I don't have a child in prison, it's my fiance...but my good friend terry's son was arrested at 19, spent 5 years in county jail in martinez, ca. before they tried and convicted him of double murder in the first and sentenced him to death, at age 24. He's at San Quentin. Terry is not online, and i have told her about this site, hoping she can find some comfort here like I have. I don't know how to be supportive sometimes but what I have found is just listening is the best thing I can do. She has not cried...and it's horror for her to have to deal with. It's the ones who know first hand what it's like who help the most...I lost both of my parents 9 months apart My dad on August 23, 2000 and my mom on June 6th 2001, age 74 and 73...and the ones who helped most were those who have been through the similar experience.

My heart breaks for all you mothers who have children in Prison and have to spend the holidays without them...Not only do i have to spend the holidays without my parents, and my fiance..but my daughter Savannah age 8 is leaving for mexico tonight until Jan 2nd...first christmas without her here. So I will be here and around if anyone wants to chat or vent....

Sunnie

WELCOME SUNNIE TELL TERRY TO JOIN US

THANK YOU SUNNIE........YOUR WORDS MEAN ALOT.......SHERRON

welcome sunnie

Sunnie, I wonder if it's the same where you are, but the local libraries down here give 1/2 hour meetings at the computers, your friend might be able to do that. She could sign on for a 1/2 hour, we might be able to make a special "welcome" post for her if we know when she'll be doing that.

Either that or if she'd like, I'd be happy to send her a card or two in care of you :)

That's a great idea about the library...I am trying to install windows onto her computer...tomorrow or the next day, or I will have her come here and use my computer...She came to court with me when David was arraigned, and didn't leave when she realized that the court room he was in was the same almost a year ago that her son was sentenced in. We have become close over the last months. And I almost had her crying the other day over her son because I MAKE her talk about it by asking 50 questions..I can tell when she tries to shut down but at the same time it's a relief for her and she feels safe and non-judged..but I do feel horrible for her. And try not to let it reflect to her how bad I feel. I try to put myself in her shoes how I would feel if it were my child, and I can't..I try to be as empethetic as I can and it feels I am not caring enough. It breaks my heart when she tells me it's her heart..that son..even though she has other children. I don't want to say too much about her..I don't want to break her anonymity, but I know she would know it's from the heart. and im not saying any personal she's discussed with me... Trust is so important in friendships and relationships..but to be honest..it helps me to help others. I am going through a hard time, but im NOT the only one. and there is ALWAYS someone who has it worse when you stop talking long enough to listen. Her 10 year old daughter lives with her father..and she told me last night she's going to be here for a week over christmas and I felt her joy.

Thanks for listening and for the warm welcome.

Sunnie

ANOTHER MAMAS HEART RIPPED OUT BY THE SYSTEM; STAY CLOSE AND HELP HER ANY WAY YOU CAN; SHE NEEDS A FRIEND NOW MORE THAN EVER; I DONT KNOW IF SHE PRAYS BUT ITS THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET RELIEF FROM KNOWING MY 2 SONS ARE IN PRISON AND NOT COMEING HOME ANY TIME SOON BLES HER HEART I PRAY GOD WILL GIVE HER PEACE