I see that some are gone and taking a break from Prison Talk...and I just need to tell all of you how important EACH ONE OF YOU ARE here!!!!!
There have been many days that I have been so down, so sad, so confused, feeling sorry for myself. and on and on.

Do you all realize what a gift you are all here and how much each one of us need each other to get through the days that God has blessed us with?

We all know that it's hard to take on others problems. But we have to look at it that we are not taking on each others problems we are all Giving each others problems, sadness, worries and children to God. The God that knows all, knows each of our hearts, knows each of our children and families. The God that takes care of us and our needs every day He blesses us with. The Almight God!

We all have things going on in our lives other than our son's being in prison. Which I must say is probably the hardest thing most of us are going through. For me it's not just Charlie being in prison it is the loss of my bestfriend, lover, and husband as well. And I know there are some others here that are in the same situation with some of you as I am. But ya know I was at a funeral today of a good friends Mom and I can't tell you how much I think about we ONLY HAVE TODAY!

Our children only have TODAY! We are not promised tomorrow. So we have to use today the best we can with the Lord guiding and directing us. He never said that it would be easy. He never promised us there would not be sadness in our lives. But He did give us Jesus to die for our sins! He gave us the promise of eternal life one day when He is ready for us to come home.

Some days I think I can't wait to go to heaven and see my Bill again that I am so ready. But it's not my time yet. And what would it do to my children after losing their stepfather they loved so much if I were to go home now too. They need me more than ever and somehow some way I have to pick myself back up, and keep smiling and being here for those beautiful children God blessed me with. And so do each of you!

I know that I am rambling here and I don't mean to . I just want us all to realize how truly blessed we are to have each other's support, love and prayers. To have our children that love us no matter what. And that we love unconditionally! There is nothing like being a Mom! We have so much to be proud of! And thankful for! So my prayer for each of you is that God will lift this burden you all are carrying, your hurt, pain and sadness and help you to see a brighter day. Knowing that He is walking with each of us every step of the way on this journy we are going through. I pray that He fills your hearts with love and joy of life and of the lives of our children. I pray these things in Jesus name Amen!

(((HUGS)))

"AMEN!" Thanks for the edifying and encouraging words and prayer, Vi. May the Lord return your blessing onehundred-fold.

Thank You Terri and the same to you! (((HUGS)))

VI,im still here,im lurking,every now and then i open my big mouth,i just dont have alot to say lately,im going through a tough time ,i tend to keep it inside somtimes,if you need me pm me,i will be there for anyone,kim

HI Kim I just sent you a PM :) Get out of that corner and stop that lurking it's unhealthy. ;) (((HUGS)))

Hi Vi.....thank you for starting this thread.....I too have noticed the "break, some people are taking" and I miss them. But I know people have things going on in their lives.....I too, thank PTO for being here for me. I was really a wreck when I got here. You all have brought me back to sanity through your care and support....Don't go away......

It's nice to see all the moms check in. When someone is gone for awhile I know we all hope things are going well for them. When I first joined PTO there were actually days that I was on for 6,7,8 hours. I know after all these years that I NEED to have a life:) God Bless Moms:D

I thank you too for starting this thread----I miss Bless the Inmates a lot, but she needs a little alone time, and I know she will be back with us when she feels the time is right. So, to all of us moms of sons, and daughters who are away from us we just need to keep each other on track. There is a light at the end of this long journey our children are taking. God Bless all of us, and our babies. I look forward to reading what all of you have to share.

Thank you Vic for starting this thread. I was one of the ones who took a break. My break however, was extensive.

I know for me when I got here two years ago I was completely broken. I too would be on for hours and hours.

Then.... I started to heal. I believe, part of my healing was reaching out to others on this site.

In the beginnining I thought because I was hurt so badly I had nothing to offer. Little by little I jumped in.

There came a time with me that I had to take a break. Please understand all of your pain and the pain I carried was too much. I would literally cry for days on end.

It was all good as God used me to intercede for hurting Mom's and children in prison. Everyone needs renewing.

For all those who are out there that need a break. Please know this you have been faithful. Rest dear ones rest. We are here when you get back.

