our beloved machine as a "puter" but that is what I also call it! I wish I was better on the puter so that I can forward the lovely new year message. On with the rockets is right. You don't have any idea how close you are to home on that one. Everything in Mexico is celebrated with rockets and fireworks, we affectionatley call bombs. The bombs have been going off for about ten days now. Particularly this morning at around 6 AM, on with the rockets! It will be Disney Land at midnight, they spare no cost at the quality of rockets, and they are impressive. I will be thinking of all of you at blast off hour. I think I'm one hour behind you and 2 ahead of D'gal, but come 12 here, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers, of course that includes Bless'um as well. We will have better days this new year, I know it. Wendy

Hi ya'll!!! oh my goodness, so much has been posted, I have alot of catching up to do! And lot's of good news I see, visits approved, phone calls had, son's and friends comming home!!! Oh my, such joy for the New Year!!!! YEA!!!! ok, let me go read all these wonderful posts....pauses....

Hi Wendy!! yea I got the Drambuie, went out and bought a new excercise bike, some weights, blah blah blah... threw out all the pie, oh it's going to be fun trying to lose weight. (again) haahaa!

Just wanted to pop in and say Happy New Year to all of you! You all have been very busy I see. :D I haven't been up to posting lately. Winter blues..:( :( :( I have been to see our son the past 3 fridays. :D I sent him some books for his birthday and christmas. It was a blessing to be able to have him close for the holidays. He is working on getting the my phone on the list so he can call. We spent Christmas in the windy city and had a day of laughs! So needed. I'm glad we went. Stay safe and warm...

http://sp1.mm-a11.yimg.com/image/7079641 (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fs earch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26fr%3Dfreeze%2 6va%3Dnew%2Byears%2Bfireworks%26sz%3Dall&w=305&h=500&imgurl=static.flickr.com%2F30%2F47641872_90a47aca6 c_m.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Flitmus %2F47641872%2F&size=106.4kB&name=47641872_90a47aca6c.jpg&p=new+years+fireworks&type=jpeg&no=2&tt=42,913&oid=2c87356d40b4c186&fusr=litmus+%E2%84%A2&tit=2005+New+Years+Fireworks&hurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Flitmus %2F&ei=ISO-8859-1&src=p) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I don't know much about Terre Haute. They're federal and don't follow state guidelines. Wabash Valley which is in Carlisle near Terre Haute does not have the electronic mail yet. All state prisons take $ by jpay. I type faster than I write plus like you said it's great for getting info there quick so I really like the electronic mail.

For anyone that likes the idea but isn't sure of their prison and electronic mail I would suggest calling to ask. It never hurts to show an interest and it might get it in the works.

Thanks for the suggestion. :)

Tbmom, keeping you in my prayers and for the phone calls...keep smiling and laughing! Happy New Year and God Bless!

Happy New Year everyone! I've been going to the old thread for parents wcip, and couldn't figure out where everyone was. then I came across the thread by accident. So glad I found you all! Hope the new year brings blessings, good health, and happiness for all of you. Norma

Hello Jaysmom!

So very nice to meet you and sooo glad you found the bunch of us Sisters here. The light is on 24 hours a day and so happy you found the fold of the most Broken hearted and yet most Fabulous joyous Parents in the World.

Happy New Year!
God Bless us all! <---whoever started that, I love it!

Happy New Year Jaysmom! I am soooo happy you found us, Welcome!!!!

Ok. so here is my update....we have been denied 2 motions in the lower courts and are on our 2nd appeals....it doesn't look real good from where I sit....have been able to share some hope with my son this last year but it is about to come to a close....so how do I sound hopeful with my son when I do not have it to give....so I am trying so hard to settle into the idea that my son may be staying in prison for the full 10 years....on a positive note...I am going to see him this weekend!! I haven't seen him since June so you can imagine how my heart is smiling. He is sooooo far away. I mean if he is going to have to do all the time can he at least be closer so I can visit him. I guess 13 hours to get there and 13 to get back isnt so bad. I read posts from parents who are much farther. I just think that it would be a bit easier for him and the family if we could go see him more often. I wish I lived close enough that I could go see him every weekend. Oh well, for now I will just rejoice in seeing him this weekend. Oh how I wish God would release him sooner.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have seen some of you on other threads. I'm usually on the ohio forum.
Joshua's Mom~ You should tell your son to fill out forms for a hardship transfer. If he isn't close enough for family to visit, that is supposed to be a good reason for one, but he has to do the paper work himself. Good luck!
My son applied for a transfer in Oct. this yr, and we are still waiting to hear something. He is in the same state but a ways away. Ohio is a little slow though! Norma

Hi Norma! Welcome to the Chatterbox Cafe! It's a warm group here with wonderful imaginations! There's laughter here along with the tears. I'm glad you've come. That was a great idea for Herbawitz about asking for a hardship transfer. I didn't know of such a thing! Our son is now 500+ miles away in a camp in the upper peninsula of Mich. But for now, I think it's a good thing for him to be there. He's content so far, but it's only been about 2-3 weeks. He calls tho so it's good to talk to him. We have that CBS billing service so it's relatively inexpensive - and really cheaper than driving all the way to Camp Kitwen, motelling it, etc. And I KNOW I don't wanna sit in no deep snow bank waiting for somebody to happen upon us in Siberia. It's okay. I'll really enjoy the spring trip there!

Have a great day.
Mary

Herbawitz that is FANTASTIC you are going to visit! Sooo happy for you and your son! Ok girls Happy Dance Time. bumpdedumpdebump. As somebody here has started a fad - Tell Him all his Cyber Aunties are Here and Lots of Hugs from all of us -

Oh please don't give up on hope. never ever ever ever. Something will come to you, you won't ever be faced with nothing to share with your Son when you visit him. Your son needs to see your hope. God will Provide.

Hi Norma! Welcome to the Chatterbox Cafe!

Chatterbox Cafe. hahah! See how MDF is? She keeps this Crowd of Broken Hearted Customers at the Chatterbox Cafe in stitches with her nimble Wit.

Our son (23) has been in an Ohio prison since Jan. 2007. He should get out the end of Dec. 2009. Just before thanksgiving he went in the Hole and was found guilty of a fight. He might get out of the hole this month. I have tried to send him a letter every day to keep his spirits up. I even printed out a Reader's Digest story; I didn't know how he would like it, but he wrote in his letter that he read it out loud to his cell mate and they enjoyed it. He has changed in so many ways; sometimes there seem to be ways that prison has helped him, and I never thought that was possible. He seems to be staying detached/not becoming institutionalized, and staying positive, which I am very happy for. He usually calls once a month (that's all we allow him due to the cost of $1 a minute, even prepaid) and he writes once a week. Now, I am already planning for his release to make sure he knows all the opportunities for help when he gets out. Thanks for asking for updates on how everyone is doing, and for "listening" to my post here. :)

Hi Ladies, I'm glad I found you all. I'm enjoying the sence of humor you all seem to have, and the support you give to others.
this is the second time my son has been incarcerated for the same thing! I heard all of the good plans, and how much he had changed before he was released almost four yrs ago, Then three yrs later, he went back to his old way of life, and now, serving another four yrs. He's a little older now, and its been much more difficult for him and I am hearing the same promises that I heard before. As much as I would like to believe him, there's just this nagging doubt. It's just so heart breaking some days. I wish these kids could just feel what they put us as parents thru.
Sorry to ramble on...Just one of thoes days I guess. Thank's for welcoming me. Norma

Hi Ladies, I'm glad I found you all. I'm enjoying the sence of humor you all seem to have, and the support you give to others.
this is the second time my son has been incarcerated for the same thing! I heard all of the good plans, and how much he had changed before he was released almost four yrs ago, Then three yrs later, he went back to his old way of life, and now, serving another four yrs. He's a little older now, and its been much more difficult for him and I am hearing the same promises that I heard before. As much as I would like to believe him, there's just this nagging doubt. It's just so heart breaking some days. I wish these kids could just feel what they put us as parents thru.
Sorry to ramble on...Just one of thoes days I guess. Thank's for
welcoming me. Norma

I have a sister/friend who raised five sons! These men are all so different from one another. My friend was my mentor from when I was 9 years old and we're still dear friends. She pointed out to me that often people will 'create' situations so that others must act upon them. Now that's a no brainer, right? But these young people often will create the situation where we either tell them "abide by the rules or find a new place to live" at which point they move out. And then they report to others that they were 'thrown out' by their parents. Hmmm. Okay, so blame us. But we know they left and had been planning to leave even before the words were spoken. ::::whispering here::::Pssst when I think about how stupid I was at their ages (late teens, 20s) and yet by the time I was 24, I had four darling children. It's a wonder they came through my parenting! LOL I was flying by the seat of my pants!

So what's my point? I forget. I just wanted you to know I read what you said and wanted to validate it. Consider it 'validated.' Hugs to you!

