HI Family out there. I just thought it would be nice if everyone would check in and tell us how they and their son's are doing lately.

Charlie is doing okay. He has had some issues with a friends mom who doesn't have much more time to live and he is dealing with his emotions on that. But he is strong. The strongest person I know! :) I am so proud of him. He is such a wonderful loving man! I will talk with him again on Sunday.
I always look forward to our chats on the phone. Just hearing his voice can change my whole day into a happy day. :)

I am doing the best I can. One day at a time is all I think about. I am Thankful that I have all of you here to talk with and share with. Thank you to each of you for being so supportive! And I'm so thankful for friendships that are developing here. :) :p

I truly believe the Lord brought us all together! I'm so glad Charlie is doing well (and he is quite handsome)! I'm hanging in there, my son is doing well. Sigh. I do miss him so and worry, worry, worry! I'm glad to see your back on the boards with us Vi!

I have some issues that are making it a tough time for me right now. My phone had one of those infamous blocks and since my son got transferred I don't have a car that is safe to got to the new location for visits. Hopefully that will change in the next couple of weeks and supposedly the block is lifted so I'll see.

That said, he comes home this spring and I sometimes wake up with a bad dream. I want him home, but I'm a worrier and he comes home with a medical problem that he didn't have when he went in.

On a positive note, he will be home soon. I should quit worrying.

Thank you for this Thread ViCharliesMom. What a great idea. My heart is with each and every one of you and your Children. I stand by all you have said here and pray for the worrys to subside and that each of your needs are met. I had a wonderful dream the other night, our son was lying next to me and we were just talking on and on and on. One of those feels so real dreams.

hi there, we are doing good! my son was transferred temporarily to a co jail near me so I did get to see the lil brat. LOL
then he had his parole violation hearing fri jan 25th. I was not going to go, but prayed about it and low and behold, my boss got sick friday early and we closed the office so I went.
:eek: in reading that back, it looks like I prayed for my boss to get sick;)
:nospeak: nah...it wasnt that way...he had a tooth ache! :yuck:

I was able to meet with his PO and the public defender before he was brought in the courtroom. I knew he could get another 3-5 tacked on his sentence for getting a DUI while on probation. I asked them to ask for a current shorter sentence so he could get this done while already in prison.
miracle of miracles and answered prayer: the DA agreed.:cool:

they brought him to the courtroom and there I sat. his face looked radiant when he spied me there. he mouthed the words "thank you, I love you".
we did some made up sign language we do, and mouthed a bit of words because of course I wasnt near him at all but we could see one another.

he mouthed out " what is going to happen to me" and I was able to put up fingers to show him 6 mo to 2 yr concurrent. then he was relaxed. when called before the judge he was calm.

so on we go. he will go back to the state facility Monday and he will begin a Drug and Alcohol program in march.

I almost have the approval for my grandson done to visit. he will be 4 yrs old and hasnt seen his dad since he went in last October.

so...God willing, we will visit state as a contact visit for him and his son next weekend!

Jancy that is great. I'm so glad you could make it there. It may not have gone so easy if you hadn't been there to speak on his behalf, but the support he felt on top of that had to be priceless. Only mothers can appreciate the small victories.

Hi Dear Sisters,
I am doing well, I see growth in all of us, I see love that Jesus is pleased with for one another and I see salvation in the future for all the children in this group. I am praying today that we will have a peaceful week-end. Tomorrow my pastor goes to visit my son. I pray all of you are blessed this week-end.
In Christian Love,
Sue

Oh Jancy, how brave and wonderful a mother you are! I hope he learns that you interceded for him and that he softens his attitude toward you. How wonderful! I'm so happy you got to go. God is such a good friend! He has ways of readjusting the world just so things work out smoothly ... thank you, God!!!