May the Lord God touch you with a renewed strength.

hi ya Vi, and thanks for being so loving and caring as usual!
people do need breaks and sometimes they heal and move on, and that is good too. no guilt for anyone here :)
I tend to check in daily if I can, but some days I am sick of the story of my son and know he will be out in October or November and I think I need to take time to not focus so much on him. he'll be baaaaaack.

but I love to read the inspiring stories, see love in action, the strength of human beings, the compassion of people already at wit's end, mustering up courage, and reaching out to others.

what a great place!

I think a lot of people go through periods like I have where they feel like they have used up everything they have to give and have nothing else left inside them. For me this forum is the most painful of all and I avoided it entirely for months because I didn't have the strength to read anyone elses pain. It just brought my own pain that much closer to the surface.

I do not have a child in prison, but my fiance is and i wanted to add a little note if i could. I agree that sometimes it does get hard, but i have never looked at it as taking on someone elses problems, because i have a lot and i mean a lot of problems :) I look at it as figuring out my own problems. when i read some posts i find some things that maybe i had questions about myself but was to afraid to ask. That person is helping me by posting the question, and you know the funny thing, half the time i respond to the persons questions, all the while answering my own. Realizing I knew it all along. So that just my 2cents, but i love all you women because when i feel like im falling into that black hole, you guys pull me out.
Katie

Wow What an Awesome post Vi....Thank you for a little wake up call. As you can see by my join date I have been here a long time. And no I dont always post, but trust me when I do I have something to say.
In those days I was raising a grandbaby who has grownup and a hubby who worked, who is no longer able to work. Then I was honored to be a guest on a Kairos Outside. Now add that to my mission in life. Anywhere I post I am subscribe to that post so it automatically comes to my email and lets me know a new post is added.
I am always here reading, but sometimes I must read and then think about what I want to say.
As some of you know I started a "Mom's (and Dad's) with Daughters Incarcerated" Thread in this forum.
And this time of the year Kairos take a lot of my computer time, but I still come in and offer advice to any who I think I might make a difference. I am just having to split my time between 2 websites, a granddaughter and a hubby and housework that doesnt always get done due to health issues.
Seems there have been more Dr appointments for us all and I keep wondering if I will ever get to my love..."The Vegetable Garden" this spring..Last spring was spent recouperating from a broken ankle surgery and then the summer was spent trying to allow daughter bonding time with her daughter..waste of time, but GD had a ball playing with her brother and aunt those2 months and also getting to know her Great Grandmother(my ex MIL)
I have also been spring cleaning for the last few months 1 room at a time! Thats work 30 min rest 15 if you know what I mean.
Again my plate is full with a tornado damage trailer a Kairos weekend in a month ( I ask for paper Agape from all over the world from othe Kairos groups) and in 3 weeks I again am scheduled for surgery. This every other year is getting older than me.....

Sometimes I am ready to give it all up..that life is too much...But I think you said it best Vi:
Our children(and families) only have TODAY! We are not promised tomorrow. So we have to use today the best we can with the Lord guiding and directing us. He never said that it would be easy. He never promised us there would not be sadness in our lives. But He did give us Jesus to die for our sins! He gave us the promise of eternal life one day when He is ready for us to come home.

And as the Bible states: "What the Lord Brings to you He will bring you Thru it!"

AMEN!

just lurking, I also dont have anything to say. I think way to much, my head is always scheming, and thats with everything.....but I see everyone and will holler at ya from time to time.....just having some bad down days....feeling sorry for myself....:(

Good Morning all. Vi thank you for this thread. yes, we all have our own problems to deal with and some of us just need to give extra time to that and also to refresh w/ the Lord. I guniunely miss those who need the break and pray for them on a daily basis, but I know in Gods time, He will direct them back this way.
We each compliment each other as far backing each other up in what is said, or if I don't know quite what to say, maybe someone else has the words. yanno ?
I know for myself, as long as the Lord directs me here daily, here I will be. I have grown so fond of each of you my sisters. I thank God daily for each of you as I remember you and your children in prison.
Have a Blessed Day.