Love,
Mary

Lol, thank's Mary! I consider it validated! I can relate to flying by the seat of your pants. I kinda think I did that also :)
Norma

Talk about flying by the seat of you pants, I have always told my kids the mistakes I have made, my son thinks he is re-inventing the wheel, he always tell me "Mom, things are different now than when you were young", I just tell him its the same s@#*, different year.

he always tell me "Mom, things are different now than when you were young", I just tell him its the same s@#*, different year.

Good one! hehe. I am going to remember that one for future reference indeed.

Just before thanksgiving he went in the Hole and was found guilty of a fight

I'm soo sorry this happened to him. Why is the HOLE time so lengthy. I wonder, do they add additional time onto their sentence for these sorts of things that happen? Fighting?

Wow Mary, you sure know how it went at my house!! I didn't realize anyone else eas there!! LOL Yeh, thats how it went...and 4 months later he is in jail. Of course you don't realize the magnitude of "jail/prison until you are faced with it. It actually took us a couple of months to "jump into" the ordeal. Yeh, we went to see him in jail, even took his collect calls but we tried to let him handle it with the PD. Big mistake!!!! But, I have heard from many, even though I would never let another PD represent us....still I do believe that had he not the inside of the walls he would have continued along the same path. And like many of us have said....at least he is alive! And I am so excited to see my son after 6 months....even if he is a shit. Oh sure he has apologized profusely for putting me through this....still I don't think he will ever comprehend the heartache and pain I have endured these last 20 months. This experience hits your very core!! Did I mention I am going to see him. Yippee

I was just saying to my sister the other day that at least I do not have to worrying about my son getting pulled over for a dui or getting into an accident because of the way he drives when he is angry.

We Lieber is on Lockdown,so I couldnt see my son Sat.
Had a pretty good New Year,glad it is all over.
Bless You All

Herba! I think we all have more in common than differences! The judicial system is so antiquated. I know why the lady justice statue has her eyes covered. Oh that's another whole book for us to write! The justice system and the plea deals and the prison time ..... and these 'stupid' kids of ours sit and WAIT for classes or AA or NA ..... they WAIT until the system gives them the class just before their release dates. In the meantime, they sit.......or sleep......man! I'd have their butts up cleaning the dorms top to bottom day in and day out just to keep them busy! They'd be required to read books and do book reports! I'd make them copy the Bible or Koran word for word!

Okay..... getting a little militant here so I guess I'll move along. It just seems to me that there is sooooo much WASTED -- wasted lives, wasted time, wasted effort, wasted money, wasted energy!!! And then the governors make cut backs or increase gas taxes - and all that manpower and womanpower sits idly wasting time. Grrrrr. Where's my tylenol?

We Lieber is on Lockdown,so I couldnt see my son Sat.
Had a pretty good New Year,glad it is all over.
Bless You All

Awww, what a bummer, Marchio! I hope everything smooths out and you can see him soon! Take care!

WOW!!!! I have been reading about four days worth of post and you ladies have blessed my soul. I read some happy post and some that were not having a good day but in the midst of it all someone came by to lift your spirits and offer information.....now that's the true meaning of friends.

I am happy to say that in the midst of my son being in prison I have found peace.....I am not saying that I don't have bad days but through it all I know that GOD is with him and has a plan and purpose for his life. I don't always understand why things happen but I can truly say that this was GOD's plan and my son will be a better person when we walks out of those doors. My prayer to eveyone is that you will find peace in the midst of the storm and a good way to do it is stay connected to people that care and know what you are going through and for me it's PTO.

WOW!!!! I have been reading about four days worth of post and you ladies have blessed my soul. I read some happy post and some that were not having a good day but in the midst of it all someone came by to lift your spirits and offer information.....now that's the true meaning of friends.

I am happy to say that in the midst of my son being in prison I have found peace.....I am not saying that I don't have bad days but through it all I know that GOD is with him and has a plan and purpose for his life. I don't always understand why things happen but I can truly say that this was GOD's plan and my son will be a better person when we walks out of those doors. My prayer to eveyone is that you will find peace in the midst of the storm and a good way to do it is stay connected to people that care and know what you are going through and for me it's PTO.

Exactly!!!! what you said! ... triple that for me! :thumbsup:

Hey girls, slow down! I've been out of the loop for a day. Too much Bailey's New Year's Eve. Today the house a disaster, the dog got into a pile of burrs, he was a disaster too. Usually when I'm MIA for a day it is about my son. Can't blame him for this one. I'm so glad to hear everyone is doing great. The way I see it, the new year's here and that means one down for us. Did any of you ever think we would count the years with a sentence in mind? Wendy

Did any of you ever think we would count the years with a sentence in mind? Wendy

Never in my wildest of dreams! :no: :shake: :faint:


(and I have some doozies for dreams! I think it's my meds! But I could write Stephen King and give him some more weird ideas!)

Did any of you ever think we would count the years with a sentence in mind? Wendy


Never in my wildest of dreams!

Me either, :( sigh... I had hoped all that was behind me.

I'm with you ladies. I never thought I would be going thru this again.

You know I always knew that my son was going to learn the way of life going down the road with all the steep hills and sharp curves. He was going to have to learn the hard way and hit rock bottom. :( I sure didn't think in my wildest dreams that this was the rock bottom I thought of. I truly hope this is the last of this road and it is a dead end. He turns around and goes down the road with the beautiful sunsets and fields of flowers. We'll see. We have some years to get ready for that journey.

MD,Thank you
Wendy,no I never thought I would even see my son in prison.
Jaysmom,is that your horse?
I raised Quarter Horses for years.Love them
Bless you all
ps,it is cold as hell here at the beach,14, imagine in SC

I'm with you gals. I thought the worst my son would do was to get in trouble for DUI's, and probably do some county time. I dreaded that and now it seems that was a fairytale! My baby in prison never entered my mind, now it seems as though it's the only thing on my mind these days.

Dianne~ the horse belongs to my daughter. they have several, and I love to be around them. Don't ride anymore, too old :), afraid to break something!
I would thing SC would be warm. It's cold up here in toledo! Can't wait for spring.
I hope everyone has a good day! Norma

Hi Everyone, 6 almost 7 days into the New Year...Hope all is well with everyone, haven't seen many new posts lately. Keeping you all in my prayers. God Bless.

Hi Everyone, 6 almost 7 days into the New Year...Hope all is well with everyone, haven't seen many new posts lately. Keeping you all in my prayers. God Bless.

Reggie! Hugs Sister! I haven't seen new posts for days. It seems the only way I can see new posts is by scrolling to the bottom of the page where it says Display Options. I click on the button named "Show Threads". It refreshes the screen with topics in Bold type.

I don't understand it though.

hey Bless. all I do is at the link for whichever thread I want to check , if more than one page, I click on 'last page.' if no pages listed, I click the thread and scroll down.

still waiting to hear how it went Sunday.

I guess we should move the Polar Express over to this thread, huh? Hey, I hope I'm not on this ride alone! :eek: Remember, Jesus is at the wheel! :)

OH yes! It all went wonderfully! Thank you so much for your comments and prayers. They were heard. Not one single mishap or tear in an eye. wew!

I wonder, does the Polar Express do drop off's and pickups at prisons? If so, I'd like some of those special tickets. choo Choo!

Well I believe that late at night, while our children are sleeping, we whiz by and ever so gently, we kiss their sweet faces.

AWWWW Reggie! You always come up with the sweeeeetest things to say. I'm hoping the Polar Express picks your entire house up and lands it next to your Son, and then warps you back in time so that you and hubby aren't mia.

Hi everyone! My new year is starting off good. Someone hit my car saterday night, and totaled it. It was parked in front of my house, not bothering anybody,lol. Of course, the guy took off, but he lost his licence plate down the street aways, so the police know who the pick up belongs to, and hopefully, the guy has insurance. I do but I think he should pay.
Could I get on that polar express? I'd like to pick up my son!
Hope you all have a good evening.
Norma

Norma, omg, here I was all set to read this amazing post, "my new year is starting off good", than BAM! Oh, that's awful, I hope he has insurance, and btw, in Tx it's a felony to leave the scene of an accident. OUCH! Don't know about Ohio though. Hey jump on, we're all on this crazy ride together but the Polar Express is magical, heeheehee. Hang in there, so sorry about your car!

Ouch about the Car! Of all things! Good the license plate fell off for identification. What a blessing to know that you weren't in the car when that happened. wew!

Polar Express is Fully insured I hope? giggle

Norma, that's just rotten about your car. Do you think we might get to know the driver's mother here on the forum now that the police have recovered the license plate? LOL. Wendy

Hi everyone! My new year is starting off good. Someone hit my car saterday night, and totaled it. It was parked in front of my house, not bothering anybody,lol. Of course, the guy took off, but he lost his licence plate down the street aways, so the police know who the pick up belongs to, and hopefully, the guy has insurance. I do but I think he should pay.
Could I get on that polar express? I'd like to pick up my son!
Hope you all have a good evening.
Norma

Oh Norma! I'm just glad no one was hurt! But what a bummer!