----------
Our son is doing well, as I reported somewhere else in the forum. He was hoping to get his guitar this week via commissary so he'll probably call this weekend and touch base with us and I'll find out. With him in Siberia it'll be spring before we can venture a visit up there. It's 500+ miles one way to drive. And I reckon we'd have to take a bush plane if we flew! LOL We haven't seen him since before Thanksgiving, but we chat once or twice a week. He's working out and got a hair cut. All nice news!

ViCharlies....I'm in Michigan, too. Son is at Camp Kitwen in U.P. We live down near the Indiana border. We were raised in Grand Rapids and lived there a long time!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Mary

Hey all!
My son is doing really good in the facility where he is at. He's getting involved in many different things and is going to start working towards his college degree. He's got one more hearing on Feb. 1. Please keep him in your prayers! Thanks to all of you for being here!! It's good to know we're not all alone in these struggles. Bless ya! Mom in MN

Hi everyone,
First, I want to thank you all. It helps to be able to post prayers, and know that you are all there praying and going through this "garbage" as well.
I've had a hard week emotionally. My son has been in 3 years, I haven't seen him for 6. He was so off the wall, and unsafe to have around my younger kids, that I had to get a restraining order on him. That was very hard. Anyway, I do write, on occasion, but yesterday I sent him a letter expressing how I really feel. His case was in the paper again, due to a similar crime going on about 45 minutes from us. Twice this week, I was in a public place and someone (old ladies) were looking at my 15 year old daughter and I, and gossiping. Next time, I am going to go right up to the lady and ask,"is there anything I can help you with?" I've had it! Our 15 year old daughter takes all this to heart. She's an "easy" child, a blessing, a delite, honor student. All our kids are, except Tom. I hate to say this, I don't feel like he is a blessing at all, i'm embarassed and ashamed, even though I know his behavior comes from "bio. dad." He makes me feel like a failure as a Mom, he makes me feel like I let Jesus down for not keeping him safe when he was entrusted to my care. I tried so hard with him, for what? I have been told he joined an aryan group in jail, and is in the hole for beating someone up. he was accused of excepting money for this? This person, by the way is white. We've never been prejudice, for years, there's been blacks, white, hispanics, in our prayer group. It grieves me to hear this. Tom was always handsome, and smart. I think I am grieving all over again, because of the stupid newspaper articles. Then, a weird thought, I want to hug him, I want to see him, but I don't think I could get thru a visit without balling. He's 5-6 hours away in Fairton, NJ. I don't want to die, without seeing him. I'm not old, but I work as a pilot. Eleven months ago I was in a plane crash, I was not the pilot, just a passenger. The plane was totaled, and I crawled out of the wreckage, literally. I hurt my leg, but other then that the pilot and I were very blessed. Now, with that anniversary coming up, I think, what if I died and didn't get to hold him one more time? I do tell him in my letters that I love him, but I wish things were different..... very , different. His bio. dad should have been convicted (he got off on a technicality), instead, his victim, and the rest of us are the ones in prison . Not fair. Oh yeah, tom will be getting moved to a max. security fed. prison, I have no clue where. Should I try to see him? What if I can't stop crying? I always told myself that I would see him, when he starts excepting responsibility and getting help, now I just don't know. What I do know, is I pray , alot!

Oh gosh ladies, I want to send hugs to all of you, some had great posts and others sad. I heard from my younger son that David, the one inside, somehow got himself a little 3 inch TV. It gets way more channels and better reception than the regular prison TV's. I had cried for three days when I couldn't get him a TV by the deadline of TV's being done away with for level 2's. Tears in vain, then I wondered how he was able to manage getting this little number? At first I was ecstatic he was able to manage that, know I'm wondering if he's settling too comfortably to life in prison.

I have hardly been on, I'm just getting over food poisining. Can't stay on because I'm expecting calls and I can't use the puter and internet phone at the same time.

