ragland
12-09-2004, 08:11 AM
Joe and i have recently discussed some things that, especially during the celebration of Christs birth, we felt we should share with the rest of my PTO family.
A family is what you all are to us, holding dear to your hearts the compassion you have for others that just astounds us. Joe and i have talked about the fact that so many of you will be going through some trying times over the holidays from being without your loved ones and we want you all to know this...
During the last few months our family has endured things that are so incredibly hard to drudge through, and without having such a place like this we may not have held together as well through it all. First was the cancer, it was very scarey for us to go to the first surgery and them only to tell us they couldnt get it all. Having to talk to our kids about the potential for death and/or chemo was a heavy burden on all of us. Then when they told me i would be having the hysterectomy (i liked to fall apart inside) we fell to pieces. The recovery was just as hard on joe as it was for me, he was having to do things that (cool guys) dont do...like catheterize their own girlfriend cause insurance doesnt pay for nurses to do it anymore...this having to be done EVERYTIME i went to the potty for several days was more than he could bare, but he did it! And we all know hes stressing along with the rest of his family about the fact that he WILL be going back to prison soon. Living out of boxes, not being able to find school clothes for the kids, not knowing where we will lay our heads at night during all these floods (cause our campground was flooded), promising things to friends that i would be able to do and not be able to do it was a devistating blow on us....we like to be people that are helpful. and last but not least having a friend that is dying from the very same cancer i had and holding her hand through it believe it or not has been the hardest, hardest, most difficult thing ive ever had to do in my life. Joe would cry each time he heard her name cause he didnt want it to be me next.
You guys have been a rock, inspiration and above all the greatest proof that Christ is in action here. I think that each and everyone of you have found a special place in my heart and we as a family would like to extend our kindness to you guys this holiday season and let you know that no matter who you are if you need something that you cant get done yourselves you have us to go to. if you just need someone to talk to, or for whatever reason we are commited to you just as you were to our family in our time of need. My kids read these boards and for the most part they are proud of the work that is being done here, they feel that same commitment to you guys as joe and i do.
For those of you who will be feeling sorrow this Christmas due to your loved ones being away please remmember this and i think youll feel relieved.....think about Joesph and Marys position the night they stumbled on to the stables...they were thankful to have just that...when Jesus died on the cross for our sins he did it for not just us here on PTO but also for the loved ones that are incarcerated....your family member means JUST AS MUCH to God as ANYONE walking the face of the earth and he will stop at nothing to share that love with your loved one.
I do believe that God spends his Christmas's in prison.
Love to all,
ragland and joe
A family is what you all are to us, holding dear to your hearts the compassion you have for others that just astounds us. Joe and i have talked about the fact that so many of you will be going through some trying times over the holidays from being without your loved ones and we want you all to know this...
During the last few months our family has endured things that are so incredibly hard to drudge through, and without having such a place like this we may not have held together as well through it all. First was the cancer, it was very scarey for us to go to the first surgery and them only to tell us they couldnt get it all. Having to talk to our kids about the potential for death and/or chemo was a heavy burden on all of us. Then when they told me i would be having the hysterectomy (i liked to fall apart inside) we fell to pieces. The recovery was just as hard on joe as it was for me, he was having to do things that (cool guys) dont do...like catheterize their own girlfriend cause insurance doesnt pay for nurses to do it anymore...this having to be done EVERYTIME i went to the potty for several days was more than he could bare, but he did it! And we all know hes stressing along with the rest of his family about the fact that he WILL be going back to prison soon. Living out of boxes, not being able to find school clothes for the kids, not knowing where we will lay our heads at night during all these floods (cause our campground was flooded), promising things to friends that i would be able to do and not be able to do it was a devistating blow on us....we like to be people that are helpful. and last but not least having a friend that is dying from the very same cancer i had and holding her hand through it believe it or not has been the hardest, hardest, most difficult thing ive ever had to do in my life. Joe would cry each time he heard her name cause he didnt want it to be me next.
You guys have been a rock, inspiration and above all the greatest proof that Christ is in action here. I think that each and everyone of you have found a special place in my heart and we as a family would like to extend our kindness to you guys this holiday season and let you know that no matter who you are if you need something that you cant get done yourselves you have us to go to. if you just need someone to talk to, or for whatever reason we are commited to you just as you were to our family in our time of need. My kids read these boards and for the most part they are proud of the work that is being done here, they feel that same commitment to you guys as joe and i do.
For those of you who will be feeling sorrow this Christmas due to your loved ones being away please remmember this and i think youll feel relieved.....think about Joesph and Marys position the night they stumbled on to the stables...they were thankful to have just that...when Jesus died on the cross for our sins he did it for not just us here on PTO but also for the loved ones that are incarcerated....your family member means JUST AS MUCH to God as ANYONE walking the face of the earth and he will stop at nothing to share that love with your loved one.
I do believe that God spends his Christmas's in prison.
Love to all,
ragland and joe