Ummm..... the fella that hit your car and left the scene and dropped his license plate in the middle of the road ....... well, I must have a warped mind because I immediately thought: Hmmm...we'll have HIS mother coming to the forum soon feeling horrible, too. <sigh>

Warped.....yup.....definitely warped.:hmm:

Later~~~~
Mary

Norma, that's just rotten about your car. Do you think we might get to know the driver's mother here on the forum now that the police have recovered the license plate? LOL. Wendy

I should have read on before posting! GMTA!!!! Okay, cancel my warped! There are two (or more) of us that came up with the same thought about the mother. Phew!!!!;)

Mary

I should have read on before posting! GMTA!!!! Okay, cancel my warped! There are two (or more) of us that came up with the same thought about the mother. Phew!!!!;)

Mary

Laughing! Too funny! I love warped people. I pictured a warped Steering Wheel rolling accross the screen. I wanna be in the Warped Group!

Mary, now you've got me thinking, could we both be warped?! It certainly seems we are more sympathetic these days though!

Wendy

I love you guy's sence of humor. I must be warped too, only I was thinking wife instead of mother! I'm thankful it was 2 am, and I wasn't in the car. The only thing I could think was, What a way to start the year,lol. But I love the responses:), Thanks I feel better now. Maybe we could start a special thread, just for warped people. Thank's, you made my day!
Norma

Laughing! Ok now we must start the official Warp Club. I wonder if the drivers ears have been ringing really LOUD for days now? He must have warped ear syndrome by now huh.

I don't know where else to put this message. But seems to be more than a few of us MIA! Is this just some Warped Imagination ploy in my head?

1 warped mind checking in... :) Nothing new though, I live a boring but peaceful life! LOL

Woohoo! Bringing this thread up. Any updates Sisters?

I'm here Bless'um, only update I know is that my son's prison will be having visits this weekend. Not that I can go, but we were lead to believe it could be 3 weeks until then. Missinmysonbad is going to see her son, I'm happy for her and at the same time, got a little green eyed monster thing going on. She'll be right there!!!!Ouchy

I should have added that she was so kind and PM'd me this AM, and offered to let me stay at her house when I wanted to visit my son, and we would go together, now is that sweet or what? We have truly met some fabulous Moms here, have we not? I was so touched.

Wendy

OH yes indeed! That was a sweet offer to you! I hope you consider it when the time comes. You two can hang out for awhile. You'd be the first two that I've known that have met in person. After her visit she can tell you how it is there, then you'll know and you will be able to rest easier huh! A Mommie Messenger who comes back with good news for you! yay!

I've heard so many yuckie things about where ours is, and I don't know if I'm half blind or what but I can't think of a single thing to say that isn't positive so far. Of course I constantly pray he stays in reception too. ha!

I know it Bless'um Yay for me!!!! And Yay for her too, she hasn't seen her son in 7 months, until the other night hadn't spoken to him in that long either. I'm feeling God here!

Oh my, it's awful when you hear yukky, you sit you wait, and you wait, and you want someone to tell you it's not yukky anymore. I wish I could be the one to tell you it's not yukky anymore. Do you know where your son is supposed to go? Not that that means anything, I was told mine would go to Tehachapie or Avenal, then poof, he was at Solano! Regardless of what is going on at Solano right now, I'm glad he didn't go to Avenal. When will you know? As always, we'll be here for that adjustment also. You keep saying that you want him to stay in recep., but they do want to get on with it Bless'um. My boy was relieved to be out of recep. and be able to go forward, and in programs etc.. He just picked a lousy time to get there!

Aww I wish you were the take the yuckies away person. You'd be excellent at it. You would not allow any yuckies to happen or even thought of. ya! I really should try to get to know the other prisons better. I get all sidetracked and can't remember what is what anymore.

I try to get familiar with them what's ahead and more worry and doubt and on and on because just like you mentioned, it's a guessing game until that moment of transfer. ouch! What's with Avenal? Catch me up if you want to? I'm glad you're happy that Solano was the choice for your son then. wew!

So that's when I start praying for Reception forever. I should take heed to what you said, I keep trying really hard to let it go so he can move onward. You're right.

PS: Wendy, I sent you a pm a couple days ago. I wonder if theirs a little system glitch going on, cuz somebody sent me a pm that I never got either within the last few days. Just curious!

I never got a PM Bless'um. But I can imagine what it said, always my Bless'um, I know it was probably full of cheer me up stuff. You would have known if I had gotten it, I would always respond. Well we are in touch now, so we're all OK. But thanks for the PM I never got!

ehhehe! Ok Wendy! You make me laugh. Your sooooo cute! I'll resend it if I can find it. It was awful depressing stuff btw. NOT! heeh! OH I found it in the sent box, gonna copy and paste it to a new pm which will be old stuff by now but...gonna send it. No need to reply cuz it's like last weeks newspaper yanno? maybe not. I dunno. Gonna send it anyways.

Hi all you wonderful ladies! I come here to get cheered up :) you all have such a wonderful sence of humor, and I know you aren't always feeling that was. I hope you're all having a good evening.
Norma

Hello Jaysmom! Great to see you here! I mean not for the 'other" reasons, but yanno? That Horse looks great! Mind if we take him for a spin? I can be the fetch an apple girl, or fetch the sugar cubes girl :)

Most importantly, does he like kicking apple and sugar fetcher girls?

Bless, a friend has a farm where she boards horses. Every time we would be out at a restaurant for dinner she would grab a handfull of the after dinner mints for the horses. She said they absolutely went ape over them so keep a pocket full of those and you will be a horse hero.

Bless, a friend has a farm where she boards horses. Every time we would be out at a restaurant for dinner she would grab a handfull of the after dinner mints for the horses. She said they absolutely went ape over them so keep a pocket full of those and you will be a horse hero.

heheh! How cute! You mean they like fresh minty breath too?

Update: My house!
Got a letter from son and a phone call all in the same day. Ahhhh, it is a good day when that occurs. (it's always 'good' but especially good on those days)

He's doing well. He actually asked my opinion on some topics from books he'd read and theories he'd come up with on a few topics. It was kewl to be asked for something besides $$$. LOL He's in "Siberia" (that's what I call it) and said they were in blizzard conditions for a couple days in northern upper peninsula of Michigan. I only wish they were allowed cameras because I'd love to see that! (I go to the newspaper of the closest town and read about their weather there.) He's waiting for his guitar to come. He's served six months now! He pointed out that this was a milestone to him. I'm glad he's got a positive attitude. (I won't allow whining and I think he remembers that look I'd give him if he whined.) LOL It was sweet to hear his voice and more so, to hear his laugh!!!!!! He wants photos of home and looking out the windows of home so he can see what I'm seeing for him. I'll do that for sure.

I have a dog that's a 'designer' dog, if you will, and she's sooo a girlie dog but soooo comical and he said the picture of Holly always makes him smile because she's so cute! (She reminds me of a baby seal with those big black eyes and nose!)

Well, just wanted to share good stuff with you, my girlfriends. I feel very blessed today.

Have a joyous day!
Remember God loves us all and is with us every single moment!

Love yas
Mary

Update: My house!
Got a letter from son and a phone call all in the same day. Ahhhh, it is a good day when that occurs. (it's always 'good' but especially good on those days)...

Most Excellent! I know you're one happy mommie today! The facility he's in sounds sooo nice! It's great to hear good stories like this one. Builds my faith in the system that there are people looking out for our kids in a good way. A guitar??? Holy! Didn't know they could have those sorts of things. wow. Even more excellent.

Yes, I remember God Loves Us! Hallelujah

:fb: :fb: :fb: Happy Dance for Mary's great news!!! We love to hear great news, and that our cyber nieces and nephews are staying strong! :dance: :dance: :dance: YIPPIE!!!

mary,im so happy for you,when all is well with them{as well as it can be}it does make our day alittle lighter,im looking forward to talking to james,he will call next week,how on earth did he get them to let him have his guitar? james has 2,and i know he would love it if i could send him one,but of course this is GA.I SOOO HAPPY FOR YOU,NOW ILL DO THAT HAPPY DANCE,REGGIE TALKED ABOUT.KIM

update here is: well my son got his GED . he completed carpentry class,

got his certification. started electrician class, and he wrote me last week

saying he's gonna write the parole board& request a hearing, so wish us

luck. he said hes gonna ask them if they don't wanna release him now,

atleast send him to work release, so he can come home with money and a

trade. so i;m waiting to see what the parole board response is. i'll keep u

all updated. just keep us in your prayers, i'll appreciate it. GOD bless

Oh that is such good news! Happy dance for Hoolio!!! He has accomplished so much, I pray he makes parole. I also pray that these laws will change and Hoolio will not have to be registered for the rest of his life.
Way to go on his education, High fives for Hoolio!!!!

Hallelujah!! What great news! I'm sooo proud one of my nephews has his GED and a trade! Prayers for the Parole Board hearing to come thru as quick as possible. Need him out of there! yay!

