I found some solace before i report

[27togo]

Well in about 60 days i surrender for 27 months. So a thought crossed my mind about my family and loved ones. I went out today and bought birthday, xmas and anniversary cards for all my family members for the next 2 years. put them in envelopes and will tell them they can only open on those special days.

There was something very cathartic about it and it made ME shappy to know i haven't forgotten about them even though i wont be there. Maybe it will make them sad to open but i like to think it will make them happy that i thought of them. Iam far from a mushy, overly sensitive person but it breaks my heart to see them worried about me.

so - just an idea for anyone out there!

What are things others have done?

[patchouli]

I've never been in your shoes, but what about a Picture Taking Party/Dinner/G2G? Then everyone has pics of you (and each other) with themselves and with other family members/friends. They could send you a pic or two every so often and have copies for themselves, too

[Free At Last 5]

The time before surrendering for prison was by far the most painful of my own incarceration experience, so I can relate! I did a lot of those same type of things and they were an important part of the process of accepting that, yes, I will be away from my family for a good while. Remember though that you will not fall off the face of the earth and will make it through your time with plenty of opportunities to communicate and use the time to plan for a better future. My sentence was about four times longer, so you too will make it!!