hi , i was released from fccw in va. aug.2002. since then i had my first child, june 6 2003. yes, very soon after release!! i've never been so in love with anyone as i am with my son. he's my reason for never going back! at first before being released i had hesitations about coming home. it had been too long since i'd been in the free world. now i'm out i see why i felt that way. its very hard being a convicted felon and acquiring anything. especially having a son. housing, transportation, money, good jobs are so hard to obtain. to all those waiting on someone to come home, the best advice i can give is please be supportive. to much responsibility too fast can be emotionally destructive. be patient. its a very scary process to start life over with little to nothing

I cant relate but congrats!!!! I am waiting on my fiance to be released. I will of course be supportive but do you have any specific suggestions to help him out? I'm sure i'll need all the advice in helping him i can get.

Welcome to PTO!

In the process of making the come back myself, I can relate 100%. Together, we will make it!

Congratulations!

Patti

welcome to PTO STM3...and congradulations on the birth of a child and your strength in staying outside .....

Welcome to PTO! Congrats on your baby and the new life you're creating on the outside....

Deb

thank you all for responding to my story. it lets me know there are people in this world that still care and can relate to us who have made mistakes and served time for them. i know i can and will continue to make it.

Welcome to the free world and to PTO ! You can be very proud of you ...you sounds to be a very strong woman...my respect!!!!

Welcome to PTO and thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi,
I can relate 100% about not putting too much responsibility on someone newly released. My fiance just got released after nearly 15 years. I have to pump gas, make phone calls for him, figure out what he wants to eat, etc. It isn't too much of a problem right now because i know things will get easier. Congratulations on your baby boy and good luck in the future!!

Welcome to PTO, stm :D

You certainly have my admiration...starting over positively, and also bringing new life into the world.

By the time my guy comes home, he will have spent 16+ years inside. For the reasons you mentioned, I am determined to have a stable environment in place for that day. My house will be paid for, so a roof over our head will not be a concern.....yet I fully expect him to pull his share of the load, and we've already discussed that in great detail.

But at the same time, I don't want him to get out, and be instantly hit with too many pressures and responsibilities....even though he insists he will be able to handle it. From all the folks I've talked to here, I know he'll need to ease into freedom in his own way. So, I'll do all I can to make his transition as smooth as possible.

Good to meet you, and give that baby boy a kiss for me!

Susan in Providence

Welcome to PTO. Congratulations on your new life. I wish you the very best.

ONE

Congradulations!!

This thread is from 2003, please be aware of dates when you are responding to people. :)

Wow, you 've been through alot. I'm so glad you found PTO and took the time to share with us. I hope you keep posting as I know it will be beneficial to soooo many.

Best of luck to you,
Patty