That's wonderful news, Hoo! I'll make the potato salad for the GED graduation party for him! Who can make the beans?

Oh........about the guitar. He bought it through the commissary. Some of the prisons/camps here in Mich allow them and they can purchase them through an approved vendor. It's nothing ellaborate, an acoustic, and cheap quality; but it's his and he saved up for it from the money we were putting on his books. Now if he gets transferred to a facility that doesn't allow guitars, then he has to send it home. But since he's in Siberia, I guess the facility's administration figures these guys need to be doing something besides watching the snow drift. He also said there are so few radio stations, he's had to listen to country and found he actually likes it. That really made me laugh! He was always a hard-rocker. <snicker>

I wish they had trade schools where he is. But all in due time, I guess.

That is sooo cool he has an instrument! I bet he's going to be writing alot of songs. Be ready to hear one written for you.

That's wonderful news, Hoo! I'll make the potato salad for the GED graduation party for him! Who can make the beans?
Heeheehee Mary...someone please bring some desert for our Beloved Bless! I'll bring some BBQ ribs...Yummie!

Heeheehee Mary...someone please bring some desert for our Beloved Bless! I'll bring some BBQ ribs...Yummie!

Oh there you Sisters go again tempting me with FOOD! I suppose eventually I could be the official Blimp in the sky! Hey I could drop and pick up all of you for Visitations though! ahh! Keep it coming!

Im making the develed eggs,and I have to say my sweet tea is really good along with my old fashioned chocalate cake,we southerners love to feed people.

Im making the develed eggs,and I have to say my sweet tea is really good along with my old fashioned chocalate cake,we southerners love to feed people.

That sweet tea you folks make is lethal and needs to come with warning labels. We lived in SC for 8 years. The 1st time I got that it was without warning - Wow the sugar. (I haven't had a bag of sugar in my house for prob 6 months - never remember I'm out when I'm at the store and we don't use it), but I'll take the deviled eggs. Love those things and everyone seems to make them better than I do.

oh thats the thing,see i dont use that much sugar in my tea,spoils the taste,those eggs i learned how when i was bout 11or 12.also im trying to wean myself off of sugar,trying to use more splenda,not always easy.

I totally agree on the Splenda. They say you can't tell the difference but it still tastes artificial to me. I like herbal teas that I can drink with out sugar.

Uhmmm, deviled eggs and sweet tea! When we first got stationed here in Ga, we got some sweet tea and we are hooked! I haven't tried Splenda yet, always wondered if it tastes artificial.

Eggs, potato salad, bbq ribs and sweet tea! Hmmmm........what about adding the indredients that go into "Long Island Iced Tea" to that sweet tea......... now THAT would be a sweet tea! <wink> <wink> <hiccup>

and I like Splenda! It's better than saccharine!!

Sipping L.I.I.Tea!!!
Mary

Eggs, potato salad, bbq ribs and sweet tea! Hmmmm........what about adding the indredients that go into "Long Island Iced Tea" to that sweet tea......... now THAT would be a sweet tea! <wink> <wink> <hiccup>

and I like Splenda! It's better than saccharine!!

Sipping L.I.I.Tea!!!
Mary

:drool:

Just want to put my two cents in for my nephew Hoolio, I can't add to the menu right now, or even think of food. Yesterday morning I had some smoked salmon that was soon oviously OFF. I been a coming and a going, all yesterday, up 'til 3 AM this morning. Feeling somewhat better, but certainly looking like a semi mobile corpse.

Yay Hoolio!!!! Is that not a handsome boy Y'all?

Wendy

And they say it's part of the Fountain of Youth. Oy! More like the Fountain of hanging over the commode for you :(

Hope you feel better soon!

ok all, some helpful hints appreciated. here's the scoop. in my town, myself & another gal are trying to do an inmate support group. well I got a call yesterday from a lady. they adopted their 2 grandsons 8 yrs ago, and they are now teens (16/14). their dad in prison. their mom lives in another state & is on drugs. they are really worn out.. she was wondering if we provided babysitting so they might get out of house occassionally for a couple hours. the 2 boys are really having a hard time, the oldest, highly picked on. she was telling me that a car load often follows bus home and then beats up on him. she pulled him out of school and may send him down to Job Corp. the younger is an angry young man. I wonder how to help this family. I agree that if we are doing 'inmate family support' then things like babysitting would be a good thing to have, maybe help run errands, things like that. but we don't have those resources as yet. I am not sure I could handle the 2 boys myself - even a few hours. any ideas ?

Ruh oh! Sounds like a Dire situation :( Let's put our thinking caps on Sisters!

Hi D'gal, wow, you sure are a busy bee! I agree about not being sure if you could handle the boys. It sounds like they can't be left alone for some reason, behavior issues? Maybe you can find an MHMR clinic, to refer them to, (they usually do a pay as you can assistance), so the boys can get into counseling. I know you want to help but you can only do what you can do, ya know? Hopefully, someone else will have a better idea, I'm stumped. Sorry. :(

hi dgal,I know this may sound a bit mean but you just met this family,bcareful,meet them all together at least 3 times,just to get the general feel of things,and then just agree to one of the boys at a time,and maybe another family would invite the other brother,and just say you want to do it this way so the boys can have some time that they dont have to share with the other,and really that may be the case.Also make sure your not alone with the little guys,from all you have said they may be more than a handful.hope that helped!!!!

dgal,also,Please dont turn your back cause of what i said,it really sounds to me like the boys need some protection both mentally,and mainly physical,;;Boy,other kids jumping them when they get off the bus,WOW,has the school been involved at all?honestly,if it were my grandsons,and i have 4,i would pray for someone like you DGAL to be there for them,im praying for God to send you an answer,you are my hero for the week.love ya,k

thank you all so much, i really appreciate it. i feel like GOD has blessed me with more sisters. it feel so good to have a extended family.GOD bless all of you

in some states there is this group or organization called big brothers. not sure if thats the correct name, but it's where male mentors take these young men& spend time with them, like fishing, you know what i mean. too bad she couldn't find out about that. even this club called, boys and girls club. i wish i was living near by. i would take them place. my kids are grown. i have a daughter who is 25, n navy, 2 sons 24(hoolio) and my baby is 18. i wouldn't mind mentoring them, and i'm sure my baby son wouldn't mind talking to them, inspiring some positive things on them. sound so nicewell my prayers are with them.

Such great input! I hope D'Gal gets on a puter this weekend to see all your replies. Her puter went kaputz earlier this week. We all know the addiction to PTO is strong oh sooo strong.

If Loving PTO is wrong, I don't wanna be right. laugh!
Remember that song?

hoolio's mom, I forgot about the Big Brothers program. I was going to suggest that if they had a building where they are going to offer this support pull these folks in to help plan this support group kind of a pay it forward. Get the boys input on what they need support wise and what would help them cope. While they are in this planning session let the grandparents get away for a couple of hours. It may make the boys feel important like what they think has some merit. They sound like two very at risk kids. They may be very confused and have no idea how to deal with it.

Sorry I have to make this quick girls. My father in law had a massive heart attack this morning, was airlifted to Knoxville, and so it goes from there. I have an internet phone and can't be on and use the phone too. I'm soo way behind, I had a problem with the behind here in the last couple of days, just don't forget I'm here. I'll get back as soon as I can.
Wendy

Wendy, So sorry to hear agout your father in law. I will keep him in prayer as well as you. We won't forget you. Stay strong and take care of yourself. God be with you. Mercedes

Wendy prayers are with you and your family

Wendy, your father-in-law will be in my prayers!

D'girl.....you've got such a big and loving heart. My imagination would wreak havoc on my life if I dared such a thing.........but you are wise and generous and you'll know what to do. Follow your instincts! Maybe you could find a bowling alley or something like that to take them to spend some time without trying to entertain them in your home. You live in a fifth wheel, right? I imagine your space is limited somewhat. The lady didn't mean to keep them for a weekend, did she? See......my luck, she'd take off and I'd be raising them. LOL (there goes my imagination!!)

Sorry I have to make this quick girls. My father in law had a massive heart attack this morning, was airlifted to Knoxville, and so it goes from there. I have an internet phone and can't be on and use the phone too. I'm soo way behind, I had a problem with the behind here in the last couple of days, just don't forget I'm here. I'll get back as soon as I can.
Wendy

Oh Wendy! I'm so sorry to hear this. I pray he's going to be ok. How is he doing? Why oh Whyyy do these things have to happen.

wendy,il pray for your father inlaw,as well as your entire family,may the lord keep you strong and get you by this ,and pray that your family will bounce back to full glory,

Wendy, I hope your feeling better! I've been having a hard time catching up on the threads myself, I am sooo sorry about your FIL. How is MIL? I'd come keep you company if I could (((hugs))). You and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself and get lot's of rest.

