I was introduced to the prison lifestyle 8 years ago. It wasn't easy for me to be away from home. It happened three weeks after I gave birth to my precious princess. I was away for 2 years and it was the most difficult years of my life. My message to everyone is do not let the time do you, you have to do the time. Meaning try not to let anyone get the best of you.:)

Tenderlove

Welcome to Pto . That must have been so hard for you. I pray things are better for you and your daughter. May God bless you .

It's sounds like you have become a very strong person, good for you ! Thanks for sharing,and as always Stay Strong

Welcome to Pto . That must have been so hard for you. I pray things are better for you and your daughter. May God bless you .
It was very difficult. When I first got there my first thought was that I couldn't learn to live like that. In my mind that was not the place for me. I suffered from post partum depression and it nearly took my life. What kept me alive were the thoughts of my princess. Also with the help of the other inmates I learned to overcome the fears of being so far away from home. I'm originally from Miami, FL but I was arrested in California. A year had gone by before my mom was able to bring my daughter so that I can see her. it was a difficult experience for me because she did not know me so she really would alllow me to go near her. My visit with her and my mother was for 3 days, by the 3rd day my daugther decided to let me hold and hug her. I did not want to let her go. My last day with my daughter I promised myself that I would not do anything stupid to get me more time and I focused on finishing school. Right before I left I was told "too bad you cannot be here for your own graduation" I was sooooooooooooo happy:D to have past the test. Right now I'm on the right path not hanging with the wrong people like I use too. A few years after I left my daughter's father passed away in a tragic car accident. My first thought was that I was being punished again and it wasn't right. My daughter did not deserve that, just like she didn't deserve not to have her mother by her side the first 2 years of her life.

It's sounds like you have become a very strong person, good for you ! Thanks for sharing,and as always Stay Strong
Having had the experience that I've had, I have learned to be a much stronger and wiser person. Doing the time was very difficult because I'm originally from Miami, FL and I was charged for a crime in California. I had the choice to have my case transferred to Miami, but decided to go back to court in california. The time I did behind the walls was very difficult at first it nearly took my life. :( I met several individuals who helped me grow strong and helped me understand that at least I had a second chance at a real life with my princess, so I took theri advice. My daughter does not know that I was not around for the first two years, but I'm hoping to tell her when she is old enough to understand. Some would say not to and other's would say it is ok to tell her. A few years after I was released my daughter's father passed away n a tragic car accident. I felt as if I ws being punished again and did not understand why. I thought of taking my life again, but thought of my promise to my daughter. I thought that now that she will no longer have her father, I will need to work extra hard so she doesn't suffer . I have had to be both the mother and father. It hasn't been easy but I'm managing.

Welcome to PTO,The best part is your out now and making it.Sounds like you've learned alot and have grown and your now ready to help others. Best wishes to you.

Welcome to PTO :)

Stay strong, keep the faith. Being a single parent I know where you are coming from.
Life is a struggle, but it is a learning experience. The greatest gift that you can give
your daughter is to be strong for her, be her friend, not just a mom. I raised my son
Ted by myself and everyday it was a challenge. But if I had to do it all over again,
I would say Hell yes, I would. One of God's greatest gifts, is the gift of motherhood.
Love Suzi P.S. God bless you. Keep the faith, and most importantly BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AS THEY DO HAPPEN