Holiday's are so hard

[Halo527]

My son has now been incarcerated for 2 1/2 years, with a parole date of October, 2028, which feels so far away.


The first year when we went through the trial was the hardest and the second year things were better, just like many here said. I even manage to find moments of joy sometimes. I do try to keep myself busy with work and projects around the house so I don't think about where my son is. When I feel very stressed, I pour myself a few glasses of wine, play with my dogs, try to get involved in a good book, go for a walk - anything so that I didn't have to think about this situation and the injustice of a 14 year long sentence when nobody was even hurt.


At least I no longer cry everyday, except for today, because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm already missing the fact that he won't be with us and for Christmas after that. Holiday's are so hard.


I do want to stay that I'm very thankful to have found Prison Talk. It's been a source of invaluable information for me to navigate the California Prison system. There have been many who have taken the time to offer me advice and I am so thankful for them and also for those who have sent me heart-felt words. Until you've gone through this, it's hard for most people to understand.



I do hope that all of you will find joy in the holiday season ahead.


Halo 527

[fbopnomore]

I'm sorry for what you are having to deal with while your son is in prison. I hope your Thanksgiving is as good as it possibly can be.

[trauma4us]

Yes, I understand. Are you able to visit? Call? Video visits?

That helps a lot. My son has been incarcerated for 6+ years now and yes, it is sad around the holidays. It seemed for us that once we reached the halfway point, it was easier. I'm sorry you are going thru this.

[gvalliant]

I don't think about holidays much. That's how I deal with it. And when I do, unlike most people who look forward to them, what I tend to look forward to is them being done. Yesterday I treated, much as possible, like another day. Knowing it is a holiday that most people celebrate makes that a little awkward.

When your life is turned upside down like this - for many years - holidays are one of those things that change forever. I agree connections at Prison Talk helps. All of us here understand why they can be hard and sad.

[trauma4us]

I have never been a real "holiday" person but whew hubby really gets into the spirit. lol