Hello all. I meant to post on Sat but ran out of time @ the library which is where I have to go on weekends until I am reset w/ puter @ home.
anyhow, thanks for all the uplifting and suggestions about what I asked.
I think the lady was asking more about going to her home to watch them so she & hubby could get a few hours away. saw a clip on tv about a place called safe harbor where troubled kids go and they help them. gonna get some info and give it to lady. was going to ask for prayer @ church but again, we didn't make it because of still dragging w/ this bug.. and the weather was soooo wet.
God is good and still on His throne.

Hello D"gal! Hope you get the puter soon, we miss you! That place "safe harbor" sounds like just the kind of place to help, I hope it all works out. Keeping those boys and their family in prayer. Have a great day Sister! :)

Hi, I am new to PTO. My son who will be 18 in MArch is in Cook County Jail in IL. for a probation violation. His next court date is 2/22/08, we really don't know what will happen then. I have figured out the prepay phone, have started sending letters, have sent pictures and money for commissary. How much money do they need? Any suggestions on what to send (I know alot of stuff isn't allowed) would be helpful. Emotions running high at this point he's been there there for just over a week. His original charge was for theft of a vehicle. His violation is because he was arrested in a fight, now he will miss the court date fort hat arrest and they will put out a warrent!! It's a vicious circle.

Hi, I am new to PTO. My son who will be 18 in MArch is in Cook County Jail in IL. for a probation violation. His next court date is 2/22/08, we really don't know what will happen then. I have figured out the prepay phone, have started sending letters, have sent pictures and money for commissary. How much money do they need? Any suggestions on what to send (I know alot of stuff isn't allowed) would be helpful. Emotions running high at this point he's been there there for just over a week. His original charge was for theft of a vehicle. His violation is because he was arrested in a fight, now he will miss the court date fort hat arrest and they will put out a warrent!! It's a vicious circle.

Welcome Capnet, I'm so sorry to hear about your son :( You've found the right place for support from other parents here in this forum. Please come back if you can. Here's a link to Illinois Prisons. I hope you find all the information you need there. God Bless You, Your Son and your Family.

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=106

capnet, find out what you can from the ILL. forum. But come back to Parents with.... and visit with us, we all have children in prison, and can all relate, but you will want to check with the folks on the ILL forum, as Bless'um suggested, about what you can and can't send. Each state is different and you will find a lot of info. if you post a thread there. I also post threads to the CA forum where my son is, and find a wealth of info. by doing that. Welcome to PTO, and again, once you've found out the info. for your state, come back to the parents forum. We are a supportive group.
Wendy

Hello Capnet, dear Lord, he is so young. I'm praying he will be released and back home with you soon! I'm sorry I don't have any answers as far as Il. but like Wendy said, please come back and join us on the parents forum. Take care, keeping you and your son in my prayers. God Bless.

Thankyou all for your caring messages...it really helps to share with people who know how it feels! I will check out the Illinois forums. God Bless you all and all of your children too! One day at a time!

Hi everyone, I have to say thank you again for all the comments and messages, I am learning a lot, I also had a great visit last night at the county jail with my son and with the things I am learning I can pass on to him and he seems to be more at ease. Have a good day all.

Mary

I am finding that writing helps alot, whether it's here or letters to my son. This morning I wrote this for him.

Son, I’ll always love you,
And try to do what’s right.
I lay awake and think of you,
Each and every night.
The tears I shed are rivers,
To wash away the pain.
And no matter what the past,
I want you home again.
I search throughout your childhood,
For some hint or clue
I try to find that something I did or didn’t do.
A mothers’ love is lasting
Beyond this life on earth
A mothers’ heart forgiving
Since the miracle of birth.
I’ll always be beside you,
Wherever you may be.
When you feel a little warmth,
Remember it is me.
I pray that you will find
Your place in life’s great plan
And choose the path of good and true
As you become a man.

Hi everyone, I have to say thank you again for all the comments and messages, I am learning a lot, I also had a great visit last night at the county jail with my son and with the things I am learning I can pass on to him and he seems to be more at ease. Have a good day all.

Mary

Oh Merryb! That is wonderful you had such a great visit with your son last night. It's an awsome feeling huh. It's sooo great that you are there for him. And as we refer ourselves as Cyber Aunties to all the kids here. We send out lots of Love to our nephews and neices. High Five him for us!

I am finding that writing helps alot, whether it's here or letters to my son. This morning I wrote this for him.

What a beautiful heartfelt writing. This made me cry. You are blessed with the Gift of expressing words. Your son is going to Loveeee this.

"Wherever you may be.
When you feel a little warmth,
Remember it is me."

Precious so Precious.

Capnet, how very very beautiful. (((hugs))) Thank you for sharing that with us.

Mary, Praise God you got to see your son! Great news!

Wow......I had shivers reading that lovely poem. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We all could have written those words, but you did it for us and you did it so well. ((((Capnet))))

And welcome to our forum!!! And Mary, too!! We're happy to know you even if prison is why. <sigh> The good thing is we have this forum to come to for acceptance and knowledge. That's pretty good!

Love,
Mary

Thankyou Mary, and I agree this is a great place to come to and know you're always welcome. Can anyone tell me how do you find out the public defender who is assigned to a case? Will they talk to parents in anyone's experience???

capnet. welcome, and I apologize for lagging behind everyone else. my home puter is down. waiting on laptop from daughter.
my son had a pd. I think you can call the court clerk and get info. or ask your son ?
will be praying for you and your son. Lord Bless.

dutchgirl, thankyou. I am uplifted as we got to speak to my son by phone tonight. He has spoken to others and thinks he may only have to serve the 30 days for his probation violation.....hope he's right...that will leave one other case to go to court for. Thinking of you all.

We are all hoping and PRAYING for him Capnet. We want him HOME!!! Take Care.

Hello capnet, I'm so glad you got talk to your son. That would be great if he only get the 30 days county time. Next time you talk to your son see if he can talk to a Sargent in Co. to ask how he may go about getting a Public Defender as soon as possible, so that maybe the other court date can be post-poned, this way it's not a ''failure to appear''. You would think they know he there and all that but sometimes it get over looked and becomes a bigger mess than is necessary. Tell your son to just be cool and the gaurds [officers] there questions. The ones back home in San Antonio, were so cool to tell my son things that they knew might happen and how everything worked, with court and all of that. Well tonight you rest, it's good that you can sleep on some good news. Mercedes

Good thinking Mercedes! Also, what about calling the judge in the other case? Though I do think your right, a PD should probably handle it. Sorry, my ideas aren't so good sometimes. But my prayers are always strong! Yes, sleep well! Mercedes, I didn't know we are fellow Texans? :)

Once again Thank You all for your ideas and suggestions. I have told my son to use his charm and try to get the court date listed so he will be taken. I will tell him to ask about seeing a PD. Approaching this Judge is out of the question....I believe he has already formed his opinion of my son (without really knowing him). I hope that you all have a good day today, you are all so wonderful!!And your children are lucky to have parents who care about them so much...no matter what.

Hugs Capnet! This thread dropped below the freezing level. Bringing it back up again.

Thanks Bless! This is one we need to follow for sure...and keep everyone's prayers going for this child's release!!!! Hang in there Capnet! (((hugs)))

I wish I had an update. I wish I had anything other than feeling terribly guilty for falling behind on writing letters since we have begun to have 1/2 hour visits. I know I have to continue writing. I sent books recently. Somebody punch me, wake me up.

Bless, don't beat yourself up.....it's hard writing so often ....i run out of things to say! It's probably harder too, since you get to visit and talk about the things you would normally write about. Sometimes I send a card, or a news clipping or comic instead of a letter or a new photograph. So drop an envelope in the mail tomorrow and then just as importantly remember to take care of yourself ....soak in a bubble bath with a few candles, a good book and maybe a glass of wine. Hope this is the nudge you need.
T.

Bless, don't beat yourself up.....it's hard writing so often ....i run out of things to say! It's probably harder too, since you get to visit and talk about the things you would normally write about. Sometimes I send a card, or a news clipping or comic instead of a letter or a new photograph. So drop an envelope in the mail tomorrow and then just as importantly remember to take care of yourself ....soak in a bubble bath with a few candles, a good book and maybe a glass of wine. Hope this is the nudge you need.
T.

Capnet, thank you for those words. I feel better already about it. What you said makes complete sense. I'll write a card and send it tomorrow. Thank you for the nudge of confidence. Made me tear up but very happy at the same time. :)

I have a hard time writing also and my boys told me to just get a card. You only usually have one side to write on and it doesn't take long to do that but it is from home and thats whats important. It really does make it easier.

Thank you Lavina. I was writing 10 and 30 page letters by hand. Ouch! Then went to puter letters. Ran out of ink and the rest was history. Have ink now but so much time has gone by since I wrote now. I'll explain it to our son. Something is far better than nothing. I should have practiced what I preached eh! :) Shoots foot! giggle.