We got a call this morning that my father in law had been airlifted to Knoxville, after a massive heart attack. Two hours later an email from my sister in law that they had to call the ambulance for my mother in law in Washington. Hubby had already made travel plans to get to Tennessee, and will now have to double back to Washington. My heart is breaking for him right now, he is the salt of the earth, and having a bit of a time with the double whammy. Please keep Frank in your prayers, I'd hate to see him lose both parents at the same time. It's ironic, they haven't been together in years! Well that's my not so upbeat check in, but checking in I am!
Wendy

Hi everyone,
First, I want to thank you all. It helps to be able to post prayers, and know that you are all there praying and going through this "garbage" as well.
I've had a hard week emotionally. My son has been in 3 years, I haven't seen him for 6. He was so off the wall, and unsafe to have around my younger kids, that I had to get a restraining order on him. That was very hard. Anyway, I do write, on occasion, but yesterday I sent him a letter expressing how I really feel. His case was in the paper again, due to a similar crime going on about 45 minutes from us. Twice this week, I was in a public place and someone (old ladies) were looking at my 15 year old daughter and I, and gossiping. Next time, I am going to go right up to the lady and ask,"is there anything I can help you with?" I've had it! Our 15 year old daughter takes all this to heart. She's an "easy" child, a blessing, a delite, honor student. All our kids are, except Tom. I hate to say this, I don't feel like he is a blessing at all, i'm embarassed and ashamed, even though I know his behavior comes from "bio. dad." He makes me feel like a failure as a Mom, he makes me feel like I let Jesus down for not keeping him safe when he was entrusted to my care. I tried so hard with him, for what? I have been told he joined an aryan group in jail, and is in the hole for beating someone up. he was accused of excepting money for this? This person, by the way is white. We've never been prejudice, for years, there's been blacks, white, hispanics, in our prayer group. It grieves me to hear this. Tom was always handsome, and smart. I think I am grieving all over again, because of the stupid newspaper articles. Then, a weird thought, I want to hug him, I want to see him, but I don't think I could get thru a visit without balling. He's 5-6 hours away in Fairton, NJ. I don't want to die, without seeing him. I'm not old, but I work as a pilot. Eleven months ago I was in a plane crash, I was not the pilot, just a passenger. The plane was totaled, and I crawled out of the wreckage, literally. I hurt my leg, but other then that the pilot and I were very blessed. Now, with that anniversary coming up, I think, what if I died and didn't get to hold him one more time? I do tell him in my letters that I love him, but I wish things were different..... very , different. His bio. dad should have been convicted (he got off on a technicality), instead, his victim, and the rest of us are the ones in prison . Not fair. Oh yeah, tom will be getting moved to a max. security fed. prison, I have no clue where. Should I try to see him? What if I can't stop crying? I always told myself that I would see him, when he starts excepting responsibility and getting help, now I just don't know. What I do know, is I pray , alot!

Flymom, don't beat your self up so badly. The gangs are all over the prisons. Sometimes it's their only way of surviving and has no bearing on their beliefs. Go see him. If you cry - so what. He has to know what he has done and where he is is not something that makes you happy.

Hi everyone just checking in. I am doing ok just a little down this weekend. Talked to my son and I think he is doing better than I am. He is taking correspondence bible study courses. He just finished one course which had 8 sections and has 2 other courses that he does. It is amazing and wonderful to see God at work. Three years ago this youngman didn't believe in God. I am so glad that I found this site again. You ladies are wonderful. Praying for you all and your sons.
Sue

It is good to see you all checking in. I know that so much is going on in all our lives and I just want you all to know that I am keeping you and your families in my prayers.
God does work in misterious ways and He is with us every step of our journey we are on right now. I am thankful He has brought all of you to me! :)
Mary Charlie is in kincheloe in the U.P. But I never heard of the town your son is in. That is such a long drive for you. It's 4 1/2 hours one way for me and I tell you it takes everything that I am to prepare myself that the trip. I always feel better after I see him though. :) Hang in there, before we know it, spring will be here and we can make the trip again. Keeping you in my prayers.!!!!