Good morning, friends! Thanks for starting this thread, Vi. As I've posted in other corners of the forum, I totally understand why people take a break. We each know our limits. So to those who are taking a break, I wish you a restful, peaceful, and reflective time to pull it all into the size package that you can carry easily. We'll be waiting for you with wide open arms! Until then...... God bless you!

And my PM box is always open to you!

Love and peace to you,
Mary

Thank you Vi for starting this thread. Yes, there are names I haven't seen in a while and I do miss them. But everyone has to deal with things in there own way. And if taking a break helps, then I pray that God will help them gather their thoughts and get back into life. I know there are days when it is just overwhelming and I can't post. So I read the posts, I pray and I take it one day at a time.

I must admit that I haven't been posting like I use to. Each year when the anniversary approaches that my son left for prison, I go into this blue funk. You would think after three years I would be use to it. But it is another year that he is not home. Seven more years to go, will I make it? When I don't post I am trying to run away from the situation, to pretend that I don't have a son in prison, etc. But then I remember that I gain strength and encouragement from the Prayer Circle and posts like these. God Bless :)

When I started PTO I was unemployed and had the extra time to spend on here. I have a hard time now because of the lack of time. Don't think that you all are not in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for the support that I recieved here. I also have developed some friendships here where we write to each othere often. Each person has his or her way of dealing with the pain. Some know when they must move on.

Thank you to those who have given their hearts and souls here to help those in need for love, support, a shoulder to lean on and friendship.

It's great to read all your posts and those of you who have been gone for a long time WELCOME BACK!
I do understand that we all have lives outside of PT and I pray for each of you here and your families and I do worry about you as well. So I wanted to let you all know I care about you! :) Thanks for posting all of you!!!

Lillybee.... I know how you feel. I too think I have been walking this walk for 2 years and it should get better. I believe that there are "seasons". The good Lord only gives us what we can handle.

You have been such a inspiration to me. I have sensed your strength. I have sensed your faith. In the beginning, it was you, Terry and Jeanne who got me through.

Please know even if you do not post often. Your love and prayers are felt on this site.

Merryb22... I am so sorry you are feeling down. For me the thoughts in my head, have to go somewhere. Please know you can vent here. One day at a time girl.... one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time.

vi (((((((((HUGS))))))))))) THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM AND MUCH NEEDED POST. I'M STILL HERE. I CHECK IN EVERYDAY. PTO HAS HELPED ME A LOT. AND I'M GRATEFUL TO PTO AND ALL IT'S MEMBERS. GOD IS GOOD. AND HE DO ANSWER PRAYERS. I BELIEVE THAT. MY PRAYERS ARE TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILY. GOD BLESS

Same here, I come and go between different forums but on the most part I am still here also. This is where I started when I joined PTO over two years ago. Parents with Children in prison was exactly what I needed when I found PTO. I thought at the time I was the only one who had a child behind bars but when I saw how many other mothers/parents who were in the same situation has helped me reach out to so many on here. As most of you already know I am still here. Jeannie

Hello Moms. I know I was one that too took a break a while back. It was during the 2 weeks or so that some of our boys were handed down very harsh sentences it seemed every other day. I hurt for everyone of those moms, and their sons, and it seemed, at the time, it was more than I could bear. It was my hubby who isisted I take a break, he couldn't stand to se me so distraught on a daily basis. I still came and lurked, but just for a minute. I was at a loss to post, though. I bounced back, a break was what I needed at the time. I hope our girls take all the time they need, even though I miss them so. I for one can understand the need to tend to themselves for a spell.

Wendy

I just noticed this topic and it's gone a litte stale. Let us all please be mindful of all the love, help and support we received when we first came to PTO. Even if some of us don't post, we should be coming back often to see if someone needs our help and reach out and send them a private message. Remember how lonely and scared you were when you first found PTO? There are many others out there that come daily feeling the same way we did and we must reach out to them. I will never forget the ones who reached out to me. And God Bless Them All.

Thanks, Just a Mama, for bringing this back up. I had seen it in the archived posts as well. As for me, my son has been in State care for 9 days now & it has been 9 days of hell for me. I speak with him daily but will talk to him weekly after Sunday. I have found the support and posts here very helpful, especially to know that the struggles I have are common and I am NOT alone. I continue to have a very difficult time with my son being gone and am reading a lot of the old posts but am not posting much myself. I do not want to be repetative in my whining, I guess. I am thankful for you all, however.

