Well, I received a welcoming phone call yesterday - my son was returned to base from county jail. Albeit he has to remain at a dormitory, this was the best news I have had in 3 months. Supposedly the Article 32 hearing will be in about 2 weeks and maybe the trial a couple of weeks after that (or so he was told). We still have no idea of the outcome of charges, etc but at least something is happening. As my son said, we just want to move forward on this so that eventually it can be put behind us. I already had plans in effect to visit this weekend but now it will be a real visit because now I will be able to actually hug him for the first time since the phone call. I want to thank everyone that has included him in their prayers and thoughts because I definitely consider this an answer to prayer! But please don't stop now because we still have a long way to go and rest assured that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. It really breaks my heart to read some of the posts and what each are going through on a daily basis. Wish me well with the visit and hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend.

Pam

Have a great visit.
It's good that you found the site. I wish I had something like this when I was facing Court Martial. I'm glad I did find it and can share experiences and maybe help someone. We are stronger when we are together.
God bless you.

Pam! That is great news! Knowing what you are facing is so much easier. I am so glad you will get to visit your son. I think only a mother can know how much hurt a single hug can heal. (no offense to you dads out there!) Tell your son we're thinking of him and hoping for the best. By the time you read this, I'm sure you'll have had your visit. Hope it went well! Take care.

I returned yesterday p.m. from my weekend visit with my son (also d-i-l and grandson). The visit went very well and was a much needed one - for myself and my son. The fact that we were able to talk openly and freely about what has happened was a great release. This weekend, even though he has a wife and son of his own, he was just my little boy again.

I honestly do not understand the military's thinking at all though! My son has complete freedom on base, was even able to stay one night off base at my hotel with me but he cannot have any contact whatsoever, even through a third party, with his wife and son unless it is supervised. Unless this is a flight risk factor, since they were never a part of anything, I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind this. But then again, who said the military is to be understood! I tried to meet with his attorney before I left the base yesterday but of course, he was not in yet. So I guess the next time that I see my son will be at his trial. Of course, he is an emotional wreck and scared to death about the propect of being taken away from his wife and son. If this happens, I'm afraid he will have a complete meltdown at that point. I also worry about my strength to hold up in front of him and his family at that time, so any input from any that have already been there will be appreciated.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and input. Since I have found this sight, it is the first visited site that I go to every day.

My prayers and thoughts to all of you.
Pam

Pam. I don't understand why he is barred from having contact with his wife and son if they were not involved in his alleged offense. That doesn't make sense at all, and I would certainly find out why from his attorney, or SOMEONE, maybe his CO? As to not knowing whether you will have the strength to hold up, you will find it somewhere. I was asked at my son's sentencing how I felt about what happened and if I had anything to say to him. I spoke through the tears and pain of how much I hated what he had done, but also of how much I loved him and how much faith I had in his ability to create a future. I also told him that no matter what, I would always be by his side, perhaps not "on" his side, but always beside him. As a mother, you will always somehow manage to be strong for your children. It seems to be a common thread I see here on PTO from other parents dealing with their incarcerated child. No matter how much pain we feel, we are there for them--holding them up, helping them up. It's what we do. Be strong for yourself and the rest will take care of itself. Keep the faith, hon.
--Lisa