Prison Wedding Experience

PreciousQueen · #1 08-22-2002, 02:36 AM

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I am happy that I found you all. Now I can talk to people like me who are sane (most of the time? smile) and truly understands what another goes through.

Since the thread is talking about prison weddings -- I'd like to had my .50cents also.

I got married Last August the 25th -- it was the most wonderful experience I'd ever had. I'd do it again and again. My husband gets released on October 15th 2002 (a little less than 2 months now -- I can't believe it.) He was released from the prison itself in Louisiana on April 15th, went to a halfway house and he says the it's worse than the prison! Anyway, he put in a request for a wedding and they gave him a packet to send to me, I filled it out and mailed it back, he then let me know that we could do August 25th -- this was in June of 2001. Up until the week of the wedding, that Sunday before, he called me and said, "Baby, we can't get married, they say that I haven't done everything that I was supposed to do." I asked him what was that -- he said that he had to file for the marriage license, yada-yada -- I told him, honey, I did all that stuff already! He was overjoyed -- but they could have still stopped him because they say that HE WAS SUPPOSED TO DO IT since I was getting married there -- out of my own home town. That sucked because they never gave him any further instructions -- so be it, I went to Louisiana and went to town hall in the nick of time (72 hours prior) and got our marriage license. Then, Saturday came, it was my FIRST TIME SEEING MY HUSBAND TO BE IN THE FLESH! We'd been communicating by letter and photographs only. My cousin who had been incarcerated a good 4 years prior befriended him and introduced us. It was ALL GOOD -- we both felt like we'd been looking at each other for ages! LOL!
We waited and waited and waited, our wedding was scheduled for 9:30 AM -- the minister who was to do the wedding went away on a golf trip!!!!! As God would be so gracious and kind to provide a "ram in the bush" -- the fill in guard that usually works in the mail room was taking someone else's spot for a Saturday and he was an ordained minister in the state of Louisiana! We had exchanged conversation at the check-in point in the lobby, I'm very friendly and I meet no strangers. He volunteered to do the ceremony and he did. He prayed without bias, he was effective and we "felt the power" -- God's seal of approval on our decision and marriage. I happily gave him the $50 bucks we'd put aside for the "would-be minister" -- I just want to say, I'm happy that I married Willie. It's a shame that the warden there is so heartless -- I don't even know why people who do not like people or who don't have a heart for human services even work there! It's almost like they live to hurt people. These people who have or haven't committed crimes are paying their due -- it gives no one a right to treat them inhumane. Texas is notorious for corruption in the prisons -- I still don't know why they get away with it. So is Louisiana! It's no wonder foreigners have no respect for American Government, we treat our own people in the worst of ways. Convict or not, these lives are due fair and humane treatment.

issed:

danielle · #2 08-22-2002, 05:27 AM

Welcome to PTO and thank you for sharing your story! Glad it worked out for you and happy anniversary! Also congratulations on his soon homecoming!

By the way, my husband is in Atmore, Alabama.

horsegal · #3 08-22-2002, 05:36 PM

Welcome, and congrats. Most of us here have been going through the same thing. Me, and my fiance plan to get married in October on our sons birhtday. And I have had several road blocks so far. But I'm really glad to hear yours worked out, I just hope I have the same success. Good luck to both of you in the future!!

~cheenna~ · #4 08-22-2002, 06:23 PM

Hi Precious Queen,
I found you...LOL... I recieved notice you had replied to my post concerning the "sick" warden and when I went to read it you weren't there.... sooo, had to hunt you down.
Frist, I want to extend a big TX "HOWDY" and a warm WELCOME TO PTO. You sound delightful and I am glad you've joined the family
You are so right in your assessment of the prisons here in TX and I have heard that LA is not far behind if not equal. Power is a strong motivator and sadly there will always be those who abuse it!
Congraulations and best wishes on your impending 1st anniversary. It is so wonderful that your two will be united so soon after. You be sure to let us all know how it goes! heeheehee!

BillnDenise · #5 08-22-2002, 08:16 PM

Welcome to PTO

PreciousQueen · #6 08-23-2002, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ~cheenna~
Hi Precious Queen,
I found you...LOL... I recieved notice you had replied to my post concerning the "sick" warden and when I went to read it you weren't there.... sooo, had to hunt you down.
Frist, I want to extend a big TX "HOWDY" and a warm WELCOME TO PTO. You sound delightful and I am glad you've joined the family
You are so right in your assessment of the prisons here in TX and I have heard that LA is not far behind if not equal. Power is a strong motivator and sadly there will always be those who abuse it!
Congraulations and best wishes on your impending 1st anniversary. It is so wonderful that your two will be united so soon after. You be sure to let us all know how it goes! heeheehee!

Thanks again! I emailed you -- but you are so very right -- Louisiana even takes the cake -- it is the pits!!! Thanks for the TX "Howdy!" LOLOLOL! Beautiful place.
I called the DOC, made complaints, then they still mistreat my husband -- seems like they want to "stick-it-to-him" before he leaves, but he keeps his head above water somehow -- with the help of the Almighty God!
When he comes home I'm sure he's going to want to join PTO and tell some really "sad" stories about the "inside life" there.
Thanks again and God bless you!

Cameo · #7 08-24-2002, 12:06 AM

Welcome and Happy Anniversary...Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!

PreciousQueen · #8 08-24-2002, 01:32 AM

Hi Pamela! Thank you also. I'm originally fro New England -- CT!
God Bless.

I love Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

sherri13 · #9 08-24-2002, 02:58 AM

PQ-- You guys got married on my birthday!!!

Thanks for the story and for the great pic!!

Shortie · #10 08-24-2002, 10:24 PM

Welcome to PTO.. Thanks for telling us about your story.. It was not the best experience but you got the best result out of it in the end.. Your marriage..

I am a newlywed myself..11-14-01 was my day that I married my best friend..

PreciousQueen · #11 08-24-2002, 11:36 PM

Congratulations also Shortie!!! That is wonderful! We will pray together for Ant's parole -- God Can -- we pray for the hearts of the committee that will hear his plea.

Never, ever give up!

Mrs. H · #12 08-26-2002, 02:32 AM

Hello and welcome Queen!

I see you are a KING's Kid! I am also a believer and I grew up in southeast Alabama ... in Geneva County. I am now in the Los Angeles area. The photo of you two is gorgeous. You both look very happy and blessed!

Tamara aka Mrs. H

PreciousQueen · #13 08-26-2002, 10:49 AM

Mrs. H! Thank you for that very warm welcome!

Yes indeed a King's Kid! That makes you my SISTER!

Thank you also for the compliment, it is graciously received.
I live in Houston County -- Geneva is only "down the road!" LOL!

Do you like L.A.? I pray the best for you and your children and for your friend on the inside.

God is good, All the time!!!

Write Always.

Precious

aprilcat · #14 08-26-2002, 11:12 AM

what an inspiring story, PQ!!! to think all that happened between 2 penpals! awesome!

welcome to pto

PreciousQueen · #15 08-26-2002, 11:21 AM

Thank you AprilCat -- I'm still in shock (good shock) from it all. It was so wonderful to hear his voice this morning when he went to work. I love him so much.

Just 49 days until his release. Glory to God!