Awww Kerri,
It will get better I promise. Hang in there and keep coming back here and emailing me. You dont have to worry about being repetitive about what youa re feeling.... i think all of us here have been there at some time or another.
Hugs

Hello my friends, I am checking back in....this is where I started over 3 years ago when my son first went to prison. I have been posting on PTO for over 3 years.

The love and support here has been beyond belief. I could not have done it without each and everyone of you. I survived having a son in prison. I owe it all to so many of you here. the list is so long but you know who are and you know how dear you are to my heart. HUGS TO ALL THE PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN PRISON.

My son will be home in less than 17 days is when I go to pick him up. I promise to continue to update you. I also want to stay here to help all those new parents who are scared and searching for answers. Having a child in prison is beyond our control. Moms and Dads that are new, we understand what its like feeling scared and helpless having a child in prison does to us. you must never give up hope. fear and despear will fade with time. you will get strong so that you can start helping your child work towards coming home. I think most of us here agree we are locked up right along with our children. continue to write your child as often as you can making sure he or she is connected to home. always tell them you love them and how much you miss them. I honestly believe this is what helped my son make positive changes towards coming home. Educate yourself on the laws in the state you live in on behalf of your loved one. Most important stay on top of things so that your child does not get lost in the system. I will keep you and your children in my prayers. Love, Jeannie

Just A Mama,
thanks for looking this up! I so very vividly remember being numb and typing in "child in prison" and this site came up. it took me a few days to get the settings where I could see the posts currently and I read in silence for a long time.

Texasfem: just 17 days left??? how wonderful!! what a long path you have taken and now the goal is in sight!

Congratulations Jeannie!! Do keep us posted about your son when he gets out.

Jeannie - It's great to see that your time is about over. Please come back and let us know how things are going. Give your son a great big hug from all of us.

This is a great thread. Glad that someone brought it back up. It's nice to see that others go a away and come back. I'm on most days but there are some days in which I'm not in the "talkative" mood but just need to listen and then there are days you can't shut me up. That's why I love this place so much because I can be me however I'm feeling. This helps me get through each and every day with a more positive attitude. Thank you everyone for sharing yourselves.

Hugs,
Julie

YIPPIE!!!!! Another son on his way to FREEDOM and New Beginnings!!!! :)
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY DANCE!!!!

Jeannie, this is absolutely the best news to begin my day! Best wishes to your family; I hope all runs smoothly and that his adjustment to home is a pleasant one. Do come back and give us updates! God bless your son and keep him safe!

Love & Peace~~~
Mary

Thanks for finding this and putting it up where newbies and us oldies can find it! I have been out due to surgery and then blood presure issues and trying to keep a low profile the last few months. I am now back on the boards with zeal and peeking in and out.


Texasfem..WOW GSP doing the Happy Dance for you and your Son!

So so happy for you Jeannie:thumbsup:

hey Val, how are you my friend? I think about you often., I miss our talks. you have always helped me through these years and I could not have done this without your love and support. I hope you are taking good care of yourself my friend. I love and miss you!!!

As far as being here ladies, I have never left..I focused my attention on the Texas parole forum making sure I did not miss a beat when it came to my son getting a approved for parole. I plan to be around for a long time making sure to help anyone who just needs support.
'
Thank you all for you best wishes and support. I am too aprehensive to get excited quite yet. I will be excited the day I take my son home. I promise to keep you updated. I wish this day comes for each and everyone of you very soon. HUGS, Jeannie

i'm back i want to be back in the loop and let the newbies know that we are here for them!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Jeannie,
My friend. You were the first one who befriended me and your talks kept me sane. We had so many laughs together I will never forget you, or your love and kindness. I am so very happy for you and your son. Its been a long journey for you. Please stay in touch and give us a glimpse of the day your son is set free. I will say an extra prayer for both of you on Nov. 5th. I love you and thank you for coming into my life. Texas has a special place in my heart because of you, and you have a piece of my heart!
Love, Jill