Ok... where do I start???

I am posting here, because I kind of have motherly feelings for this boy, my best friend's little brother and Ernie's cousin...

Jay (Justin) is 17 now and went to prison last October at the age of 16. The judge was very harsh on him, because he 'showed no emotions'- but I know that he's a good kid and it breaks my heart to know he's in there and that his first year he got into a lot of trouble because other inmates kept on provoking him.
He still has 3 years to go.

God knows how many times I have started writing him a letter but then just didn't mail it out to him. - What should I write a kid that is growing up in prison? It just upsets me so much to know what a sweet kid he actually is and now this will be his second Christmas he's in there.

If there is ANYONE that would like to drop him a line, here's his addy - I will also pull myself together and try to write him a letter.

JUSTIN LETNER #A 419225
Madison Correctional Institution (MaCI)
P. O. Box 740
London, Ohio 43140-0740

I don't know waht you say either...it is too hard to think about...
- but I'll write him a card.

I had Jay on the phone several months ago- I was all choked up and here is this kid, trying to cheer me up, being so positive. This boy made a big mistake and is not complaining about the consequences.
You know- I see the resemblance between him and my son and just feel so awful for not being able to write him a simple letter, allthough I know that noone else does. Thank you, Gina!!!

He will get a card from me :)

Try to hang on !

Love

Sylvia

I will write him I work with Kids at Risk, I work with a lot of young people in prison.
softie

bless his heart,,,,,,,,softie will take care of him, doont worry

he will be in my prayers,,,,

ILL GET A CARD TO HIM THIS WEEK

BLESS YOUR HEART......LUCRICID!!! JUST WRITE HIM AND TELL HIM YOU ARE THERE FOR HIM AND WILL SUPPORT HIM NO MATTER WHAT...........SHERRON

Thanks all of you! - I talked to his sister today- Jay has been in SEG almost 90% of the past year and a lot of BS is going on there- people ganging up on him, his comissary keeps on getting taken away from him- he practicaly gets blamed for any- and everything.

I know he will be soooo surprised and happy when he gets some mail. - Thanks!!!

My son when in at 16 also hate to tell you this but if he's got 3 more years he'd better learn to fight! My son had the "advantage" of being locked up with adult trustees in county for a while before he was sent off. They told him he had to look out for himself and don't take sh*t form anyone. He looks at commisary this way..." your mama works hard for her money and you wouldn't let anyone steal from your mom on the street, right? So don't let them steal from her now! " And whose not going to fight for their own mom? It's a crazy way to look at things but it's all about survival. It's a tough way to grow up your D*NM RIGHT! Let him know we care and we are praying for him. Tell him to be strong! Peace. cheryl

Thanks Cheryl- but as far as I have been told it also has something to do with the guards. But I am in process of finding out what is going on.

Lucrisid

There is much more to being a Mother than having a child. I have many adopted sons and it grows each and every day. All these guys need support and love from the outside and if you feel he is worthy of you love and caring then call yourself his second Mom..... Don't give up on him and do try and find out why the guards will not let him have your letters. I would call the Superintendant at the Unit. Tell him your story and why you are writing to the boy. 16, that is very sad. Growing up in prison is not healthy for him at all. He will need all the love you can muster for this venture.

My Praayers
Donna

Lucrisid,

I am sorry about the circumstances of this young man. He will most definately be in my thoughts and prayers. As will you, that you will know what to say when you do write that letter.

Sunnie

LUCRISID; JUST WRIGHT HIM FROM THE HEART AND LET HIM KNOW THE WORLD HASENT GIVIN UP ON HIM AND LET KNOW HES A DEACENT YOUNG MAN WHO MADE A MISTAKE AND WILL LEARN FROM IT AND BE A GOOD STRONG MAN ONCE HES FREE AND THE DAY WILL GOME WHEN HE GETS OUT AND YOU CAN SEE IN HIS EYES WHAT YOUR LETTERS NOTES CARDS ALL DONE FOR HIM; I HAVE 2 SONS IN PRISON AND SEND THEM MAIL EACH DAY AS THAY ONLY HAVE ME AND THEIR SISTER AS TOTAL FAMILY SO ITS UP TO US TO KEEP IN TOUCH; JUST LET HIM KNOW YOU LOVE AND SUPPORT HIM THATS ALL ANY OF US CAN DO AT THIS POINT GOD BLESS

Hey sugar, I understand that sometimes you just don't know what to say....my son has been in and out of juvnile prision or adult prison for years...the best thing to do is just write anything...They don't care as long as they get a letter from you....I know it's hard but you can do it....God Bless ya Sugar

Lucrisid~ I have a nephew that when in right after his 18th birthday. He spent 9 years in Calif. prisons. Just let Jay know that he has people who love and care about him. Write that letter and send it. I know my nephew cherished his letters from family and friends.

Beck

Oh my son went in at 17 he is 24 yrs now they are so young i feel so bad for these kids he will get a card from me and i will have javier write to him too...hugs. JER

Dear Lucrisid,

I would be more than happy to write Justin. I kinda, sorta know where you're coming from. Several years ago, as a volunteer, I visited a young man in the juvie facility close to where I live. We lost touch, but something told me to check out the Tucson prison link. I located him, wrote and in his letter back to me he told me how scared he is now that he's in adult prison. He has a problem with meth, but is such a sweet and funny guy. Bottom line: He's grabbed a piece of my heart without even knowing it. He's almost 21 y.o. going on 16. Anyway, I have connected with him and other young men, so I am comfortable "chatting" with them via snail mail.
Do you think a letter will get through, or should I start with a card? Let me know and take care.

To Linda, Jer and everyone else...

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I have a letter ready to get mailed.
His sister told me last night that he was sooo happy and surprised when he got all the birthday - wishes.
Justin might not be able to reply to everyone, but I know that any letter or card is greatly appreciated and needed.

So... anyone who wants to, please write- a letter or card, it doesn't matter.

I thank you all so much!

Tanya

Tanya I am glad that Justin got the cards I told him he didnt have to respond to me I'm glad to have known about him and I told Javier about him he was ok about it happy to write to him ...take care, hugs, JER