Hi All

I called the parole board today and got news. I found out that my husband's file is at the parole board office in Huntsville. In fact it just got there today. The lady there (her name is Rosie, sweet lady, very helpful) told me that if goes before a Mr. Rarra (spelling ?) next week sometime. I submitted a package with a letter asking to see the board before any final decision was made. I know it is at the discretion of the board as to wether I can see them or not. I've got everything that I can possible cross, crossed.

I am excited, scared, nervous and probably about another 50 or so feelings running through me right now. I am one of those people that always looks for the silver lining. Don't lose hope, you know what I mean. My problem is not facing reality sometimes. This is the first time before the board. I know I shouldn't expect much, but I am. I know that I should steel myself against a big let down, but I can't causing I am hoping soooooo much it will happen.

There are rumors (well maybe maybe not) that some are getting out on the first try. My husband has told me of a couple at the unit that have gotten this.

So have you all gone through all of these emotions? I'm sure you have. How do you deal with the downfall? Oh heck I don't know what I'm asking. I'm just nervous and scared and hopeful. What a combination.
Leslie

I haven't been in this situation, but I'll keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for ya :)

willow..first of all good luck and stay hopeful...EXPECT A MIRACLE!

Stephen went up for parole (his first time) and made it...so he would be hom eif he didnt have these last charges..so it is VERY possible your man comes home to you really soon...hang in there and pray for the best! you guys are in my thought and prayers! Love ya!

Leslie,
I remember all to well those feelings - everything in me was nervous all of the time. I was afraid to hope but couldn't help it. Though our situations are some different (my husband was going for a parole revocation hearing) I still felt as though my entire future was in the hands of strangers. His parole was revoked and it was a crushing blow and I cried and cried. He just said he did not expect anything less, but I know him well enough to know he'd gotten his hopes up too. The way I dealt with the revocation - PTO! I came here and vented and people here cried with me.

My hope and prayer is that the parole board will be open minded to see the true person that sits before them. That their hearts will be accepting.

One other thing I want you know is that whatever the results may be (and I am hoping for positive :) ) that you did everything possible to help him. Best wishes and good luck and you will be in my prayers.

Thank you all. I know that it is in God's hands. I keep telling myself this. But I still can't help feeling all jumbled up inside. He doesn't know about it yet. I sent a letter yesterday but I know he won't get it until Sat or Tues. I also know that he is hopeful, but he keeps telling me not to expect it. Like it's ok for him to be hopeful but not for me. Funny how men are sometimes. They think we will not be able to survive or something. (Well if it doesn't happen, yeah I'm going to break down but I'll bounce back)

I got a letter today. He is in the Holiday Unit. Has been since August. He works in the laundry. He was told by one of the guards, who was talking to all of them, That they had 250 men leaving most days and 300+ coming in. He said there are 45,000 up for parole in the whole system right now and 65,000 waiting in the county jails for transfer to TDJC. Dennis said the the guard gave the impression that all non-aggrivated case made first parole with not much delay.serve and additional 30 to 90 days and get parole. Dennis said he has no idea if the guard knows what he is taling about but he has been there for 15 years. It kind of makes you think the the guard does know what he is talking about. I pray he does.

PTO has been my salvation. It is difficult to talk to people because they don't know what you are going through. Also most people believe that this is where they belong. If they only knew. I've opened some eyes to conditions etc. But I know I can come here vent, cry laugh etc and I'll be understood by all of you. I am so thankful for you guys.

Thank you for the prayers and crossed everythings. Love you all.
Leslie

Willow not to get your hopes to high up but I heard that they are gonna let a lot of the non-agg cases leave too!..I have one question...how long was his sentence and how long has he served before? I am asking because I would like to see if I can guesstimate when Stephen will be coming home....hang in there and I am praying for you!

Amelia,
He is serving a three year sentence. This is the first time in and he's been in the system since August. I Know I'm hoping for alot on this but even if they told him three or 6 mor months I could live with that.
Leslie

>>>Funny how men are sometimes. They think we will not be able to survive or something.<<<

Protecting, hang on to that! It's important to us guys, when we care about our woman! It's not that we feel you "can't", we just don't want you, to "have" too.

Just be greatfull, that your worthy of such concerns.

BRay
That is exactly what he says, I don't want you to have to be doing this or that. This is a concept that is new to me. I've never had someone care as much for and about me as Dennis does. I've always had to be the one that shouldered most of the responsibility and getting things done. Raised three pretty good kids too. Without much help from their dad. It takes some getting use to. NOT that I am complaining, becuase I"m not. He worries so much and it seems like everything has gone down or broken since he has been gone. I kid you not. In the last 4 months more has happened than in the last 3 years. I know it just bothers him to no end and I guess I just want him to not worry so much.
Both of us are trying to cope with all of this and we have had our good and bad days like everyone else. We'll get through this I know. Besides I am a giver, a concept that is new to him. I will be greatful until the end of eternity that God led me to him. Our relationship has strenghtened and evolved into a love that is so very hard to put into words. It is strong and will endure just about anything now.
Thanks B-Ray it is always good to hear what the our men are thinking. I love the insight you bring. It is most helpful.
Leslie

WILLOW
HOPE THE BEST FOR YOU, I AM IN THE SITUATION NOW WITH MY SON, HE GOT 5 YRS FOR DWI. HE HAS BEEN IN 2YEARS AND 6 MONTHS, BEEN TURNED DOWN 2 TIMES ON HIS PAROLE HEARINGS. BUT HE JUST KNEW HE WAS COMING HOME BECAUSE HE HAD DONE HALF HIS TIME AND REALLY BUILT HIMSELF UP, I LET HIM KNOW I WAS THINKING POSITIVE ALSO, BUT THE WAY I COPE WITH HIM COMING HOME IS THEY GAVE HIM 5 YEARS AND THEY WILL LET HIM OUT WHEN THEY GET GOOD AND READY. BUT I WORK EVERYDAY WITH PHONE CALLS, FAX, LETTERS, TALK TO THE WARDEN AT THE UNIT, EVEN HAVE HAD MY STATE REP. GET HIM MOVED CLOSER TO HOME FOR ME. HE IS JUST 20 MIN. FROM OUR HOME NOW. SO YOU KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND KEEP THINKING POSITIVE AND YOU KEEP HIS SPIRITS UP ALSO, THEY REALLY NEED THAT SUPPORT FROM FAMILY MEMBERS. THE BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND HOPE HE COMES HOME BEFORE XMAS. MY SON WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO SPEND AT LEAST HALF OF HIS 5 YEARS BEFORE HE COULD GET PAROLED. BUT SO FAR HAS NOT WORKED OUT YET.
REMEMBER GOD NEVER PUTS MORE ON OUR SHOULDERS THAN WE CAN BEAR. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
IRIST IRIS TAYLOR FROM CLOSE TO HOUSTON