My David is doing well. He's found a group of good friends, and is learning Spanish and studying Art. Ironically, he can get into Art but not into the GED class that is required according to parole guidelines. David is also growing in his relationship to God.

Some people roll their eyes when they hear about jailhouse conversions. I think that in David's situation, this is the way God chose to bring David to him. David was always a believer, but did not live his beliefs. It is my hope and prayer that this will be a permanent change for David.

Best wishes to all!

Doncha think it's human not to like someone sometimes? I mean there are times when I don't like my hubby, my kids, even myself. Sometimes I like my dog best of all!

....and......she doesn't call collect !!!

Special prayers going up today for "Fly Mom" Your post was so open and honest, special prayers are being said this day for you and for Tom.You are not to blame. Remember that God will and can turn all around for good. Satan is lieing to you, don't let him get the upper hand.
Just wanted you all to know the video was shown in my church today that was recently posted on our forum. There were tears and people were greatly moved by it, hopefully, mostly I pray it will remove blinders from eyes and they will begin to pray for our children and the evil that is all around us.
Special prayers went up today for everyone in our family here, no names mentioned. All unspoken.
God bless you all,
Susan

wendy, hope you get better soon...as well as the family!
flymom..your son is already being punished by the system. go visit him to make him know he is loved by a real person so he doesnt feel he has to prove anything to some group.

Hey ladies just checkin in, I think this was a great idea! Well, as for me, today i am doing ok.. I am going to see my youngest baby who is in county, and waiting for next weekend so i can see my oldest baby in csp..
Wendy, i am so sorry to hear about all your stuff going on, you are in my prayers.. Hope everyone has a great day..

Hey ladies, I'm feeling quite a bit better today, still weak in the knees though. I put hubby on a bus this morning to get him to the Mexico City airport, there was no way I could drive 2 and a half hours there, and the same back. Don't worry the bus lines in Mexico are luxurious, and in no way need to be compared to the greydawg. Feeling a bit sorry for myself that I'll be alone when still not quite up to par. I'll be better tomorrow. Feeling sorry for hubby that both his parents are in such dire straights at the same time. Feeling sorry too, that there's a few of us on here having a bad time of it right now. Reg and Pebs, just cause I haven't been on, doesn't mean I don't love ya', and want to post. O, thanks for the PM this morning. Missin, so happy you got to see the baby today, I talked to mine and he is doing OK at Solano, was good to hear his voice, it's been a while. Jancy, you just keep keepin' us up!
I'll be back as soon as I get my land legs back. The couch and gatorade, and an attentive husband, until today, have been my forum for the last few. I see I'm going to have to look back, I've missed stuff and need to have a look back at what I've missed. Love and prayers to my fellow cyber auntie's.
Wendy

hi everyone: 1st giving honor to GOD our lord and savior who is ahead of my life, 2nd sending our prayers to all the moms here and around the world thats going through this. it's not easy, but we as moms are our sons blessings, besides GOD who comes 1st of course. update on hoolio: well he's doing good so far, i got a letter from him 2 days ago, saying he is in school for electrician i believe. he finished carpentry class. trying to stay out of trouble. he's gotten his GED thank you GOD for that. he told me he was going to write a letter to parole board, asking for a hearing or be sent to work release. so i'm waiting to see if they will grant him a hearing. he's been gone 3 yrs. but been fighting this charge since he was 17, he's 24 now. so please pray he gets his hearing. GOD bless all the mothers

flymom..your son is already being punished by the system. go visit him to make him know he is loved by a real person so he doesnt feel he has to prove anything to some group.

Amen! And if you cry on your visit, that's perfectly ok and a good thing. You're son will want to cry too, maybe he can't and will feel it's ok to cry with you. You'll both be Joined in Compassion. To me compassion is a Perfect beginning in anything.

Wendy, lots of bad weather in wa st today and supposed to be tomorrow. Where does your hubby have to go in WA? 18 inches of snow at my place north of Spokane and still snowing (they are used to getting that much but when there's four days of continuous snow, it is hard to keep up). Freezing rain here at the ocean, both inland and snow in the Seattle area causing school closures all over. Airport Delays.