Good early Morning Ladies, I've been writing to my son since county jail....Going on 3 yrs now. He's gotten to where when he writes a letter he'll start it as soon as he gets one from me. He writes for a few days and waits to see if I'm going to have a writing marathon [Everyday for a week, haha] then sends me a long letter of over a few days of writting. I've slowed down since the holidays have past but I try to get 3 letters in the mail to him a week. I do like some of you said, I send cards sometimes with printout from a site called belief net. Other times I buy word searches and send a few at a time with pictures and what I call short letters with those. I've tried to find him a pen-pal, posted in the pen-pal section, but no luck with that. I also kinda nag his big sister into writing to him. He likes for her to write, I think they talk about me in these letters but that's okay. It seems they've gotten closer since he's been in prison. Oh and to Reggie, Yes, I am a fellow Texan. I moved here to Va. a little over a year ago but it's not a permanent move. I've got a place in San Antonio, it's in the counrty. Virginia is nice but I love Texas and look farward to moving back there in a couple of years. You know what they say, You can take the girl out of Texas but You can't take Texas out of the girl. I'll Be Back!!! Mercedes

He's gotten to where when he writes a letter he'll start it as soon as he gets one from me. He writes for a few days and waits to see if I'm going to have a writing marathon [Everyday for a week, haha]

heheh! How cute! Writing Marathon!

You are all such brave strong people! I send my son a page usually (typed on pc at work....only me in the office), My family asks what I write, since i write almost every day (my son has only been in county 2 weeks). I tell them "waffle"! I know he likes to hear about the everyday stuff going on, from the last time he was in, so I send him "waffle". Hehe. And if by chance his Dad or siblings give me a letter to send I hold mine for a day or take a break. Today is a new day and a clean page, make the most of it, there are always tomorrows to come.

capnet, keep writing dear. they need our love, support, letters so much. I commend you on writing so much. it is a good thing. me, I think of it, know I need to, then get busy and forget till the next time, and all over again. gotta send a couple B-day cards out to inmates, so will hopefully include a letter to my son into the mail also.
Lord Bless.

I have a heart full of love just waiting to give
A life full of happiness waiting to live
The child that’s in trouble consumes all my day
His brothers and sisters seem cast by the way
I remember the story from when I was young
The one that tells us of the prodigal son,
We all have a purpose, here on this earth.
We were hand picked by God, in this way to serve.
We are strong and yet humble, eternally brave
Waiting to welcome the one we forgave.
We hold families together from one day to another,
All of us drawing strength from each other.
The sentence we serve, is the future unknown
Praying our children will someday come home.

For all of you, T.

Capnet, That is soo beautiful! What a Gift of writing you have. Thank you sooo much.

God Bless You Dutchgirl! I'm still praying that mailman hurrys onto your place with your new puter by or before Saturday. It's a coming it's a coming. Then we'll have you back here full time. yay!

Thank you sisters for your inspiration for me to write a letter! 6 pages going into the printer. weeoooh! Have ink, will travel. yaw!

Hi Bless! I had run out of black ink, got a new one, now the color one is out. (slaps forhead) Those cartridges ain't cheap either! LOL
I usually print out a bunch of things all at once, puzzles, prayers, etc. than 3-4 times a week, I mail a few pages out each time. Oh, and love those cards, a short note on the inside, done! I found this link recently:
http://www.twopaths.com/crossword.htm

Hello Reggie! Good to see you back! You've been gone for hours and hours and hours and hours! I hear you on the ink cost, yikes. Color ink? What's that?!

Thank you for the link and ideas. Anything to make life easier. wew! Got a letter from him today, he mentioned he hasn't gotten a letter for 2 weeks. ruh oh! It'll be 2 more weeks by the time he get's todays sent mail. ruh oh! My fault. Sent 4 out today. Repeats I'm sure, I got the printing thing all messed up. He's used to me repeating myself by now though.

I keep meaning to call to see if we can send printed out crossword puzzles and things. Another thing to do. I'm so behind on to do's.

Hi Bless! Yes, I have been praying and trying not to go out of my mind. (what's left of it, I'm sure I need). OMG the "to do's"....and if your like me, I simply cringe everytime I have to call the prison. If I knew a friendly person was going to answer, I wouldn't mind, but sometimes I promise you there is one of those mean old ogres answering the phones! Makes me wanna say I dialed the wrong number and hang up! See what abuse we'll take for our children? I'm glad you got some letters out! :)

My son asked for books and photos from Xmas and New Year last night. My hubby found a couple of paperbacks he's done with for me to send and I ordered prints from Walgreens online. Just have to pick them up today. To Do, To Do To Do! I am a maker off lists, I don't know what I'd do without my lists! Happy Friday!

Just noticed I'm up to 23 posts, When I get to 25 I can join the chat rooms right?

capnet, before sending the books, check to see if they allow that...most prisons won't allow from home. usually have to purchase online or @ bookstore and have them sent directly from them (w/purchase order).

Capnet, Hmm I'm not sure. I hope so! I'll go into the chat room and see if you pop in. I had to go download Java, whatever that is, first. It wouldn't work for me the first time I tried to chat.

Yes to what Dutchgirl said about the books. Our Prison doesn't allow inmates to have more than 10 books at one time. I called the Prison Mail room for that info. So they donate them or send them home somehow.

I use Barnes and Noble online. I haven't tried Amazon online yet. But I hear they have jiffy service too.

Oh, my memory, not so good these days. Yes, I think so though, 25 posts and 2 weeks...good reminder D"Gal! What a PITA rule, I don't see why we can't just mail in a book. I hardly send them anymore because TDCJ seems to find any reason at all to ban a book and add it to the list of NO, NO, and No's. Hmph...oh wait that goes on the vent thread, sorry! and GRRR!

PS. What does PITA mean? Wait! it might be slingo for curssiveness? Don't reply if it might get anybody in trouble. I need a slingo dictionary :) OH Never mind! I think I just figured it out.

I would like to be a PITA less often, PITB I mean. ya.

;) heehee, Bless, your so cute!

Oy I just heard the F word in another forum. ruh oh! I ran like heck. Remind me never to leave the Parents Forum? haha!

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Thankyou Mary, and I agree this is a great place to come to and know you're always welcome. Can anyone tell me how do you find out the public defender who is assigned to a case? Will they talk to parents in anyone's experience???

Capnet,

You have to call the court building and let them know what room your son's next appearance will be in. They will let you know the name of the PD assigned to that cortroom, and yes, in my experience, the PD will talk with you and advise you.

Thanks Jame, I will try to call today.

So......How Is Everyone? I was reading over the posts here, and noticed it's been a while since some have posted.....I am keeping you all in my prayers and hope all is calming down for you. I'm still fighting with the DOC on my end, but won't give up. In the end, the Lord has the final say, so I take great comfort in that. (plus I know karma will get'em sooner or later) LOL. Any who.........take care all, I'm thinking of you all. God Bless.

Wow, it sure has been a long time since this thread. Thank you for bringing it back up Reggie :) I'm still working on my end asking for him to be moved outa that place. This is just rediculous that it's even happening at all :( God Bless You too Reggie.

Good Morning one and all. :) just wanted to share something a young incarcerated gal shared w/ me... she is like a penpal ....

In These Times

It is in these times, when I
seek the Lord most.
When I feel as if I can go
on no more.
The Lord supplies, and reveals
Himself to me
He is my Comforter, my Shield,
and my Refuge and Strength.
In Him I put my Trust.
He has delivered me from the mire,
and has placed me upon a Rock.
A Rock that is a Foundation and that
is paramount to my Salvation.
In Him I do confide.
In Him I also hide.
It is under the Wings of the Almighty
that my burdens are lifted, and my
cries are no more.
For it is He and He alone in these times.
(written by SJ)

prety cool huh

That's beautiful hearfelt writing. Thanks for posting it D'Gal.

Wendy

Love it D'Gal!!!! Thanks for sharing, I'm passing it along to my son. :)

I am happy to report that things are going well for our son. He called me lastnight and it was good to hear his cheerful voice. He finally got his guitar and that was very good news. I am still in Penna helping my cousin out so I'm glad he can call my cell phone from the UP of Mich. My dog Holly and I are having a very nice time w/ my cousin who also has 2 Cotons. The dogs are a riot to watch play and frolic like polar bear cubs. I've ventured out a few times to the King of Prussia mall and to the grocery stores. (Wow! I could browse in the grocery stores for hours! So many different products than what we see in Mich.) (You can tell I don't get out much, huh!) I'm keeping up w/ hubby and offspring via the puter and telephones. It's good for me to be able to help my cousin w/ her hubby. We're hoping he'll be discharged from the hospital next week to home. He is a quadraplegic so his care is quite involved. I so admire my cousin for her devotion to her husband. I don't know if I could do what she's doing! (....now where was I going with this post?)

You and your families remain in my daily prayers. I'll be going home in a few weeks and look forward to being able to make the trip up to see our son in the UP maybe in April, if the weather cooperates. I saw robins and red-winged blackbirds in the yard here, so that's a good sign that they're moving north. (The robin is Michigan's state bird.)

