Hi I am so excited I received 6 Christmas greetings from the folks I sent cards to. I would like to share them with you. The first is from SuLena Fugate in Florida she writes

Merry Christmas * happy face
Thank you so much for the card; it’s beautiful, very talented person.
I want you to know it is appreciated it truly means a lot to hear from someone on the out side, more at this time of year.
I have it on display on my door we are allowed to do that. So more than just me can appreciate it.
Thanks again for thinking of me at this time of year
Truly SuLena
There was more but I wanted everyone to see how important this has been to her.

Next Ron Burnett, Menard, IL he writes
Dear Barbara,
Hello! Thank you so much for your Christmas card and the Poem and Drawing are excellent!
Like your son, I have been here for almost 16 years now. Your card has brought light into my life and for that I thank you.
I would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely, Ron

Next Donald L Middleton, Lompoc CA on the card he writes
Barbara,
Kudos to U for putting a (smiley face) on this mans face. Your intention & kind words touched my (heart) I understand somewhat how U feel about your son & the loss especially during the Holidays----This is my fifteenth Xmas behind a fence. Never the less --- Life goes on ---& every once in awhile it shines * like when I opened your card.
Stay Strong with Peace in Your Heart--------Much Love & Respect to U & Your friends at PTO---“How Cool!!!” Still Real @ POW.

Next Edward Kruse Lompoc CA
Dear Barbara
I just wanted to thank you for the card & Poem. I’m sorry to hear about your son. I am very happy that you have found the PTO family. It is such a great thing for the inmates who are deserving and not out to use people. I am very thankful to Friends Beyond the Wall. They have brought Sabine and I together along with love and happiness.
Thank you and the PTO family. Sabine needs support at this time too.
Sincerely Eddie Kruse

Next Harvey,
Barbara
I’m not sure who you are and why you would share that beautiful card, but thank you and know that it was very special of you to share that with me-
Thanks again take care
Hope you have a beautiful holiday and enjoy
Write Again Harvey

Next Shad Adam Bishop Diboll, TX
His was a full two page letter and a card. Just want you all to know that he loves us for what we are doing.
Please check back here maybe I will hear from your loved one. Love Barbara

ANOTHER SIX WITH SMILES ON THEIR FACES!

that's a lot of smiling teeth!

Those letters were very touching and memorable. I am glad I wrote a little something on their cards. It took a lot of time writing Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in all those cards. But I am glad I did----it sort of makes it personal and more heartfelt. pookie

Smiles definately are contageous, I must remember to pass mine on more often. Hey, new years eve resolution!

Well I can’t believe how lucky I am to have touched so many hearts. I received 6 more cards today and two of them were two and four pages long. I can hardly wait for next Christmas so I can do it again. Well I am not really going to wait until next year I am going to keep in touch with all my new friends.

Anthony Washington, Raiford FL a very nice Christmas card
Thanks for the beautiful card and Poem and thinking of me. I would love to hear from you again as a pen pal or even better a friend. God bless you & your beloved family. Have a Merry Christmas. Anthony

James Larsen, Salem OR
Dear Barbara, Thank you ever so much for the Christmas card. You have no idea how much I appreciate this beautiful radiant piece of work. I can’t even begin to describe the joy that your card has brought. Other than the card I got from Robin (The lady who put my name on the PTO site) and her kid’s this is the best most beautiful card I have gotten. I would send you a card to repay the kindness but I do not have anymore so I am popping that this letter can at least show my appreciation and give a little of the joy you gave me, to you. The Poem and art are beautiful. I am an artist and poet too. If you would like to see some of my work I would be more than happy to share my poetry. Well I’ve probably said thank you in every possible way, so I guess I should stop. Best holiday wishes and have the best possible New Year.
Best Wishes, James Larsen

Carl Butler, Bridgewater MA
Dear B. Scofield
Thank you very much for the card, drawing and poem, It really made my holidays…..I feel I’ve been blessed, Thanks for shining your gracious light upon me ….It’s been tough for me lately – I lost somebody dear to my heart – I don’t know what PTO is but I’m glad it has helped you – and now it has helped me. He now drew a Santa an elf and MERRY XMAS TO YOU
If you ever wish to correspond, I’ll write letter for letter “If not that’s OK,” I’m always seeking friendship
Take Care Carl

There are still three more to tell you about but these old fingers are getting tired so I will post more tomorrow. I just can’t believe how such a small gesture can bring such a response. I am so glad I got in on this it has sure made my Christmas what it is suppose to be. Love Barbara

How wonderful Barbara :) It truly is amazing how great these cards make them feel...it is a gift to us too...to be able to share this. :)
Cindy

That is great Barbara! :D Thank you for sharing these letter! :)

It is so much fun to read these letters... thanks for sharing them... joy is truly contagious!! :D

Barbara, I will thank you, to let us all know, and I am so HAPPY to read , what my Eddie did wrote to you!!!!
Merry Christmas to you !
Hugs Sabine

I have a number of cards and letters to share with you all but I just had to do this one first. It is from Charles Ford Lincoln NE. He sent me a nice Christmas greeting and even drew me a picture on the envelope. I just love doing this it is so much fun to get mail back from my new friends. Love Barbara

Barbara, when I visited my friend Jeremy Price in FL on Christmas Day, he said he got a card form you. Thank you!

No let me thank YOU for giving me the opportunity to join in this Christmas card program. I hope you will give us his birth date so we can send him lots of birthday greetings. Love Barbara

Barbara,
The picture of the lovebirds is from my son Charley, I love getting mail from Charley, he always draws me something on the envelopes. Thank you for sharing with us.

Barbara, I too have recieved numerous letters, stating thank yous and kind words. I had one draw me a beautiful picture on his envelope..but I have no scanner..so cannot post it. :(
I spent most of the day responding to them and was happy that a card brings so much joy.
Cindy

update

Larry Madden, Chillacot Oh

I looked his picture up so I could put a face with his letter. It was a very nice letter and greetings I will be sure to send him a birthday card and some extra cards for him to use. I hope you all saw my post under birthdays, I suggested that we all send a post card post paid so that if the inmate is a little short he can have something to send back. Let me know if you think that might be a good idea. Love Barbara

Thank You Barbara, you will never know what this means to me. Your friend Linda

The poetry done by James is my son. Thank You Sooo Much.

I GOT A LETTER FROM TERRANCE YESTERDAY.HE SAID THE CO CAME UP WITH THE MAIL THE OTHER DAY AND IT WAS ALL HIS,MORE CARDS FROM YOU WONDERFUL CARING PEOPLE.HE WAS SO SHOCKED THANKS EVERYONE

(((((((((((((( HUGS ))))))))))))))


Barbara, You are just such a special lady and I'm so proud to have you for a friend!!!


Love ya


Pammie:)

So far I have heard from these wonderful people
Bruce Fearing
Hawk Guebara
Larry Madden
Charles Ford - Charley drew me a dolphin (I lovedolphins)
Edward Kruse
SuLena Fugate
Mr. Ben Jacobs

I had to resend 3, one address wrong, 2 because of stickers. I also rececieved another returned yesterday.

Sending the cards was a two way blessing!
Brenda

Thanks for finding it in your eart to send Larry a card it really mean a lot to him. I'm glad you looked him up, I also posted his picture. I hope he can find a friend in you, and anybody else whos willing to take on this kindness act, it really means a lot to these people who have nobody. Thanks again.:)

He wrote me and said he was sending you all out a thank you!
He said it made this season much easier and it truely was a blessing! But I am sure he aslo told you all that!

Thank you all!

Diane