Even if I had visitation approval for Walla Walla, the drive there is treacherous this week. My son writes and calls. He ordered himself a TV, hoping to get it for Superbowl weekend.

Oh Lord momofns, it is Spokane, but he is booked to leave from Tennessee next Monday. His mother is in WA, and not as in dire straights as his dad in TN. He had already made and paid travel plans when we got word of her situation, and plans to leave TN to Spokane. Hopefully the weather might have cleared up a bit by then. Hope your boy gets his TV soon.

Hoolio's Mom, I hope your boy has great luck with the parole board. He's come a long way in the time he's been gone, and sounds as though he could build us both a house, by now!
Wendy

OH Wendy I feel so bad for you and your family. How is your hubby doing? How are you holding up? I'm keeping you in my prayers. ((HUGS))

My son who is in prison is doing good he goes in front of the prison commity (board) for review tomorrow. He called me today saying his cansoler told him he is going to be taken off closed A which is great news.
For those of you who may recall me posting that my youngest son was
diagnosed with Lymphoma well good news he is now on
maintenance and there is no signs of cancer!! I wish ya'll the very best in 2008 and every year after.
nitamac

nitamac hello , I pray that your son receives a ''yes'' for his release. I'm so glad to here your other son is at the maintenance stage of his treatment. Thank you God for prayers answered. I remember your posting about it. My son had 3 years of maintenance. That was 16 year ago,this past december. He's 21 now. Peace be with you. Mercedes

Thanks Charlie'sMom, I'm doing OK, I talked to my hubby this morning he's holding up fine, but is exhausted. It's our anniversary today and we had made plans and he was a bit down, but other than that we are both holding up fine, thanks for asking!
Wendy

nitamic, great news for both your sons! You must be so relieved.
Wendy

My son who is in prison is doing good he goes in front of the prison commity (board) for review tomorrow. He called me today saying his cansoler told him he is going to be taken off closed A which is great news.
For those of you who may recall me posting that my youngest son was
diagnosed with Lymphoma well good news he is now on
maintenance and there is no signs of cancer!! I wish ya'll the very best in 2008 and every year after.
nitamac

Praise God! I am praying for a YES and continued good health. God Bless You and Your Son.

Thanks Charlie'sMom, I'm doing OK, I talked to my hubby this morning he's holding up fine, but is exhausted. It's our anniversary today and we had made plans and he was a bit down, but other than that we are both holding up fine, thanks for asking!
Wendy
Happy Anniversary Wendy!!!! :love: I'll have to round up some of the gals here for a virtual party. Let's see, we need food, drinks, oh so much to do! Ok, I'm on it!

Happy Anniversary, Wendy!

Hubby and I just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. I thought it was 49th! He reminded me that it just seemed longer! LOL

My back went out and I'm on bedrest and muscle relaxants. I'm feeling very little pain - and from the neck up, I'm happy! You gotta love those muscle relaxers! No more pushing a snow shovel for me! Nopers! Giving that up for good. The pain isn't worth it. God put it there (snow) and He will melt it - eventually.

Take care, sisters! And don't lose hope!
H is for the Heart from which we love
O is for the ovaries to give us all these lovely hormones
P is for the pride in which we walk tall as women
E is for the energy we have to pray and give thanks for blessings

okay, so O is a little weak -- but I couldn't think of anything else. LOL It's these muscle relaxants. Kind of like having a few martinis on an empty tummy!

going back to bed now - my job here is finished (for now)

Love you all!!!
Mary

Thanks Mary, and happy muscle relaxing!
Wendy

I kinda like the O one. Handy excuse for just about anything.

Hands MDF another muscle relaxer. Can you do one for:

G
O
D

H
E
L
P

U
S

A
L
L

I like the O one too! heeheehee :) Good excuse every time! Er, uh, yea, like O says, for just about anything. LOL