Take care everyone! You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace and love to all....
Mary
:wave:

Hi Mary! Oh we miss you here with us, but what you are doing for your cousin, is such a wonderful, selfless thing! God Bless You! I can only imagine what those stores are like! You have a safe trip back, and know you are always in my prayers.....Your cousin and her hubby are in my prayers as well, God Bless them both. Take Care Mary! Hugs, Love, and Blessings! P.S. YIPPIE FOR THE PHONE CALL WITH YOUR SON!!! :)

My son is coming home this year, not sure when, sometime between October and December, it is only February now and I think I am freaking out, I am very anxious, can't concentrate and just don't know what to expect or what to do. Any help or suggestions?

Hi Confused, I understand your anxiety, it will ease up more as the time gets closer. If you ever want to PM me, please feel free to, and I will share my experience and try to answer what ever questions I can. I did 5 years, day for day, never was in trouble before, nor since. (knocks on wood, LOL).... Congratulations on your son's soon homecoming! :)

My son is coming home this year, not sure when, sometime between October and December, it is only February now and I think I am freaking out, I am very anxious, can't concentrate and just don't know what to expect or what to do. Any help or suggestions?

If you go to the main screen of PTO, you'll see a couple of options available for when an inmate is released from prison, how to plan for their release and how to plan for parole hearings, etc. I can only imagine your anxiety. I have a couple years before our son is released, but it gives me chest pain just thinking about it. I mailed him all the information on preparing for parole because they need to do that early. As for his coming to your home to live, if that's what will happen, I'd suggest you be quite blunt w/ him about your expectations and the rules he'll have to abide with to live with you. I'm sure on this forum there are many moms who have gone through their sons/daughters returning home and they can give you much better advice than I. Good luck! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on how it's going, ok?

Mary

My son was transfered to Lee from Lieber.I don't remember if I posted it or not.
After all I just turned 60 Friday,maybe I am forgetting already.!!!!!!!

Oh dear, I don't remember either? So you can't use being 60 as an excuse, LOL. Is that a better move? I'm not familiar with S.C., other than I live across the bridge from it! :) I will keep him, and your family in my prayers. Happy belated Birthday!

After all I just turned 60 Friday,maybe I am forgetting already.!!!!!!!


HAHA doesn't work my dear. I turned 60 this past Dec... of course according to my kids, I have been forgetful for years. hehe

My son is coming home this year, not sure when, sometime between October and December, it is only February now and I think I am freaking out, I am very anxious, can't concentrate and just don't know what to expect or what to do. Any help or suggestions?


I hear you Confused... My son gets out very soon- 1 month 1 week and I am apprehensive- much as I want him home, particularly as some of his so called "friends" have resurfaced last week enquiring about him (bit late- they've never bothered the whole time he's been down) and asking me to tell him to get in touch when he gets out- :(. I won't be passing on any messages and all I can do is hope and pray that my son stays strong and stays away from the old influences. He is doing so well and looking so healthy now and is determined to stay out of trouble in future...I'm sure they all are. I have very mixed feelings- but mostly I cant wait to see him walking out free:)

confused: I love my son with all my heart and soul, but when he gets out I have already told him he cannot live with me. he was so mad for a month or three, but he is working up other options. him + me +same house=trouble. LOL

:hmm: So many MIA's lately.....keeping every one in my prayers. As for my update, :shake: STILL going in circles with DOC....... :shrug: Round and round and round....

:hmm: So many MIA's lately.....keeping every one in my prayers. As for my update, :shake: STILL going in circles with DOC....... :shrug: Round and round and round....

The DOC will certainly keep you that way; One thing for sure, Ms. Reggie; you've got the spirit to make it a circle of faith. Be blessed and know that you are in my prayers.

Thank you! And especially for the prayers, my son needs them. I like that, a circle of Faith. They can't take that away! :)

Amen Sisters

So anything new????? How is everyone? I hope our MIA parents find their way back to us soon, we miss you all. I am keeping all in my prayers and thoughts. Nothing new here, same old song and dance, and still going in that annoying circle with the DOC's. Still wish I could go to sleep and wake up in June, after the bdays of my kids and after mother's day. BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Lordy, I've been MIA, I haven't had internet service all morning. I was having trouble yesterday too. The puter just shuts off. What a lonely feeling that is! I'm still not positive it's the internet, I think I'm just wearing this puppy out. Then when I finally got here, I can't get back and forth to the threads, I know PTO is going through some changes, but everything at once?

Wendy

Yea Wendy is back! Check your messages! :)

Not much new here....getting ready for a move and a trip home in the same week. What was I thinking? Oh well, it will be fun and I am sooooo excited about both.
Especially going home.........:) I have not hugged my son who is in prison in over a year. I saw him through glass once last Oct, for 40 minutes, while he was still in county. YEA! I'll be hugging my boys and parents soon!

Thats Wonderful News Reggie :) Just be sure to bring the puter with you so you can log on here. haha! No, don't do that. You have yourself the best ever visit with your Family. It's going to be awsome! When's the big event?

Reggie, so happy that you will be seeing your son soon. Have a wonderful visit filled with lots of hugs. I'm so blessed to have spent Mother's Day with my son, and the evening and night with my daughter and grandsons. The place my son's at now is only an hour north of my daughter so the driving was a walk in the park ( 540 miles round trip) I was also blessed to share my visit with his girlfriend, whom he just re-united with, after not seeing one another for almost four years. He's always happy to see me, but I was overjoyed to see his face when he first saw her. It made for a very magical Mother's Day. It was made complete with my daughter and grandsons; His girlfriend joined us for dinner and she fits in our family quite well. A real sweetheart. I even got Monday off and us girls spent time at the beach:cool: The only bad moment in that was when I put my bathing suit on:eek: and am now contemplating having my jaw wired shut or liposuction. I'm still grinning from my visit. And have each one of you and your sons and daughters in my prayers. Blessings to all!

Two days of bliss! Good for you Patti. How nice for you to spend the time with your kids for mother's day. I'm so glad your son reunited with his girl. It's nice to know they have someone waiting for them, besides us.

Yes I admit, MIA also, just really feeling down, I do check and read the posts just have nothing to say thats any good. I thought I was doing better, but getting depressed again. Not only my son but life also....

Oh Reggie, I can just imagine how you are feeling. I'm sure your family and especially your son are eagerly anticipating your visit. Enjoy, enjoy!

It was good to hear about your wonderful visit His Mom. I haven't seen my son since February, but it seems much longer. I get calls a couple times a week and that's great but I miss the hugs and seeing his million dollar smile.

I'mHisMom..... absolutely thrilled you had such a great visit! I aint even thinking about putting on a bathing suit. Started Trimspa today(the one Anne Nicole Smith was on). Will let you girls know if it works.

Reggie..... my heart couldn't be any happier for you. I am so excited you are going. Almost as excited as I will be seeing my younger son and Grandson in 17 days. They are coming here for my daughters graduation.

MotherJ.... I know the phone calls just dont get it. Its the hugs and smiles that change my world.

MerryB.... You know you are always in all of our hearts, prayers and thoughts. Please feel free to vent,scream,cry we will hold you up until you can hold yourself up. We all love you. I wish I had a magic wand and could ease your pain. All I can do is pray and let you know how much you are loved!

Well my update, I got my ticket home, getting excited about that and the move, even though they are only 4 days apart. (EEEKKKSS!) The bad news is that hubby couldn't get leave, there are too many units coming back from Iraq (TG) and he has to be there at the clinic to get them all in-processed. So I have to go alone. Army life, seems I'm always alone. But once everything settles down here on post, he will be able to take a long long leave and we will make it a good vacation "together". :)
How is everyone? Any new updates?

Reggie, I'm so happy for you and hope everything turns out just as you're hoping!

Have a WONDERFUL time! Stay safe! Have fun!!

Love & Peace~~~
Mary

Hi everyone, nothing to new with me. Son cant see me until August, but thats okay at least its not that far away. My daughter (Navy Girl) who is making me a grandma is getting bigger and bigger, found out its a boy and his name is Peyton Alexander, due Sept 16, my first Grand baby, so thats something to look forward to....just need to get my health back, as I have let myself go for the last 2 years, Now my son is settled in prison ( I hate saying that) maybe I can start and try to get a little life back.....dont know about that...we shall see....

Mary

Hey Reggie,

So glad its almost time for you to see your boys and Mama. I know its disappointing for your husband not to go. Please tell him "Thanks" for me,for serving our country! Thanks also to you a soliders wife.

I think everything happens for a reason. It may be that you are to spend alone time with your family.

Are you getting excited? When are you going?

I am so happy for you! Enjoy and capture every minute. You are so deserving!

what new ? hmnmmm.

well, davids 2 young uns finally got their visitation forms (the ones I sent in) approved. gonna have to wait till july though to take them. with price of gas and lodging, and food, when we go down end of this month we will be broke soonly. gotta save up enough to do it again... just day trip not overnight.

hmmm there was something else I was gonna say... oh rats its that darn sometimers setting in again. oh well.

what new ? hmnmmm.

well, davids 2 young uns finally got their visitation forms (the ones I sent in) approved. gonna have to wait till july though to take them. with price of gas and lodging, and food, when we go down end of this month we will be broke soonly. gotta save up enough to do it again... just day trip not overnight.

hmmm there was something else I was gonna say... oh rats its that darn sometimers setting in again. oh well.
:thumbsup: Praise God D'Gal! I'm so so happy for you! Soon you will see David, and soon he will see his children (thanks to you :)), that is wonderful! YIPPIE! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I think everything happens for a reason. It may be that you are to spend alone time with your family.

Are you getting excited? When are you going?



Thanks Jill, well we move on the 13th and I fly home on the 17th. I am very excited, oldest son is picking me up at the airport and then I will be staying with him and his fiance the first week. It's only been since October that I've been home, but it feels like a life time. And I haven't been able to hug my son who is in for over a year now. I think you may be right about the alone time, I need some serious mama-n-sons time, :)

well hoolio is in the re entry program. he says it keeps him busy, and he had said they were suppose to help them get their drivers license:yay:& i forgot what else. but he's on restrictions because he had words with a guard:shake:(anybody got some tape?) gonna tape his mouth up:rolleyes:. lol but other than that, so far he says he's doing good.:clap:

Dgal,Im so happy for you,your son and grandbabies,,I know they have missed each other,,james told me to wait till he gets transfered to bring his kids,he knows its such a long drive,,and he knows I dont like to depend on other people to bring me,,right now I just cant drive thru ATLANTA,,it makes me a nervous wreck,hoolios mom,hang with him,and I have a roll af that good strong tape,haha,,,,,

Reggie,God spead,my sister,enjoy your sons,nothing does a mamas heart better,it makes you more healthy and happy,,,be safe and enjoy,,and please keep us posted,;););):):D

made a decision today. those two young uns fight and bicker so much and wear our nerves thin. and a four hour drive even w/ car videos going. :no:

but a solution... davids oldest (15)... we will split up taking the two. is the only way. one time take the 7 yr old & oldest. then 5 yr old daughter & oldest. it is sad but we just cant stay sane in the car that long then during visiting. they have a prolbleim with manners and behavior. soo....

:fb::fb::fb::fb::fb: i can see it now grandmom in the back seat ...watching movies..............:D:D between the 2 kids

dgal,,thats what I do,,a little at a time,it can really get crazy,and I mean CRAZY!!

deb... HAHA actually I would be.. :sleepy: hehehe

D/G so excited for you a few more weeks and you will see you son!

Reggie not too many more days. I know you are excited and a little overwhelmed with the move. I am so glad you are moving before your trip. This trip will be one of healing, love and relaxing!

Its so good to know you both will see your sons very soon! I couldnt be anymore happier for you both!

jill. thanks and oh how I need to see him. had a bad day yesterday - thoughts of david made me sad... wanted to just cry all through church. then of course the 2 grndkids were way out of control. plus it was shortcakes bday party. kids noise, stess. !!!! :eek: but by late afternoon I was feeling better. just miss my david so much. on the good side,,, the kids mom said she wrote david (surprise) and she received a 10 page letter back.

be blessed. have a great day.

i had a wonderful visit sat.. it was a much needed i had a bad week... but son wanted me to be in that court room...but all the sadness...anger....hurt.....fear ...had me in such a state of pain....i had to hold my son...and tell him how lucky we were....and how proud i was of him for dealing with all of this as well as he ..is...we had some laughs....but mostly we had each other near each other that brings a calm of the heart...for that time i know he is safe....

deb... HAHA actually I would be.. :sleepy: hehehe

ok i can see it now grandmom in back seat :faint: with m&m's stuck in her nose. and ears ...and make up redone:help::help::help:

Anybody remember the movie "National Lampoon's Vacation" where the family went to Wally World??? And Aunt Edna?? :eek:

D'gal -- stay awake!! :yes: I have a visual now that M & Ms were mentioned! And if you find yourself in the back seat, put one of the kids in the front so you can kick their seat instead of the other way around! And I'm so happy you'll be seeing your son!!!!! I can only imagine how excited you are!!!!

Reggie, have a safe journey and enjoy yourself! enJOY!!! have FUN!!! relish each moment.

Love to you both (and all),
Mary

oh my son told me he wrote me a letter!!!!!!!!! now mind you then he tells oh it just has a list of used cars to look for ...for him...oh he is such a teen boy!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::slap::s lap::help::love::love::love: i told him it better have a comfortable back seat because i will be in it:D

Did I ever tell you my true story about driving through Oklahoma???

Well, you see, we were moving back to Michigan from Arizona (what I referred to as the Planet Arizonia) and hubby was driving a U-Haul and I was driving our car. Well, it is a long drive - a hard drive, too. I was always happy to get to the Ozarks to see green trees along the road instead of just on the lawns of banks and cemeteries (Tucson that is).

And our dog -- poor Lady -- she would get carsick just backing out of the driveway. So we'd medicate her so she wouldn't barf all over the car.

Hubby had a couple of the kids w/ him and I had a couple with me -- and the dawg. So we stop in Oklahoma at a rest area/gas station, filling up, using the restrooms, stretching our legs, walking the dog who looked green (black lab mix) .... and we get back on the road. I was following hubby in that UHaul and I have to tell you, I was beginning to hate the looks of that truck, so I pass him. And as I look in the truck, I count heads -- one, two...... two....TWO???? he was supposed to have 3!!!!!!
omi'gosh! This was pre-cell phones! this is when we made signs and held them up to the window or would pull up alongside going 60+ mph and shout something to each other!

Where's David????? my daughter yells from the window to daddy.
Daddy: Isn't he with you?????
ummm.........noooo! shouts oldest daughter! I tell daughter to tell daddy we'll turn around at next exit and go back.

:::mentally I'm calculating just how long we'd been on the road::: two daughters are asking Do we HAVE to go back and get him????

So we turn around and frantically I drive like a crazed mother back to the exit, hoping I go to the right exit and that he hasn't tried to hitchhike back to AZ (he was lovesick for his girlfriend he left behind and I do mean LOVE SICK). Oh how scared I was! An hour or more had passed by the time we got back to the gas station -- and we all get out and race around looking for him. And........there he is.......playing a video game. He says Are we leaving? I wanna finish this game!

<sigh> Motherhood -- second-oldest profession!

Many times in the years to come I can remember hearing oldest daughter: Do we have to go back???? :cool:

deb. :haha: :eek: ok ok I promise to stay awake. and Mary... I like your idea too about kicking seat. funny.

the makeup part... funny deb that you should say that... a little story here.... our granddaughter who is now 20.... when she was little she was always (still is) papa's girl. now ladies he is a big guy.. 6'4'' about 260. hairy beard and longish hair.
He would sit there and let his little gd put makeup on him, do things w/ his hair, paint his finger nails. if I ever figure a way ... will have to post that picture.
:hehe: :hehe:

OMG ya'll, I can't believe I will be home on Tues! YEA! I'm not bringing my laptop, so I will have so much catching up to do when I get back. We did get moved this weekend, I'm exhausted but love the new place. Just wanted to check in with ya'll and say I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers........me gonna miss you all soooooooooo much!!!!! Take care everyone, and God Bless.

:wave: hi reggie

:wave: Hello D'Gal! :) :) :)

Have a wonderful time, Reggie, and I hope your travels are joyous, swift, safe and make sure you pack a lunch for the flight. From what I understand, they don't even give free pretzels anymore. But you might be too excited to eat. I'm never too excited to eat. :cool:

I'm glad you like your new home and hope it is filled with laughter and love.

Have a great time. We'll miss you terribly!

Love ~~~~
Mary

Reggie, I'm going to miss your words of wisdom, music and witt, but you deserve the best visit ever. Wishing you safe travel and lots of the best of time with your loved ones.

Mary, I missed your Oklahoma story. It was another story for you to include in that book you're going to write. Right?

It remined me of the time we traveled to visit friends with 6 little ones. On the way back home we realize that our oldest daughter is missing. She's the one who was always looking for places to be alone and enjoy her reading. We stop by a pay phone and place a call to the friends inquiring about daughter. They look through the house and find her asleep in the bathtub with her book.

We went to visit our son today, the first time at a jail for either of us. We had prepared for the worst and it wasn't nearly that bad. We managed to get there just before the busier evening hours I think and the whole thing took a little over an hour without travelling time. My son looks well although he has lost weight and could use a haircut! We couldn't hear each other that well but got pretty good at charades...haha! The guards were all polite and helpful. I still was not able to get his glasses in to him, tonight i have packeged and mailed the new plastic ones to him. wed. is another court date so we will see what happens.

good luck capnet,,and god bless your son and your family,you will be in my prayers.